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Two Guys From Vista
Listen in every Mon.-Fri., 2:30-3 PM on 1210 AM KPRZ, to hear the Two Guys from Vista show. It features our very own teaching pastors, Larry & Chris!
Print this pageLife Change | What Not To Wear | February 16-17, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of February 17, 2008
QUICK REVIEW: Looking back over your sermon notes from What Not To Wear, what was most challenging, helpful, or interesting to you?
MY STORY
1. Growing up, did you tend to be someone who was on the cutting edge of the current fashion trend, a play-it-safe, follow-the-crowd adopter, a conscious fashion rebel or someone who always seemed to be a bit out of sync with what was popular?
2. Can you think of anyone you know who has done a good job of fighting a "six-hundred-pound gorilla" in their lives (please, don't mention their names)? What have you noticed that they have done to help themselves in this battle?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. We heard this weekend that when we commit to following Christ, we need to put to death the desires and actions belonging to our old, earthly nature. How does Romans 6:11-14 clarify or add to what Chris shared about how we can "starve the Enemy and feed the Spirit"?
Romans 6:11-14
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [13] Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. [14] For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. [NIV]
Can you think of anything that has helped you to not let sin reign in your body?
2. Most of the things Chris mentioned that we need to change on the outside involve how we talk to each other (malice, slander, filthy language and lying). Using this kind of language can have a big impact on others. What are the results of using language like this according to the following verses?
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing. [NIV]
Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. [NIV]
Proverbs 21:6
A fortune made by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin. [NIV]
Despite these results, why do you think people still use this kind of language?
How does James 3:5-12 help you understand the impact of your speech on others?
James 3:5-12
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
[7] All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, [8] but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
[9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. [10] Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. [11] Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? [12] My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. [NIV]
3. Chris pointed out that a huge motivation for change is the fact that we are new people in Christ. The following passage paints a picture of what this new life as followers of Jesus looks like. After reading the passage, make a list of the things that are true of a follower of Christ.
Ephesians 1:3-8
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace [8] that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. [NIV]
Have you experienced any of these in your own life? If so, in what ways?
In what ways could the things on your list serve to motivate you to put to death the desires and actions of your old self?
TAKING IT HOME
1. Is there a puppet-sized behavior in your life that could become a gorilla if you're not careful? Are there any steps you need to take to continue to starve it and feed the Spirit?
2. Is there anything related to this sermon or homework that you'd like prayer about from your Growth Group?
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 now.