Living the Abundant Life: Apprehending the Great I Am

John 18:1-11; 29:47

What details in the text show that Jesus was in complete control of his arrest? Why do you think John emphasizes Jesus’ intentionality?

If Jesus came to reveal the Great I AM, what does his submission to arrest tell us about who God is?

In what ways can you resonate with Peter’s foolish action in verse 10?

How do Jesus’ words in verse 8 demonstrate that he is truly the Good Shepherd?

What is the “cup” given to Jesus to drink by his Father? Why is it such good news for us that Jesus drinks this “cup”?

God turns the most unjust event ever into the most glorious event ever. How does this give you hope in the midst of present darkness?

Hebrews 4:14-16

1)  All Christians have some desire to pray.  Discuss why that desire is not stronger than it sometimes is.  What kinds of things increase that desire and what squelches it?

2)  If you are a parent do you see it as your responsibility to teach your child how to pray well?  Why or why not?  How are  you doing it?  (BTW, why do so many children begin prayer with “Dear Lord . . .”? Is that a good beginning? Think about the many ways God is addressed in the bible.)

3)  What truths in vv 14-16 especially motivate you to pray? Discuss.

4)  Talk about what your actual prayer life looks like now. Are you satisfied with it?  How can you grow in it. Be very specific.

Daniel 6

1)  As we have gone through this series on prayer has anyone changed any prayer habits?  Discuss.  If so, what? If not, why not?

2)  Discuss what disciplined prayer looks like for those part of your group.  The leader should share his own prayer habits.  How often, when, how long, what kind of plan?  Talk in specifics and not generalities.  

3)  Discuss a recent problem you faced and how prayer played a part.  What did dependent prayer look like for you?  Apply this to prayer:  “We live by faith and not by sight.”

4)  Discuss what you would realistically like your prayer life to be?  What would be a fulfilling and satisfying prayer life?  Be specific.  What needs to happen for you to get there?

“Standing By Kneeling”

Ephesians 6:10-20

1)  Discuss how much you connect your praying with standing against Satan’s schemes.  How often does this motivate you in your prayers?  

2)  How much of a habit do you have in praying throughout the day in all kinds of situations?  Where do you do most of your praying?  What does it mean to “pray without ceasing” in 1 Thess 5:17?  main kinds of prayer you pray—thanksgiving, praise, lament, petition, confession?  Do you pray when you are angry?  Sad?  Disappointed? Happy?  When mostly?  Is there any situation that keeps you from praying?  Why?

4)  How do you keep alert in your prayer time?  How wide is your scope of prayers?  How many people, places, institutions, ministries, etc.?  What would broaden your scope more?  

Hebrews 4:14-16

1)  All Christians have some desire to pray.  Discuss why that desire is not stronger than it sometimes is.  What kinds of things increase that desire and what squelches it?

2)  If you are a parent do you see it as your responsibility to teach your child how to pray well?  Why or why not?  How are you doing it?  (BTW, why do so many children begin prayer with “Dear Lord . . .”? Is that a good beginning? Think about the many ways God is addressed in the bible.)

3)  What truths in vv 14-16 especially motivate you to pray? Discuss.

4)  Talk about what your actual prayer life looks like now. Are you satisfied with it?  How can you grow in it. Be very specific.

Romans 14:13-15:7

1)  Discuss the kinds of things Christians can legitimately disagree over.  Be specific.  What is primarily, doctrinally and ethically, and what is not?

2)  When we say “I don’t want to be a stumbling block,” what do we mean?  Do we mean “I don’t want to do something another person disagrees with or I don’t want to influence someone to go against their conscience?”

3)  Do you find it easier to “major on minors” or “minor on majors?”  What is the difference.  Discuss it.  Talk about the difference between cranky fundamentalists and condescending liberals.  

4)  Discuss what it means to pursue righteousness, peace and  joy during this time of sheltering in place. 

            

Romans 14

1)  Discuss what has been particularly difficult for you during this pandemic.  How has it affected you socially? Has it created any hard feelings with you or others you know?  What kinds of feelings?  Anger, depression, etc.

2)  What kinds of issues would you call “primary” and what kinds of issues would you identify as “secondary?” When can Christians legitimately differ?

3)  Our culture’s desire to espouse tolerance has created an atmosphere of intolerance toward anyone who isn’t tolerant according to culture’s standards. Discuss what this looks like.  

4)  When is it proper to judge and when is it improper? Read Matt 7:1-6; 1 Cor 5:9-13

James 5:13-18, 48:42

John 14:1-3, 6

1)  How does the idea of living with God strike you?  Do you find it appealing or not?  Why or why not?  

2)  Have you ever given much thought to Christ’s ascension into heaven?  How do you think his ascension relates to you?  What did it accomplish?  Why was it necessary? How does it relate to his death and resurrection?   

3)  How do think of the Holy Spirit?  How nebulous is he in your thinking?  What is his role in you life and the life of the church?  How would you describe his overarching role?

4)  Discuss the idea of “union with Christ.”  What is it?  If Christ is in the Father’s house in heaven and you are joined to him by faith, what does that mean?  How does this truth affect your prayer life?

Psalm 27

1)  How much joy and delight do you have when you are actually praying?  How often do you actually sense the presence of God when you are praying?  

2)  The sermon addressed the place of “truth” and “taste” in praying.  What truth(s) do you find especially helpful in your praying?

3)  Read Psalm 27:4.  What does it mean to you to “gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire (meditate)” while in prayer? Do you emphasize more truth or taste in your praying?  Why?

4)  Read Psalm 27:8.  Discuss what you think “seeking God’s face” in prayer means.  The “beatific vision” is a phrase that’s been used in history to describe the ultimate vision of seeing God’s face.  Read Rev 22:4.  Do you ever think about seeing his face?  How does that inform your praying now?