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Growth Group Homework
_{^{For the week of February 10, 2008}}

QUICK REVIEW:  Looking back at this week's teaching on Spirituality Made Simple was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

MY STORY
1.  We all have different tendencies when it comes to rules and guidelines.  Would you tend to be a rule maker or a rule breaker?  Has it changed over the years?  How is this different or the same from the home you grew up in? 

2.  This week we heard how man-made rules and traditions can be confused with what is actually found in the Bible.  Looking back at years past, have you ever found yourself believing a rule, lifestyle choice or moral obligation only to later realize it is nowhere to be found in Scripture?  If so, explain.

DIGGING DEEPER
1.  A man-made rule may actually begin with a verse and personal application that is helpful at the time.  The problem occurs, as we heard this weekend, when we expect others to live by it also.  Below are a number of verses that contain some important truths to help us live a healthy Christian life.  As you read each one, write down the truth it speaks of, how you might apply it in your own life and  a legalistic rule or expectation that could be put on others.
 
Psalm 119:11
    I have hidden your word in my heart
        that I might not sin against you. _^[NIV]
Truth:
 

Application:
 

Legalistic rule:
 

Philippians 4:8
    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. _^[NIV]
Truth:

 
Application:
 

Legalistic rule:
 

Colossians 4:2
    Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. _^[NIV] 
Truth:
 

Application:
 

Legalistic rule:
 
 
Hebrews 10:25
    Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. _^[NIV]
Truth:
 

Application:
 

 
Legalistic rule:
 

2.  One of the goals in almost any kind of competitive sport or racing is to maximize your effectiveness by cutting away anything that holds you back and focusing on what really matters.  Similar to this, one of the goals of this weekend's teaching was to free us up to focus on the issues that really matter when it comes to following Jesus.  Larry pointed out that what matters is that we simply follow and obey.  How do Romans 8:5-8, Galatians 5:13-15, and James 4:17 affect your definition of what it means to follow and obey? 

Romans 8:5-8
    Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; [7] the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. [8] Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. _^[NIV]

Galatians 5:13-15
    You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. [14] The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." [15] If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. _^[NIV]

James 4:17
    Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. _^[NIV]

Can you think of any examples of how you have applied or should apply these verses in your life?  If so, explain.  
 
 
Can you think of any ways someone could become legalistic in applying these verses?

3.  Good intentions can easily be the mantra for the legalist, causing them to miss the check and balance of what Scripture really says and what God wants.  How do the following verses help us understand the purpose of God's directives and not become legalistic?

Psalm 1:1-3
    Blessed is the man
        who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
    or stand in the way of sinners
        or sit in the seat of mockers.
    [2] But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
        and on his law he meditates day and night.
    [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
        which yields its fruit in season
    and whose leaf does not wither.
        Whatever he does prospers. _^[NIV]
 
Psalm 19:7-11
    The law of the Lord is perfect,
        reviving the soul.
    The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
        making wise the simple.
    [8] The precepts of the Lord are right,
        giving joy to the heart.
    The commands of the Lord are radiant,
        giving light to the eyes.
    [9] The fear of the Lord is pure,
        enduring forever.
    The ordinances of the Lord are sure
        and altogether righteous.
    [10] They are more precious than gold,
        than much pure gold;
    they are sweeter than honey,
        than honey from the comb.
    [11] By them is your servant warned;
        in keeping them there is great reward. _^[NIV]
 
Matthew 22:34-40
    Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. [35] One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: [36] "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
    [37] Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." _^[NIV]

TAKING IT HOME
Is there one of the "Four Spiritual Additives" from this weekend's teaching that you need to be more cautious of than the others?

Reflecting back on this week's study and teaching, is there a character or obedience issue you need to focus on and/or rule or tradition you need to let go?

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Desert Rat Experience @ Ocotillo Wells  February 29 - March 2

The Desert Rat Experience is a man's weekend designed for guys who are into off-roading (motorcycles, quads, buggies and 4x4s).

Check out all the details in the flyer available at all Information Booths or online at www.northcoastchurch.com.  Cost is $45 (includes 3 meals).  Register online or at any of our campuses beginning next weekend.