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Two Guys From Vista
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Print this pageJudges: | When 2nd Chances | April 19-20, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of April 20, 2008
QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at this week’s teaching on “When 2nd Chances Run Out,” was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged you or left you confused?
MY STORY
1. What was your initial response when you heard “Second Chances with God can run out”?
2. Do you ever feel like some people just have it easier when it comes to obeying God and not yielding to temptation? If so, why?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. Like the Israelites in Judges, we can presume upon our “second chances.” Fortunately God has given us some spiritual practices that can help decrease the temptation to presume upon God’s second chances and at the same time strengthen us for consistent obedience. How might the following passages speak to this?
Psalm 119:9-11
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
[10] I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
[11] I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. [NIV]
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." [NIV]
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]
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [NIV]
Looking back at these passages again, what are some specific applications and ways to put these verses into action? Have you ever found one to be more helpful than the other? Is there one you feel you need to apply in your life right now?
2. Part of the challenge of living the Christian life is the fact that on one hand it takes contact to have an impact – yet on the other hand, too much or too close contact with the wrong people can negatively impact our own relationship with God. How would you suggest we balance the teaching in Matthew 5:13-16 with the teaching in James 4:4?
Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
[14] "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. [NIV]
James 4:4
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. [NIV]
At what point does a decision to avoid real or potential negative influences around us result in no longer having an impact for Jesus in our world?
3. According to Proverbs 28:13 and James 5:16 what role might confession play in overcoming the struggle with a long-repeated sin?
Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. [NIV]
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [NIV]
When (or at what point) does a person need to confess disobedience or a struggle to someone else and not just God?
TAKING IT HOME
1. Take a couple minutes and ask God if there’s anything you need to confess to Him or others – or that you need to take the step of completely removing from your life?
2. Is there anything else from this week’s sermon or study that is catching your attention that you need to remember or apply?
This week your Growth Group meeting will start with a special two minute message from Larry on DVD about our Tent Meeting and finalizing plans for your group to attend.