An Image Marred
October 25, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides · Comment
Genesis 1:26-27
- The Bible clearly declares that man has attributes that set him apart from the rest of God’s creation. What are some of those attributes, and how do they allow us to relate to our creator as well as enable us to exalt our creator?
- In light of what we have seen in human history and what we currently see in our world, what happens when the Image of God (Imago Dei) is either denied or ignored?
- What responsibilities do Christians have to proclaim the uniqueness of man? Generally speaking, do Christians fulfill that responsibility? How could they improve?
- Read Colossians 3:5-10. Does the Church (universal) generally set a good example when it comes to this list of things to “put off”? Reflecting on your personal walk with Christ, how do you overcome the struggle to “put on the new self”?
- In Luke 21:17 Jesus says, “And you will be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” Discuss what you think generally causes distain against Christians and Christianity at large. Is this animosity a result of Christians setting a good example of what the Image of God should look like, or because so many Christians express the marred image?
- Paul paints a dire picture of mankind in Romans 3:23. Since this verse does not exempt followers of Christ, how are we as a people with a marred image to relate with others who have a marred image?
- Discuss J.C. Ryles’ statement that illustrates God’s love for redeemed mankind: “Though filthy in their own eyes, they are lovely and honorable in His. They are altogether beautiful—He sees no spot in them. Their weaknesses and shortcomings do not break off the union between Him and them. He chose them, knowing all their hearts. He took them for His own with a perfect understanding of all their debts, liabilities, and infirmities, and He will never break His covenant and cast them off. When they fall, He will raise them again. When they wander, He will bring them back. Their prayers are pleasant to Him. As a father loves the first stammering efforts of his child to speak, so the Lord loves the poor feeble petitions of His people. He endorses them with His own mighty intercession, and gives them power on high. Their services are pleasant to Him. As a father delights in the first daisy that his child picks and brings him, even so the Lord is pleased with the weak attempts of His people to serve Him. Not a cup of cold water shall lose its reward. Not a word spoken in love shall ever be forgotten” (J.C. Ryle, “Wheat and Chaff”).
- Pray for the Church and specifically those within our community at Lifeline, that she/we might reflect the light of Christ and what God’s primary intention for humanity should be.
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The Mystery and The Spirit
October 18, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides · Comment
1 Corinthians 2:6-16
- Set this passage in the bigger context of 1 Corinthians and what you have learned in this letter so far. How would you describe it set in its context?
- How is the “wisdom” of the Gospel described in vs. 7-9? Talk about each description.
- What are the implications of the fact that the mystery of the Gospel is revealed by the Spirit? Relate this to both the expectations in evangelism and the role of the evangelist.
- How might some people abuse the idea that the Spirit is a revealer? Read 1 John 2:18-27. Interpret vs. 27. What is being addressed in the context? Do we need any human teachers? (you might consider looking at 1 Corinthians 12:29; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Tim. 4:11-13; 2 Tim. 2:24)
- Describe both the natural man (psuchikos) and the spiritual man (pneumatikos). Vs. 15 says that the “spiritual man makes judgments about all things.” What things? How is he qualified to do so as opposed to the “natural man”?
- What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? Pay attention to both the context of this passage and also look at Philippians 2:5 and its context.
- Pray for God to open the minds of the lost and pray for those who are the “spiritual” (pneumatikos) to live like it in how they relate to a lost world.
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To Be or Not to Be
October 11, 2009 · Filed Under Sermon Study Guides · Comment
Acts 4:32-5:11; 20:18-38
- When you hear the word integrity, who comes to your mind? Why does that person stand out as being one with integrity?
- Take about five minutes and list all of the small things one might have in their life that could cause them to be looked upon as one without integrity.
- Reread the scenario of Ananias and Sapphria in Acts 5:1-11. Do you think their punishment was too hard? How do you believe this passage reflects God’s character? His view of sin, what of His view of truthfulness in the church? Why was the punishment so severe?
- Consider the following characteristics Paul viewed as being integral in the lives of those seen to have integrity.
- Paul reminded them to be HUMBLE (vv.18-21). He wanted the emphasis to be on Jesus not on him. The word “serving” in v.19 is the Greek term doulos which refers to “a servant with no rights of his own.” What can we incorporate into our life as Christians that will enable us to shint the light on Christ rather than ourselves?
- Paul reminded them to be FAITHFUL (vv.22-24). Even when the going was tough, his integrity would not allow him to quit. Why is it so important to remain faithful even when circumstances would lead us to not be?
- Paul reminded them to be CONSISTENT (vv.26-31) He had not give them a popular message but declared “the whole counsel of God.” His integrity demanded that he be consistent to in the gospel with everyone. How should consistency be modeled in the life of the believer?
- Paul reminded them to be UNSELFISH (vv.32-35). Interestingly Paul ended this address with counsel on finances. Is this a true statement? “If our integrity ever lags, it will probably first be obvious in financial matters.”
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Of What Will I Boast?
1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5
- Start your time by doing exactly what Paul exhorts the Corinthians to do at the beginning of this text: consider your calling, specifically what you were when you were called. What does this tell you about God’s character and what should that elicit in you?
- What are some things that we ought not boast in but often do? What are some things we ought to boast in?
- What is the doctrine of election? What is the biblical evidence for it? How is it misperceived? Why do so many have such a hard time with this thought? (Some help in understanding might be gained by reading both the previous posts entitled “Total Depravity” and “Unconditional Election” by Pastor Bryan at blog.lifelinecommunity.com)
- Discuss the three terms in vs. 30 that seem to be explaining Christ as the wisdom from God.
- Righteousness
- Holiness
- Redemption
- What do you make of Paul’s proclamation (2:1a), proposition (2:1b-2) and posture (2:3)? Discuss each. Read Acts 18:5-11, why do you think he describes himself as coming to them in weakness, fear and trembling?
- Pray for each other to be humble and make the Lord their boast. Thank God for His mercy and sovereignty in salvation.
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