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Two Guys From Vista
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Print this pageChristianity Made Simple | The Gospel Made Simple | January 26-27, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of January 27, 2008
QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at this week’s teaching on The Gospel Made Simple, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
MY STORY
1. How was the description of Jesus, from this weekend’s teaching, the same or different from how you think a person on the street would describe Jesus?
2. Think back to what has drawn you or is drawing you to follow Christ now. How would you describe that in your own words or using the list below?
His love for me Friend’s example of God’s love
Conviction of sin Fear of death
Purpose in life Other
God’s grace Need for forgiveness
DIGGING DEEPER
1. This week we saw that Paul used strong words such as “enemies” and “alienated” to describe the Colossian’s spiritual condition (and ours) before they knew Christ (Colossians 1:21).
Colossians 1:21
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [NIV]
How do the following verses reinforce and further describe who we are before we know Christ?
Romans 1:18-25
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, [19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. [20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
[24] Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. [25] They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. [NIV]
Romans 8:7-8
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]
Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [NIV]
Is there anything in these verses that might be difficult to believe or understand? If so, explain.
Why might it be important to know and understand this?
2. Fortunately God hasn’t left us to live a life destined to be separated from Him. When any of us make a commitment to follow Christ, some incredible things begin and continue to happen to us spiritually. As you read these verses below in Romans, write down what Paul (the writer of Romans and the book of Colossians) saw as important to understand about the transformation that happens as a person follows Christ.
Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. [NIV]
Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. [NIV]
Romans 8:5
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. [NIV]
Romans 8:12-13
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, [NIV]
Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." [NIV]
Which of these have you experienced in your own journey with Christ? Is there one you forget more than the others? Why would these be important to remember your whole life?
3. There’s always going to be a battle to do things our way or the way God’s Spirit is leading. What further help does Paul’s words in Colossians 1:22-23
offer to this ongoing dilemma we face? How do you deal with the conditions that are set?
Colossians 1:22-23
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. [NIV]
TAKING IT HOME
Looking back at this week’s teaching and study, what’s most important for you when it comes to remembering your need for Jesus and to live your life for Him?
Prayer Requests:
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BOUNDARIES:
When to Say Yes, How to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life
Sat., Feb. 2, 8:00-3:00 PM Main Auditorium
Live via satellite. Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Tuition Cost: $15/person; $25/two. Sign up online or call the church office.
We’re offering a number of new projects. Here’s one:
The Angel’s Depot: Every week, The Angel's Depot delivers "Senior Food-for-a-Week" boxes to nearly 600 senior citizens living in poverty in San Diego County. Each box contains nutritious, nonperishable, easily prepared food, lasting 7 days until their next Social Security check arrives. Growth Groups are needed on the first Tuesday of every month beginning February 5 from 6:00-8:00pm to help assemble boxes of food in Vista. Projects may include packing boxes, stamping cans, checking expiration dates, assembling and tearing down boxes. To sign up, contact Bob King: 760-917-3473.