Audio from Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZoeeaHVsocU?t=2654
Sermon Discussion Guide PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ziCD3YqcRB521Va3rrRo0elPWFip8dkZ/view?usp=sharing
Sermon Discussion Guide (for use at home this week)
Opening prayer: Thank you, Lord, for setting me apart to serve you; AMEN.
About Me
Think of a time when you read, remembered, or discussed one of the Commandments. How long ago did this happen? How has your perspective / understanding of the Commandments changed over time?
Into the Bible – 2 Samuel 11-12
Chapter 11:1-5 – Name four ways David chose wrongly & sinfully, rather than fulfilling his responsibilities and avoiding sin.
Chapter 11:5-15 – What were David’s options for dealing with his sin, and how did David’s sin lead to more sin?
Chapter 12:1-7 – Summarize Nathan’s story. What was the effect of this story on David?
Verses 13-14: How did David finally react, and what did Nathan say in response?
Verses 9-14: Name 2-3 ways that David’s sin would bring greater suffering onto his house & family.
Application
39 When he entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 They laughed at him. But after he put everyone out, he took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Grasping the hand of the child, he said to her, “Talitha, koum!” Mark 5
In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor talked about the freedom we have as Christians. What is the purpose of Christian freedom, and how does spiritual freedom relate to good works? Compare this spiritual freedom with the American concept of freedom.
In Sunday’s gospel reading from Mark 5, we see two examples of suffering. Who were the people, and what was the suffering? How did each person or group react? How did they react when Jesus showed up and/or spoke? Why?
Look at the verse above. Identify the specific rebuke that Jesus gives in v. 39. What do fear & doubt demonstrate about our human frailty? Describe what the disciples must’ve heard, seen, felt, experienced over the course of the gospel reading – from the crushing crowd, to the little girl raised to life.
“He did this … with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, so that I may be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, Look back at the explanation to the Second Article. How much did our salvation cost Jesus, and why is this particularly shocking? From the portion quoted above, identify two purposes of this redemption. How do these spiritual realities change our everyday outlook? How do these spiritual realities change our attitude toward the Commandments?
“To the Point of Death – Life with the Law Fulfilled.” Identify the relationship (within the conscience) between fear & guilt. What are some ways that guilt (or guilt feelings) shows itself in everyday life? Describe one way your life as a Christian, with the law fulfilled on your behalf, is fundamentally different from the life of a non-Christian.
Christians rejoice. And we do so at all times & circumstances. From the sermon on Sunday, identify two ways that our disregard for God’s law may result in a lack of rejoicing in this life. Write a prayer confessing this sin to God.
Prayer: O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you. Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever; AMEN.
Bible Reading This Week: Romans 5, Rom 6, Rom 7, Rom 8, Rom 9
Monday-Friday, Daily Bible reading through the podcast: bit.ly/rwjdaily
Saturday THIRSTY episode, every Saturday at 8:30 AM.
Current Saturday Series: The Gospel of John (Rev. Paul Stratman - 9 AM)
Show Notes
Contact the Podcast: RWJP
