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Print this pageJudges: | Random Thoughts From A Random Story | May 10-11, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of May 11, 2008
QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at this week’s teaching on “Random Thoughts from a Random Story” was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
MY STORY
1. After participating in the tent meetings last week, what are your thoughts and impressions of the evening? (If you were unable to attend you can still get tickets to participate @ www.northcoastchurch.com.)
2. How do you know if you’re listening to God?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. Most of us believe that there’s nothing wrong with gaining more power and influence. Yet this week we saw how Abimelech’s thirst for power resulted in his demise. God’s remedy on how to avoid this kind of downfall is somewhat counter-intuitive – it’s not to become powerless, but rather to redirect our focus on what to be strong or powerful in. As you read Matthew 20:24-28, how does Jesus redirect the focus of how our “power” should be applied?
Matthew 20:24-28
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." [NIV]
Can you think of any settings or situations at home, work or socially that you wish you had more power to apply what Jesus is telling us?
How might putting into action 2 Timothy 1:7 help strengthen your ability to serve as Jesus calls you to?
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. [NIV]
2. The Israelites and Abimelech ended up in a disastrous situation because of their failure to listen to God. How would putting the following verses into action help you determine if you’re listening to God’s guidance in your life?
Proverbs 28:13-14
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
[14] Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. [NIV]
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. [NIV]
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. [NIV]
Which one of these verses do you find most helpful to tune into God’s voice? Explain.
3. We’ve all experienced the power of our words – for good or bad. This week we saw what happened to “Gaal the son of Ebed” when he let his words run wild. When it comes to our speech and what we say, what guidelines are given in the Scriptures below?
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [NIV]
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act. [NIV]
Proverbs 15:23
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply--
and how good is a timely word! [NIV]
Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones. [NIV]
Which one is most important for you to remember and why?
TAKING IT HOME
Looking back at this week’s teaching and study, was there anything in particular that you want to remember or apply?
PRAYER REQUEST:
MINI MAKE-OVER - Help Us Be a Good Neighbor
Volunteers are needed to help work on a house within a half mile of the new property. Join us on Sat., May 17, to paint, clean, do yard work and small handyman jobs. There is a project for everyone! Sign up online http://www.northcoastchurch.com/service/ or contact Terry for further details: 760-696-8270, terrywoods48(at)gmail.com.
PARENTING TEENS AND SURVIVING
Instructor: Ned Mervich & Panel
Date/ Time: Monday, May 19, 7 PM - 9 PM – One Night Only
Location: North Coast Church, Video Café
Tuition Cost: $7/ person; $10/ couple
Course Description: Just about the time you think you’ve got this parenting thing figured out, your child becomes a teenager and you discover it’s a whole new parenting ballgame. This seminar will examine some of the universal aspects of the journey through adolescence to help give you a road map for guiding your pre-teen or adolescent child into adulthood. The first part of the workshop will be led by Ned Mervich. The second will be a Q&A session with a panel of parents of teens who have survived or are surviving and our High School pastoral staff.
Register online www.northcoastchurch.com.