A Glorious Father in a Great Kingdom
- To be sure it is cemented in your mind, write down how 7:7-12 fits in its context in the sermon.
- Read James 4:1-12. How does it parallel this sermon’s text? What was the central problem that James is dealing with in this text (especially the early part)?
- What do you think forms the basis of manipulation? Why do you think we are prone to manipulate people rather than trust God?
- How do you feel when you are manipulated by others? How do you manipulate others? Can you remember a time when you consciously chose to talk to God rather than yield to the temptation to manipulate? Share about it.
- What is the point of prayer? Why should you pray? Why would at least some of God’s gifts to you be dependent on you asking?
- Look up the following verses:
- Genesis 6:5; Ps. 51:5; Ephesians 2:3; Romans 5:12: what do these verses tell you about man’s condition?
- Genesis 1:26-28; 9:6; Psalm 8:4-5: what do these verses tell you about man’s nature?
- What are the implications of these two doctrines coexisting in human beings?
- Pray for each other to look to God and trust His workings in the world rather than manipulation.
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