simplyGod: Recent Episodes

Isaac Moran

Sermons from simplyGod church

Outline:

The enemy of God’s people always tries to undermine trust in God. (9-13)

The right way to overcome fear and the temptations of the enemy is to take it to God. (14-15)

The way of faith and the prayer of faith first and foremost sees God for who He truly is. (16)

The prayer of faith is most concerned with the glory of God. (17-20)

Jesus is the king who lived, died and rose again for the glory of God, and he intercedes for us that we might glorify God and one day be with Him in glory.

Home group questions:

Sennacherib attacked the trustworthiness of God, His power and His Word by pointing to history and worldly realities. What are some modern versions of this, and what are some ways the world attacks God’s Word to suggest that He is unreliable, weak or not enough? What are some ways we, individually and as a church, might give in to those lies?

Hezekiah doesn’t tear his garment, put on sackcloth or send to Isaiah to pray this time. What does this teach us about the completeness of God’s forgiveness following repentance? How should his confidence in going to the Lord in prayer encourage us?

Hezekiah begins his prayer by focusing on who God is rather than immediately focusing on his problem (v.16). Why is it important to reorient our thinking towards God’s character before bringing our requests? Which of those aspects of God, His covenant faithfulness, His command of heaven’s armies, His presence with His people, His sovereignty over all nations, or His ownership of all creation, do you most need to remember right now?

Hezekiah’s prayer wasn’t only, “Save us”; it was, “Save us so that the world will know that you alone are Lord.” How does this shift in focus, from self-preservation to God’s glory, change the way we pray about our own struggles and the way we pray for the church?

Read John 17:20–26. How does Jesus’ prayer encourage you today, especially knowing that “he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)?

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Outline

God's people don't engage the enemy in their own strength, they run to God in faith.

The way of faith must be honest, humble and repentant.

The way of faith surrenders to the will of God with hope.

God’s promises in His word are trustworthy.

Jesus defeated our enemy in His strength, he has taken every sin, has our life secured with him in heaven and is now interceding on or behalf.

Home Group Questions

Rather than engage the enemy, Hezekiah instructed his representatives to not speak and he did not respond either. When and why can this be a wise strategy? How should Hezekiah’s strategy of going into the presence of God and seeking help from someone who knows the word of God, be a good model for us in times of distress, temptation, giving into sin and doubt? Why is it sometimes people’s instinct to stay away from God and His people when we most need them? How can we encourage people not to respond this way?

Hezekiah acknowledges they are in this position because of sin. How does understanding sin as betrayal, not just breaking a law, lead us to greater humility, repentance and worship?

In Jesus we see the coming together of the offices of prophet, priest and king. How does Isaiah’s role in this story point us to Jesus?

Isaiah’s answer was simply, trust God’s promises. God had already spoken, so His people could trust His promise before they saw His deliverance. What promises of God have strengthened your faith during difficult times? How can we encourage one another to trust God’s Word even when we cannot yet see how He will act?

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Home Group questions:

Peter was criticised for eating with Gentiles because it was against the Jewish law. How can we sometimes feel pressure from our fellow believers not to associate with certain people? In what ways could we be guilty of making the same judgements? How should we handle being the receiver or the giver of such criticism?
Verses 19-20 say that when the Jewish Christians were scattered after the persecution, some believers spoke only to Jews, while others also went to the Greeks (Hellenists). Why are there some people whom Christians may be hesitant to evangelise? Discuss their motivation for preaching Jesus even though they knew of Stephen's death and risked persecution. Does this challenge you? Why or why not?
According to verses 19-21, who were the ones doing the evangelising, and what does this teach us about the mission of all believers, not just the "specialists"? According to verse 21, why did the church grow, and how might this encourage you in evangelism?
Verses 23-26 tell us that Barnabas encouraged the believers to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose (v.23). He then went to get Saul so that they could teach the church together. What does this teach us about the relationship between justification (placing our faith in Jesus) and sanctification (becoming more like Jesus)? How should this shape the way we welcome new believers, especially those with no church background, into the church?

Prayer: This would be a good time to pray for our individual evangelism, for the outreach of the church, and for individuals we would like to reach with the gospel. Pray for opportunities to proclaim the gospel and for the boldness to do so.

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Outline:

The enemy of God’s king and His people is powerful, deceptive and arrogant.

Jesus, God’s king, displays His power by saving through weakness, humility and truth.

Home Group Questions:

We read in 2 Chronicles 32 that Sennacherib invaded Judah after Hezekiah's religious reforms and faithfulness. What does this teach us about the relationship between faithfulness and ease of life? Why is it dangerous for leaders to teach, and for believers to expect, that life will be easy because of good works or religious activity? Why do you think God allows believers to suffer or experience attacks from the enemy even when they are faithfully serving him?

Judah sought help from an old enemy, Egypt, who had once enslaved and oppressed them. In what ways might believers return to the "Egypts" of their own lives? What might cause people to do so? What are some good strategies to prevent that from happening?

Rabshakeh's strategy was to make the people of Judah doubt their king's words and God's goodness. How does Satan use similar tactics today to make believers doubt God's goodness, God's Word, or God's ability to save? Which of these tactics do you find most effective in your own life?

Rabshakeh spoke with great confidence, even though he completely misunderstood God. Why can confidence be so persuasive even when it is wrong? How can Christians prepare themselves so they are not shaken when confident voices in our culture challenge the truth of God's Word?

Through Rabshakeh, God made Judah aware of their weakness. Why do you think God wanted Judah to recognise this? Judah's apparent weakness against Assyria points to the pattern later fulfilled at the cross, where God's power is displayed through weakness. Where in your own life might God be asking you to trust him in your weakness rather than looking for worldly strength or a quick way out?

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God’s people - will see the most beautiful sights.

In God’s place - it is free of threat, steadfast and fully supplied by the Lord.

Under God’s rule - by His chosen King – Jesus, the one who saves us, heals us and forgives us.

17 Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty;
they will see a land that stretches afar.

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The Parable of the Good Samaritan points to Jesus as the Good Samaritan who came to save the dying at great cost to himself.

HE CAME TO US WHILE WE WERE STILL ENEMIES
HE SEES US LYING BROKEN IN SIN AND COMES TO US IN COMPASSION
HE BRINGS AN END TO RACISM – RECONCILING US TO GOD AND TO EACH OTHER
HE PAYS THE PRICE FOR OUR SALVATION WITH HIS BLOOD
HE WILL COME AGAIN TO RECEIVE US INTO ETERNAL LIFE

CONCLUSION -

WE ARE POINTED BACK TO THE ORIGINAL QUESTION - WHAT MUST I DO TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE?
WE ARE POINTED BACK TO CHRIST HIMSELF – THE EMBODIMENT OF LOVE AND THE ANSWER TO THE ORIGINAL QUESTION
WE ARE POINTED TO THOSE IN NEED AROUND US

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Outline:

God’s mighty work of salvation must be proclaimed far and near. (13)

God’s judgement and salvation must be proclaimed for the conviction of sinners and the sanctification of saints. (14-15)

God’s salvation must be proclaimed for the assurance of the saints. (16)

The judgement Jesus received and the salvation he offers must be proclaimed near and far for the conviction of sinners and for the sanctification and assurance of the saints.

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Outline

God is sovereign over every powerful enemy. (1)

The believer waits patiently, trusting God’s strength and power to save. (2-3)

When God exalts himself to judge some are saved others are condemned. (5-9)

The fullness of God’s judgement will come. (10-12)

When Jesus was lifted up, He took God’s judgement for us to give us salvation.

Home Group questions:

Verse 1 speaks of God’s sovereignty over powerful enemies. This truth is used by some to teach that God will overcome our financial, emotional, and physical ‘enemies’. Why is it important that we are careful not to make that the focus of the text? What are the enemies of people, even believers, that we really must ask God to deliver us from, and how does this text help us in our daily struggles? (Consider Ephesians 6:10–18 and 1 Corinthians 10:12–14.)
Verses 2–3 contain Isaiah’s prayer. How is it a good model for us to adopt, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering? (Note: verse 4 describes the blessing that comes to God’s people after He has acted.)
Verses 5–6 end with, "The fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure." (Taking Zion to mean the dwelling place of God, which in the present age is the church of true believers) How is the fear of the Lord the treasure of His people, especially in times of uncertainty? How does the fear of the Lord bring stability, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge?
Verses 7–12 speak about the fate of those who trust in salvation by their own means. How should knowing their outcome make us feel and act toward those who do not fear the Lord? How does our passage help us understand why God allows believers and unbelievers to experience the same earthly struggles?
According to Isaiah 33:1–12, God’s solution to the uncertainty and struggles of life is His exaltation. Discuss how His exaltation can be both good and bad for people. How should that affect your life today?

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Text Outline

God is worthy (the Creator) — verses 1–2
We are not worthy (the one who ascends) — verses 3–6
Jesus is worthy (the King of glory) — verses 7–10

Home group questions:

The Psalm says "everything is the Lord's". How can that make a difference to you in your everyday life? How can it change how you think? How you act?
In Acts 4:24, Peter and the church pray to the "Sovereign God." Read 24 and 25. How can you pray knowing God is Sovereign? How can you pray using Psalms that apply to your situation?
What areas of your life do you try to maintain sovereignty and withhold from God? How might you be blessed by giving those areas to God?
You are God's because he made you. You are also his because he redeemed you. How should this encourage you? How should it challenge you?
How might you be blessed, and bless others by cultivating a "stewardship mentality" rather than an "ownership mentality"?
What are the characteristics of the one who "ascends the hill of the Lord"? How is the gospel significant to these characteristics?
Look at Deuteronomy 6:4. How does that famous command relate to those characteristics?
Read Luke 19:28-40, and Matt 21:1-11. Can you see any similarities with Ps 24? Now look at Rev 19:11-16. What stands out to you?
How is the fact that Jesus is the perfect High Priest, and that he can "stand in God's holy place a comfort to us? Heb 4:14-16.

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Outline:

The Spirit filled church is a church of devoted people.

The Spirit filled church is devoted to correct teaching.

The Spirit filled church is devoted to caring for the congregation.

The Spirit filled church is devoted to communion with God and man.

The Spirit filled church is devoted to the commission.

Jesus is the centre of the Spirit filled church’s devotion.

Home group questions

Acts 2 really emphasises the community aspect of church. Where do you think the current Western evangelical church may be lacking compared to how we understand the beginnings of the church? Why do you think that is the case?

How should we reconcile the fact that the believers “devoted themselves” and yet it is the Spirit’s filling that motivates us? (Consider Philippians 1:6; 2:13–14; 2 Timothy 1:5–7; Romans 12:1–2.) What would you say is the difference between devotion and attendance?

Why do you think the apostles’ teaching is listed first? (Consider Ephesians 2:19–20.) Practically speaking, how can a church drift away from being centred on God’s Word and onto other things? How would you sum up what the church’s preaching and teaching should be focused on? (Consider Colossians 1:9–14.) How can this kind of teaching remain relevant for every generation?

Verses 44–45 show believers holding possessions lightly and meeting needs within the church family. Without becoming “Christian socialism,” what would it look like for our church to take Acts 2-style responsibility for one another’s needs?

What are some modern practices in the church that may negatively affect the deepening of community? How could we practically encourage community across genders, ages, and socio-economic differences? How could a strong community encourage members to be missional and effective in evangelism?

Verse 46 encourages both the large gathering and smaller gatherings of believers. Why is it important that believers are involved in both?

Knowing that the church devoted themselves to prayer and praise, how could we encourage more of this in our own lives and in the life of the church?

How does devotion to Jesus in each individual Christian foster a church like the one in Acts 2?

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Outline:

Jesus blesses His followers by His ascension.

The ascension reveals Jesus’ ultimate glorification.

Jesus' ascension empowers His people for a global task under His reign.

Jesus expects His people to get on with the work of witnessing until he comes again.

The blessing from Jesus is the power of His Spirit and the privilege of proclaiming His name.

Home Group Questions:

Read Luke 24:50–53 and Acts 1:6–11

How would you respond to someone who says, “Why do you believe in the Ascension? There is no proof.” The Ascension often receives little attention, but why is it so crucial to understand and believe in it?

How should the understanding that Jesus possesses all authority shape our evangelism? How should the doctrine of Jesus ruling and reigning affect our daily lives in practical ways? How might a greater understanding of the ascended Christ affect the way you respond to opposition, criticism, or injustice?

Why is it important that believers do not know the times and seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority? Why do you think we are often more interested in knowing the future than in the task right in front of us? What does Jesus call His followers to focus on instead, and how should this shape the church’s ministry?

Jesus, in His glorified human body and displaying the scars of His sacrifice, is seated at the Father’s right hand, interceding on our behalf as our High Priest. Which part of that reality speaks to you most in times of suffering, fear, guilt, or doubt?

How should the knowledge that Jesus has commanded His followers to be witnesses and that He is coming again shape the way we think about our priorities and responsibilities?

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Outline:

The godly wisdom of a Mother is valuable for a king. (1)

The heart of a Mother is one of constant concern. (2)

The godly wisdom of a Mother warns against sinful pleasures that harm. (3)

The godly wisdom of a Mother warns against self-centred indulgence. (4-5)

The godly wisdom of a Mother teaches care for those perishing and in misery. (6-7)

The godly wisdom of a Mother teaches advocacy for the poor and needy. (8-9)

Jesus is the godly King we need.

Home group questions:

As the sermon was about Mother’s Day, spend a bit of time, if you are comfortable doing so, discussing your relationship with your mother and how she influenced your life and faith. Has there been anyone else who has been a “spiritual mother” in your life? Why is it important that we foster the idea that the church is a family, as Jesus taught, and how could we do that better as a church?
In verse 2, there is a repeated plea. How does this reflect a mother’s heart? In what ways does this help you better understand God’s heart when we wander or ignore His Word?
In verses 3–5, Lemuel’s mother warns against self-centred, sinful indulgence that destroys, and she encourages self-control for the sake of obedience to the law and for the sake of the afflicted. What does this tell us about the believer’s mindset, and how can we encourage ourselves and young believers to live with this mindset?
In verses 6–9, Lemuel is told to use his resources to ease the suffering of those who are perishing and living in poverty, and to “open your mouth for the mute” and defend the poor and needy. What does this tell us about where believers should focus their ministry? Why do you think there is such an emphasis placed on kings and believers? What might that look like for you personally today, and how could we as a church do this?
How does Jesus fulfil the picture of the perfect king presented in this passage?
Many mothers feel guilt and regret over past mistakes, or feel that they should have done more or done better. How would you encourage a mum who expresses these feelings? More broadly, how do we hold together the responsibility to teach and model godly wisdom with the truth that we are not responsible for other people’s choices? Where does that tension appear in your own relationships?

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Sermon Outline

The Spirit filled message declares the life and death of Jesus (22-23)
The Spirit filled message declares the resurrection of Jesus (24-32)
The Spirit filled message declares the exaltation and reign of Jesus. (33-36)
The Spirit filled message brings repentance and salvation (37-41)

Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and exaltation is the Spirit filled message we proclaim.

Home Group questions:

Peter begins by grounding his message in real, verifiable events about Jesus’ life and death (vv. 22–23). Why is it important that the gospel is rooted in history rather than personal experience or feelings? (Luke 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-20) How should this shape the way we share our faith today? (1 Peter 3:15)

Why is it so important to teach our kids and youth not only what we believe, but why we believe it? (2 Timothy 3:14-15) How can we grow in our own understanding of the “why”?

Peter holds together two truths that seem to stand in tension: God’s sovereign plan and human responsibility. Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”, and yet “you crucified and killed him” (vv. 23). How do you hold these truths together, and why does it matter for the way we preach the gospel?

In vv. 25–36, Peter shows how Jesus fulfils Old Testament expectation and is greater than what the Jewish audience expected. How does seeing Jesus as the fulfilment of Scripture strengthen confidence in Him? How might this shape the way we speak to people with different beliefs or worldviews?

How does keeping the focus on the person and work of Jesus help us avoid a gospel that is reduced to 'avoiding judgement' or 'getting to heaven' without loving Christ Himself? Why is that distinction important?

Why must the exaltation and lordship of Jesus be central to our gospel message? (Romans 10:9; 1 John 5:2)

Peter says the promise is “for you and for your children and for all who are far off” (v. 39). What does this teach us about our evangelism? (Romans 10:12–15)

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Abraham prioritised spiritual faithfulness in seeking a wife for Isaac. Why is Abraham so determined that Isaac not marry a Canaanite woman? What spiritual concerns are driving this? How does that challenge the priorities we (or our culture) often emphasise in relationships?

What does it look like for you to act faithfully (like Abraham) while leaving the results in God’s hands? How does the servant balance responsibility and trust when he asks, “What if the woman is unwilling?” How would you evaluate your prayer life in light of the servant’s example—especially his dependence on God and alignment with His promises?

The servant looked for godly character, not just outward attractiveness. What does this teach us about the important qualities to look for in a partner or even in friendships? Why is this so important? What does this mean for parents and friends of someone considering dating and marriage? What would be a good way to discern a person’s character before a relationship starts?

How does Rebekah’s response demonstrate the qualities of a godly person? Can you think of ways we can cultivate those same qualities (humility, generosity, willingness to serve) in our own lives?

What is the significance of the servant immediately worshipping after God answers his prayer? What practices could help you grow in gratitude and in recognising God’s work?

The passage highlights passing faith to the next generation. What intentional steps are you taking (or could you take) to strengthen the faith of others?

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Outline:

The Spirit empowers weak mouths to proclaim God’s glory without fear, amongst all peoples.

The Spirit helps believers interpret and explain life through the lens of scripture. (14-21)

Jesus calls people to himself, by the power of the gospel, through Spirit filled Christians.

Questions:

1) Acts 1:14 says “ All [the apostles] with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” What does this teach us about what we should do while we wait for God to act? Why do Christians and churches often have weak prayer lives? How could we individually and as a church improve our prayer urgency and dependence?

2) What do the wind (breath, which gives life), fire (the presence of God), and tongues, taken together, teach us about what it means to be ‘filled with the Spirit’? (See Romans 1:16; Acts 4:31.) How would you respond to someone who says that, after becoming a Christian and receiving the Holy Spirit, they expected to feel different? How does this passage challenge the idea that the Spirit’s power guarantees health, wealth, and prosperity?

3) Only the apostles had their minds opened to the Scriptures, yet all 120 disciples went into the crowd declaring the mighty works of God. What does this show about who should evangelise? What should be the content of a Spirit-filled message?

4) Why is it so important, when Christians face objections or are asked “What does this mean?” type questions, to answer from Scripture? (See Romans 10:17.)

5) “When the Spirit grips the heart and we become more aware of the depth of God’s love, the bolder we become to speak.” Why is this true?

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The resurrection destroys our self-righteous pride. (2-8)

The resurrection destroys our self-condemning despair. (9)

The resurrection exalts Jesus and so does the believer. (10-11)

The resurrection reminds us to leave the old life behind and daily pursue the new life in Jesus (12-16)

The resurrection reminds us to live as citizens of heaven already, awaiting the resurrected Jesus. (17-21)

Because of Jesus resurrection we have confidence that he will resurrect into glory all those He makes righteous through faith.

So let's live like it is true.

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Jesus was forsaken by His Father. (1-2)

Jesus knows God saves those who trust Him. (3-5)

Jesus was truly forsaken by the Father, so that those who trust Him will never be. (1-5)

Jesus was rejected and hated by people. (6-8)

Jesus recalls God’s love for Him personally. (9-11)

Jesus was despised and rejected by people to make those who hated Him children of God. (6-11)

Jesus suffered terror and excruciating pain as punishment for sin. (12-18)

Jesus trusts his life into the hands of His Father. (19-21a)

Because Jesus died for our sin, we can trust our lives into the hands of our Heavenly Father. (12-21a)

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

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Because of the resurrection we receive a new identity. (v22-23 & 27-28)

Adopted as God’s children with a global family

Because of the resurrection we receive hope. (v24)

God listens to the afflicted and saves.

Because of the resurrection we receive new hearts. (v25-26 & 29)

God make us a new creation with hearts that live forever.

Because of the resurrection we receive a new priority. (v30-31)

The love of God compels us to tell others of Jesus’ righteousness

Because Jesus has done it all, to make us righteous.

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Jesus knew He is the Lord’s promised King. (v1-9)

To get Jesus half right is still completely wrong. (10)

Jesus came as king to bring people to God. (v11-13)

Jesus is the king who saves those who recognise their need of Him. (v14-16 & 20:29-34)

Jesus first came as the humble king to save, when He comes again, He will be the powerful king who judges. (Revelation 19:11-16)

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Read Isaiah 31-32:8

1) Facing disaster, Judah turned away from the presence of God in the temple, choosing instead to trust Egypt because they appeared strong. This was idolatry and a direct violation of God’s commands. How might we do this today in our own lives when disaster comes, or when there is the threat of disaster? How might the idolatry of trusting something more than God show up in our lives? How would you define the difference between working to fix a problem in a God-honouring way versus the idolatry of trusting something other than God?

2) God is described as a lion who won’t flinch at shouting shepherds, and as a hovering bird who protects, delivers, spares, and rescues. What do these pictures teach us about God’s character and the way He cares for His people? Which image speaks to you more today, and why?

3) In verse 6, Isaiah calls those in deep revolt to turn to God. How is repentance an expression of genuine faith? Why is it vitally important that the Christian message include repentance for salvation and ongoing repentance for sanctification? What might it reveal about a person’s belief if they grow tired of repentance or deny the need for it? How might this verse help us in our evangelism, especially when speaking to those who are deeply rebellious?

4) How do Isaiah 31:8–9 point to the saving work of Jesus?

5) How should the church be an expression of the reign of the righteous king (32:1–8) in regard to:
• Governance (v.1)
• Refuge (v.2)
• Knowledge and wisdom (vv.3–4)
• Societal values (vv.5–8)

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Read Isaiah 30:1-23

In what ways can some Christians act like stubborn children in regards their relationship with God? How would you define carrying out a plan that is not God’s and making an alliance that is not of God’s Spirit?
Why do believers sometimes carry out plans that are not God’s plans? How do these plans expose the reality of our belief in God and His will? How might these plans end in shame?
The Judahites wanted to hear “smooth things” and asked the seers and prophets to turn aside and stop teaching about the Holy One of Israel. Why is it vital for pastors to resist the temptation to satisfy people’s desire to hear what they want? Why must they continue confronting people with the Holy One of Israel? How could preaching “smooth things” end in complete ruin?
How is verse 15 a great source of comfort? How can we learn to rest and trust more fully in Jesus? How do verses 18–19 speak to the person who has been stubborn and turned from God’s righteous path? How has (or how can) understanding God’s eagerness to show grace encourage you in your Christian walk?
Where do you see a fulfilment of verse 21 in the present Messianic age? (Consider John 14:15–17, 23–24; 16:13.) How do Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the church help us stay on the right path? Based on verses 19–23, what are the blessings God gives to those who wait for Him?

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Isaiah calls the leaders in Jerusalem “scoffers” (v. 14), even though they were deeply religious. In what ways can someone be religious yet practically scoff at God’s Word through how they live?

Verse 15 speaks of the religious scoffers placing their security in a false refuge they believed would keep them safe from harm. What are some false securities that a church or believer might have? How can we tell when something—even something good—has become a source of security? How has God exposed false securities in your life or in the life of our nation?

Isaiah 28:16 describes Jesus as a tested, precious cornerstone. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus was “tested”—that He endured pressure, suffering, and temptation without breaking? How does that strengthen your trust in Him?

Isaiah says, “Whoever believes will not be in haste.” What does it mean to not be in haste because you believe in Jesus? Both Paul’s and Peter’s quotations of this verse say, “will not be put to shame.” What does it mean to you that you will not be put to shame? How might that affect the way you live?

The farming illustration in verses 23–29 shows that God is measured and purposeful—He does not over-thresh or over-plough. Have you experienced a time when God removed something or allowed difficulty, and you later saw it as refining rather than punishment? What did that teach you about trusting His wisdom?

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Read Philippians 2:1–13.

With verses 1–11 as the foundation, how do believers “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (v. 12)? (Think about the attitude, the work itself, and the motivation behind it all.) How does this guide our understanding of church attendance and being involved in the life of the church and other believers? What do verses 12 and 13 teach us about growing in sanctification?

Read Philippians 2:19–30.

Timothy shows a genuine concern for others that springs from seeking “the interests of Christ” rather than his own. In what concrete ways could you grow this week in looking to the interests of Christ by caring for specific people in your church or circle? What would it look like in your life today to seek “the interests of Christ”? How does love for Christ fuel real love for others?
Epaphroditus risked his life simply to serve and care for Paul, not to do something “impressive” in ministry. What does his example teach us about ordinary, practical service, and how might that challenge our view of what “real” ministry is?
Paul was writing to a church about their perseverance, using Epaphroditus as an example. In what ways can this group actively strengthen one another’s endurance? What would it look like for us to take responsibility for one another’s perseverance?
Paul tells us that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to persevere when life is overwhelming or dark. How does this shape the way you think about a current pressure, fear, or suffering in your own life? How does a good understanding of God’s sovereign, effectual work guard us from both pride and despair?

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Isaiah points out that Ephraim’s leaders and clergy were saturated with drunkenness. How is drunkenness, or taking any of God’s good blessing (food, drink, sex, money,), and using them in overindulgence or indulgence at the expense of others relate to pride? How does pride blind people from seeing their faults? How can we as Christians guard against that kind of pride and behaviour? (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Peter 5:5-6)

Isaiah describes the Ephraim leaders as proud and self-indulgent, partying even as destruction approached. Where do you see similar attitudes of false security in our culture today? Christians are not immune to common human vices, how can you guard against things you know are your greatest temptation? (Psalm 119:11, Psalm 139:23-24) How should the church treat people who have vices they frequently give into? (Galatians 6:1)

God is sovereign over all, including judgement—even using nations like Assyria as instruments. How does God’s sovereignty in judgement be a comfort to the believer? (Lamentations 3:37–39, Romans 8:28)

Isaiah's critics dismissed God's clear warnings and teaching of God’s word as simplistic baby talk (verses 9-10). Why do you think people—including some religious leaders—sometimes treat Scripture as outdated or irrelevant? (Consider 2 Timothy 4:10, Colossians 2:18) What is the correlation between false doctrine and errant lifestyle? (Titus 1:16, 1 Timothy 6:3-5)

How can we guard against viewing parts of God's Word as less important or applicable? (2 Timothy 3:16) When someone challenges God’s word and perhaps causes doubt in our mind what are some ways we can overcome those doubts?

How should the fact that God would save some out of the drunken revelry encourage us in our evangelism? God would use judgement and suffering to bring out a remnant. How could this encourage us when we are constantly stonewalled by proud people we try to evangelise?

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1) What do you think it means practically to enter your chamber, shut your doors behind you; hide yourself for a little while during God’s times of judgement? (Consider Daniel 6:6-10) Does verse 20 challenge you or comfort you? Why? How should the idea that “the earth will disclose the blood shed on it” make us think about how we live in private?

2) Although the devil has been defeated he still prowls around looking for someone to devour. What are the dangers of overemphasising or underemphasising the devil and his work?

What do these verses tell us about how the devil can effect believers –

2 Corinthians 11:3 &12-15

1 Corinthians 7:5

Ephesians 4:26–27

1 Thessalonians 2:18

1 Timothy 3:6-7

2 Corinthians 12:7

Revelation 2:10

3) Being part of the “true vine” by abiding in Jesus, what does it mean to you that God sings of His vine? How should this shape our relationship with God? How should it shape our attitude toward the church? (John 15:12-17)

4) Isaiah ends with the promise that Israel will “take root… blossom and put forth shoots and fill the whole world with fruit” (27:6). What does this look like for the church to bear fruit? (Colossians 1:3-11)

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God’s people find relief in the knowledge of their relationship with God. (v1)

God’s people find relief in God’s truth (2-3)

God’s people find relief in declaring God’s truth (4-5)

and

God’s people find relief in trusting God (4-5)

God’s people find their joy in God (6-7)

God’s people find their rest in God. (v8)

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Home Group questions:

Isaiah’s psalm begins with definitive words: “this song will be sung” and “we have a strong city.” Why do you think Isaiah has such confidence? (Isaiah 6:1 & 7:3a) Why do we sometimes (or often) lack the same confident assurance? How do verses 1–4 help us to remember where our confidence should come from? (Philippians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:1, Colossian 3:1-4, John 10:28-29) What do these same verses tell us about our responsibility as those who have been made righteous by God? (Hebrews 10:23, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Philippians 2:12–13, Colossians 2:6-7)
How would you describe the relationship between experiencing God’s peace, peace, having a mind stayed on God, and trusting in the Lord? (Proverbs 3:3-8, Philippians 4:6-9, John 14:27) Discuss how we could practically have our mind stayed on God and what it would look like in your everyday life? (i.e. home, work, study, leisure)
How does the assurance that God is just and will judge the world according to His righteousness give us confidence while we wait for the completion of our salvation? (Romans 3:20-26) How can a knowledge of God’s coming justice and our final destination help us to love our enemies? (Romans 12:19-21) How should an understanding that God will humble the lofty and exalt the humble shape the way we relate to others? (Philippians 2:3)

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1) How should an understanding that we can speak to God directly and call Him “my” God affect our daily lives?(Romans 8:14-17) What effect should it have on us with regard to our involvement in church?(1 John 1:1-7) Why should knowing that we can call God “my” God affect our desire to know Him better? (John 17:3, Psalm 63:1)

2) Isaiah praises God for His miraculous deeds, His sovereignty, and His faithfulness, but then centres his praise on God’s punishment of the city of strong and ruthless people. Why do you think that is?(Revelation 19:1-2) What does this tell us about our praise of God?(Psalm 96:10-13)

3) Verse 4 emphasizes that God is a stronghold and refuge for the poor and needy.
How can the Church reflect this aspect of God’s character in its shared life? (Galatians 2:9-10) What does Jesus’ ministry show us about where best to focus our outreach and evangelism? (Luke 14:12-14; James 2:5)

4) Verses 6–8 give a picture of life in the City of God.
Which of His promises means the most to you today, and how might it bring hope and comfort to people in different ways and at different times?

A banquet of the finest delicacies
Death being defeated
God wiping away your tears
Reproach being removed

5) What does verse 8 teach us about how people are saved? (Romans 8:23-25, 10:9; Titus 2:11-13) How does this speak against the notion that we can contribute to our salvation?

6) Jesus calls His disciples “the light of the world, a city set on a hill.”
What does it mean for you individually, and for the whole Church, to be a city on a hill? How can we live as the people of God’s city today? (Philippians 4:14-15; Matthew 5:16)

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Read 1 John 1:5-2:6

How does understanding that this passage is primarily about sanctification rather than justification change the way you read it? The passage says "the blood of Jesus...purifies us from all sin" (1:7). Is this a one-time event or an ongoing reality? What's the significance?

In verses 8 and 10, John warns against claiming to be without sin. How might Christians today fall into this trap, even if they wouldn't explicitly say "I have no sin"? Do you tend to approach your Christian life more like "a blackboard wiped clean once that we must keep clean" or as constantly needing grace? How does this affect your relationship with God?

When you sin, is your first instinct to hide, make excuses, or confess? What does this reveal about your understanding of God's character? What's the difference between healthy conviction of sin and unhealthy, paralysing guilt? How can we tell the difference in our own lives?

How comfortable are you with being real with some people around you, not hiding things from God and others"? What makes confession difficult for you?

How can we cultivate a church culture that encourages "walking in the light"—being honest about sin—rather than pretending to have it all together?

The passage emphasises keeping God's commands, specifically believing in Jesus and loving one another (1 John 3:23). How does your life demonstrate these two commands practically?

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Read Psalm 100

This psalm follows a pattern of expression based on knowledge and our walk according to the Word. Why is it so important to base the expression of our Christian life and worship on the knowledge of truth rather than on feelings and emotions? (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:9-11) How do our emotions and expressions of praise reveal our understanding of what we have learned?

Why do you think God calls us to sing to Him and praise Him? How does gathering together as a church enhance our experience of worship? (Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 12:22–24)

Serving the Lord means living according to His commands. Why should we do this with gladness? (John 13:11-17) Are there ways you are called to serve God that you find difficult to do with gladness? How might you change this?

How does thankfulness to God show our understanding of who He is and what He has done? How can we maintain gratitude even during difficult circumstances?

How would you define what it means for God to be good? How are His love and faithfulness related to His goodness? How would a true and solid belief in these attributes of God help you live your day-to-day life?

Psalm 100 says we are “the sheep of His pasture.” What does it mean for you personally that God is your Shepherd?

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1. Tyre’s influence on Israel was great yet subtle—through friendly partnership, the enticement of wealth and pleasure, and intermarriage with the leaders. How is this subtle invasion more dangerous for God’s people than a direct attack? How can believers and the church guard against such things? (James 4:1–4; 1 John 2:15–16)

2. In verses 1–6, people are shown wailing—in shock, in anguish, and in shame—when Tyre is destroyed. What does our reaction to the threat or reality of losing wealth or possessions reveal about our relationship to them? How can we grow in contentment, regardless of our situation? (1 Timothy 6:6–8; Philippians 4:10–13; Matthew 6:25–33)

3. Read verses 17–18. Tyre returns to its trade, creating wealth by dealing with all nations. How is it different now, and what caused the change? (Consider Luke 19:1–10.) What does this passage teach us about wealth? (Consider James 5:1–6; 1 Timothy 6:17–19.)

4. How does seeing Jesus’s humility and generosity transform the way we think about our own comfort, pride, and giving? What practical step could you take this week to make Christ—not wealth—your greatest treasure?

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Peter's question about forgiving "seven times" was already generous by rabbinic standards (which taught forgiving three times). What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of grace at this point in his discipleship?
How does the concept of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" help us understand the nature of our debt to God?
Our debt's magnitude relates both to "who we have sinned against" and the "volume and pervasiveness" of our sin. How do these two factors compound our guilt before God?
The parable seems to suggest that forgiveness can be revoked (v. 34). How do we reconcile this with the doctrine of eternal security? Is Jesus teaching salvation by works?
Jesus warns that the Father will treat unforgiving people as the king treated the wicked servant. How seriously should we take this warning, and what does it tell us about God's character?
Do you agree our problem with forgiveness is practical, not theoretical? What specific barriers prevent you from forgiving others, even when you know you should?
Unforgiveness often shows up as bitterness, desire for revenge, or inability to bear seeing certain people. Which of these manifestations, if any, do you recognise in your own life?
The first servant's debt was cancelled because he "wasn't able to pay." How does acknowledging your complete inability to atone for sin change your perspective on both receiving and extending forgiveness?
Romans 12:19 teaches us to "leave it to the wrath of God" rather than seeking vengeance. What practical steps can you take to truly entrust justice to God when you've been wronged?
There is a distinction between forgiveness and saying someone "didn't really hurt us." How can you practice true forgiveness that acknowledges real harm while still releasing your right to revenge?
How should the reality that we're commanded to forgive change the way we approach apologies with fellow Christians? How freely do you apologise, and how do you expect others to respond?
The sermon suggests we can forgive even when someone hasn't asked for forgiveness. What would this look like in a specific relationship where you've been hurt but received no acknowledgment of wrongdoing?
The sermon concludes that "the one who ends up unforgiven is the one who won't forgive." Looking at your current relationships, are there people you need to forgive? What specific steps will you take this week to begin that process?

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Home Group Questions:

Jesus deliberately makes discipleship sound difficult when crowds are following him. How does this approach contrast with modern evangelistic methods, and what does it reveal about Jesus' priorities?
What does it mean that following Jesus is "free but costs everything"?
Do you agree that discipleship is connected with persecution (John 15:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12)? How essential is suffering to authentic Christian discipleship?
How does the "salt" metaphor at the end of the passage relate to the cost of discipleship? What does it mean for Christians to "lose their saltiness”?
Jesus says we cannot be his disciples if we don't "hate" (love less) family members. What would this look like practically in your current family relationships and responsibilities?
What specific areas of your life do you find most difficult to submit to Jesus' lordship?
For Christians today, what a some examples of things that might be evidence of wholehearted discipleship? What equivalent sacrificial choices might God be calling you to make?
Some people who at one point claimed to be Christians have gradually walked away from their faith. What factors in your life might gradually erode your commitment to Christ? How can you guard against them?
Do you agree that recognising our "utter impotence" is the first step toward faith? Why or why not?
What would it look like in your current circumstances to live with an "eternal perspective" as suggested in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31?
The sermon connects all sin to "loving something else more than Jesus." What specific idols in your life compete with your love for Christ? How can you practically "hate" these competing loyalties?
When we realise following Jesus is too hard for us to do on our own, what should we do?

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Home Group Questions

Revelation 4:11 reminds us that even our very existence is a reason to thank God. What are some “ordinary” blessings in your life that you might overlook but that reflect God’s generosity?
1 John 4:10 says that God loved us first and sent His Son as the propitiation for our sins. How does understanding that God’s love is not dependent on our love change the way you relate to Him?
Romans 8:35–39 emphasises that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. How does this assurance give you strength in times of trial or uncertainty?
Ephesians 1:5 says that God predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ. What does it mean to you personally to be called a child of God, and how should this identity shape the way we live?
We ought to live with constant thankfulness to our Heavenly Father. What practical habits (prayer, journaling, worship, serving, etc.) can help us cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and dependence on God?

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What caught your attention most as you were reading it?

How would you describe the picture of God presented by this psalm? Anything that surprised you or would be a surprise for those who are not Christian?

Why is it important for us to remember what God did for Israel in the past, especially at Sinai, or with Deborah etc?

God in the Old Testament is one of wrath. Jesus in the New is the God of love. Discuss this statement.

Compare verse 18 to Ephesians 4:8. What do you notice?

In the OT, one had to go to the sanctuary/temple to find God. Where do we go now that we’re in NT times?

As much as you feel comfortable, share what worries and anxieties you have. What would God’s intervention look like?

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1) The passage begins with God promising His people, "rest from your pain and turmoil." How does this promise encourage Christians who are facing persecution or opposition today? How can we find rest in our lives, even amid difficulties? (Consider Matthew 11:28–30)

2) The taunt is a proverb—a parable—for the Israelites to "take up," meaning it would become part of their rhetoric. What would you say is the purpose of this taunt or proverb? What would it teach them? Why can believers already "take up the taunt" against the enemies of God, and even against our greatest enemies, while still experiencing suffering? (Colossians 2:15)

3) In verses 7–8, even creation (such as cypresses and cedars) rejoices over the oppressor’s downfall. Considering Romans 8:18–22 as well, why do you think creation is portrayed in this way? What does this reveal about the impact of human pride on the world?

4) Look at verses 9–11, which describe the sarcastic welcome into Sheol. What does this teach us about the ultimate fate of those who oppose God? (Psalm 49:12-13) How should this affect the way we view powerful oppressors?

5) The king of Babylon said, "I will make myself like the Most High" (v. 14). How do we see this same attitude in our culture today? What are some modern examples of people or movements attempting to "dethrone" God? What should our response be?

6) This passage serves as a profound warning against human pride. In what subtle ways does pride manifest in our lives? How should the life and example of Jesus help us overcome our pride? (Philippians 2:5–9) What are some ways in which we might humble ourselves?

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How would the oracle against Babylon, written 100 years before the actual event, have comforted and strengthened the faith of the Jewish people? With Babylon representing any anti-God institution, whether a nation or political party, how do Isaiah 13 and Revelation 18 build the faith of believers?

Revelation 18:4–5a says:

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,
“Come out of her (Babylon), my people,
lest you take part in her sins,
lest you share in her plagues;
for her sins are heaped high as heaven…”

How is this a warning for us today—both as a church and individually?

In our preaching and evangelism, why must we not shy away from speaking of God’s wrath and judgement? Why do you think Christians often struggle with the idea of God’s fierce anger?

In Isaiah, God speaks often of judgement against pride and arrogance. How does God’s righteous anger reveal the seriousness of human pride and sin? How can we avoid pride both individually and as a church?

The language of Isaiah 13:9–13 is very similar to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:29–31 about the signs of the end of the age. And as Jesus hung on the cross there was cosmic unrest, judgement on sin, and the outpouring of God’s wrath. How does this help us understand Old Testament prophecy and God’s use of typology (i.e. that events in history can be repeated and point forward to a final and complete fulfilment)?

Verses 15–16 are very shocking to us—and rightly so. Read Psalm 137. How does this help us understand why such things would happen to the Babylonians?

How do Isaiah 14:1–2 bring comfort to God’s people, and how does it make us appreciate Jesus all the more in light of the coming day of the Lord?

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Isaiah 11:1-10

Read Isaiah 11:1-10

What is the significance of the coming king being both the branch that comes from Jesse’s root (v.1) and also the root from which Jesse comes (v.10)? (See also Rev 22:16.) How does this—and the fact that Isaiah is writing about a time yet to come—encourage you in your faith?
Take a moment to think about and discuss how Jesus displays the sevenfold Spirit of God:

· The Spirit rests upon Him

· The Spirit of wisdom (the ability to render right judgments) and understanding (insight and perception into things that others don’t see)

· The Spirit of counsel (having a plan and strategy) and might (having the power to carry out that plan)

· The Spirit of knowledge (a close, intimate relationship with God) and the fear of the Lord (reverence and a desire to live according to the will and plan of God)

What is the significance of the fact that Jesus delights in the fear of the Lord? What difference would it make in our lives if we also delighted in the fear of the Lord? (Consider Psalm 112:1; Psalm 34:7.) How could we grow in our delight? (Consider Jeremiah 15:16.)
Jesus is a king who judges with righteousness, in faithfulness to God’s will and moral law. How does this help believers in times of injustice and persecution? How should the fact that Jesus sees the motives of the heart and the thoughts of the mind guide us in our everyday life?
Why do you think God paints a picture of animals and small children dwelling together, rather than just talking about people dwelling in peace? How does this picture of a restored earth, and the thought of a glorious resting place, make you feel? How can it encourage you in times of difficulty? (Consider Romans 8:18.)

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Isaiah 7

Ahaz was more pagan in belief and practice than Israelite. His father, King Jotham, “did not enter the temple of the Lord.” How do parents’ attitudes toward church and faith impact their children? What does this teach us about spiritual leadership in families? (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 1:5)
Isaiah’s references to the “house of David” were a reminder of the covenant promises God made with David to establish his throne forever. How should these promises have helped Ahaz in a time of crisis? (Psalm 89:3–4) As believers, how should God’s promises encourage us in times of crisis? (Romans 8:28; Colossians 3:1–4) Which promises of God have you relied on in the past to help you through difficult times?
God shows in this chapter that He is able to nullify the plans of nations and can use any nation to accomplish His purposes. How does this knowledge help you when considering current events, such as the wars in Israel and Iran or news of trade tensions? (Psalm 33:10–11; Daniel 2:21; Acts 17:26)
God told Ahaz to “Be careful” (watch over yourself and your actions), “be quiet” (be at rest), “do not fear,” and “do not let your heart be faint” (don’t let your heart be weak). Which of these four commands do you find most challenging in your own life? What does each command teach us about how to live by faith?
(Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:7)
Isaiah said, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” How is this true for us not only regarding salvation, but also in our daily lives? (Ephesians 2:8–9; Colossians 2:6–7) How can we become firmer in our faith?
Discuss what the name Immanuel (“God with us”) means for you and your faith. (Hebrews 2:17–18; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 11:28–30; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:14–16)

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Home group questions

Why do you think God uses people to speak on His behalf and to be His workers on Earth? Can you think of a time when you shared the gospel, and how it felt to do so? Why is it significant that God’s call to Isaiah wasn’t a command?
Jesus said, in regard to the “woman of the city, who was a sinner,” who anointed His feet with ointment and wiped them with her hair:
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
What does this, along with Isaiah’s eagerness to serve God, teach us about the greatest motive for serving Jesus no matter the cost? How might we cultivate and grow that motivation in our own lives? (Consider Hebrews 12:1–2.)
Isaiah’s response to God’s question carries a dual emphasis – “Here I am! Send me.” How would you describe the difference between those two statements, and why is it important that both aspects be present in someone who serves God well? (Acts 16:6–7 & 9–10)
Isaiah’s mission was to preach the truth of God’s word, but the result would be the hardening of Israel’s hearts. Yet at the end of the passage, there is a ‘seed’ of hope – a small, holy group would emerge. What does this teach us about the importance of speaking the whole truth of the gospel to all people? (Consider 2 Corinthians 2:15–17 & 4:1–6; Romans 1:16–17.)
How would you respond to someone who says it is wrong for God to harden someone’s heart? (Consider Romans 1:18–23 & 28; Romans 9:14–21.) What does Hebrews 3:12–15 tell us about what hardens peoples hearts, even those who attend church? So what must the church do to help people avoid this?
The Israelites were destined for destruction because of their unrighteousness and rebellion against God. Yet we are no better, because “none is righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10), and all deserve God’s wrath. Read Ephesians 2:1–10 and discuss how this passage shows the unmerited mercy of God toward believers, and what it ought to motivate us to do.

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Home Group Questions

Isaiah 6:1-7

John 12:41 says Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus on the throne. How does knowing that Jesus is on the throne help us in our everyday life? (Consider Colossians 3:1–4; Ephesians 2:6; Romans 8:38–39)
How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty with the reality of Christian persecution worldwide—or even your own struggles? (Revelation 13:5–10; Romans 8:16–19)
Isaiah said the “train (hem) of [God’s] robe filled the temple.” How does an understanding of the grandeur of God and His threefold holiness—compared to humanity, whose righteous deeds are like filthy rags—make His grace and mercy even richer, and the incarnation more incredible?
God’s holiness is the most emphasised attribute in Scripture. It speaks of His separateness—unique in His being (His nature) and unique in His moral character (His righteousness).
How important should it be to believers to understand God’s holiness, and how might we go about increasing our understanding of it? (1 Peter 1:15–16; Ephesians 1:16–17) How might a deeper understanding of God’s holiness change the way you approach worship, prayer, or Bible reading?
What does Isaiah’s response to seeing God in His holiness teach us about how we should respond to God’s holiness?
(Job 40:1–5) Notice how quickly and completely Isaiah’s guilt is removed and his sin atoned for. How does this picture of instant forgiveness encourage you when you struggle with guilt or shame?
"The only way we can ever truly know ourselves is when we truly know God." Do you agree with this? How has growing in your knowledge of God changed how you see yourself?

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Isaiah 4:2-6

When the prophets say “in that day”, there is rarely any specific timeframe given. Why do you think God makes the timing of these future prophecies ambiguous? (Consider Joel 2:1–2, 12–13; Matthew 24:36–51.) How does the lack of specific details about future events help believers in every generation? (1 Corinthians 10:1–12.) How does the book of Revelation encourage Christians across all generations?
In Isaiah 2:2–4:6, “in that day” refers both to times of judgement and dread, and also to times of blessing and peace. How do verses 3–4 show that to be the case? Isaiah 4:4 speaks of God washing away filth “by a spirit of judgement and by a spirit of burning.” How does this connect to what Jesus accomplished on the cross? Why does knowing that it is God who makes people holy and writes their names in the Book of Life give us assurance? (Consider Titus 3:3–7.)
Isaiah 4:2–6 points to the coming church—a people made holy who worship the Messiah. What are the marks of a faithful church in our context today? What would it look like for our church to make Jesus our “pride and honour”? What does it mean to make Jesus our “pride and honour” as individuals?
Verses 5–6 promise God's presence like a canopy, providing shade and shelter. When have you experienced God as your “refuge and shelter” during difficult times? How does knowing that God's presence is with us change the way we face trials?
How can Isaiah 2:5–4:6 help us guard our hearts against bitterness or envy when it seems that unfaithful people prosper?

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In Isaiah chapter 2, we saw that God’s judgment will come against human pride, abundance, and all the things humanity holds precious and in high esteem. But in chapter 3, God’s judgment is to remove the necessities of life and the necessities for human societal flourishing.

1) What does God’s judgment show us about the foolishness of human pride in thinking we don’t need Him? How is the removal of the pillars of a society’s structure (from the strong leader to the local leader, to the tradesmen and the counsellor) a punishment? (Consider Judges 21:25; Romans 13:1–5). Why do you think God will also remove the prophet? (Consider Amos 8:11–12; Proverbs 1:22–31) How is God giving humanity the desires of their hearts the ultimate form of punishment? (Consider vv. 4–5)

2) What do verses 8–9 tell us about the extent of the pride and arrogance of Judah and Jerusalem? How have we seen this kind of behaviour in Western nations? In what ways do people in the West—who have a Christian heritage—defy His glorious presence? (Consider where the glory and presence of God is today: 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Romans 1:19–20) What does this tell us about the importance of Christian speech and deeds?

3) What do verses 13–14 tell us about what is of utmost importance to God? How could we make this a greater priority in our church?

4) Verse 16 presents a picture of frivolous, flirtatious, sexually promiscuous women who use their bodies and outward adornments to attract men.
What does this reveal about the object of their worship? Our culture is not much different. How is some of this mindset and behaviour entering the church?
How should the church respond to this? (Consider Titus 2:3–5; 1 Peter 3:1–6)

5) Discuss how Isaiah 3:16–4:1 presents a picture of God’s judgment on people who have rejected Him and worshipped something else. He gives them the desires of their hearts—but without His support and supply of the good things He gives. What does this tell us about the danger of placing anything in higher esteem than God?

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Isaiah 2:5-22

What does Isaiah's call for the house of Jacob (those chosen by God) to walk in the light of the Lord tell us about our responsibility as God's chosen people?
(Consider Colossians 1:9–10)
Read verses 6–9. Considering all the things Judah had filled themselves with (instead of God), how would you translate this list into a contemporary version for Christians and churches to be watchful of? What are some ways Christians and churches today behave like Judah?
Why does exalting man and devaluing God lead humanity to become more like animals?
(Consider Romans 1:21–32)
Why is pride such a horrific sin, deserving of God’s wrath? Verses 12–18 list things humanity highly values and esteems. Why will God bring judgment on all these things?
(Consider Isaiah 46:5–9)
Why is Isaiah's message about the terror of God often avoided in churches? Why is it vitally important that God’s wrath and the terror of His judgment be part of our gospel message?
(Luke 12:5; Revelation 20:15)
Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” How should this verse shape our perspective on human achievement, status, and self-sufficiency?

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Home group questions

Read Isaiah 2:1-4

Why is it so important that we spend time learning God’s Word when life is going well, rather than neglecting His Word until things go poorly? (Psalm 119:9–11, 28, 50, 66, 104–105)
Why do you think some Christians are so fascinated with trying to figure out the ‘last days’? Do you think that is beneficial or not? According to the New Testament writers, we have been in the last days since the time of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–2; Acts 2:16–17). So how should we live in light of the second coming of Jesus? (2 Peter 3:10–18; Titus 2:11–14)
How do you understand the exaltation of the “mountain of the house of the Lord”? Do you think it refers to a literal temple to which the nations will stream during the millennium, or to the spiritual streaming of the nations through the advance of the gospel around the world? Does either understanding affect who we are as the church? (Consider 1 Peter 2:4–5; Ephesians 2:21–22.) Does either understanding affect the mission we have as God’s household?
What does it look like to exalt Jesus to the highest place in our lives and in the church? What do these verses teach us about what attracts people to God? (2 Corinthians 2:15–17; Romans 10:17) How should that guide our church and our evangelism? (Romans 1:15–16; Hebrews 4:12)
Verse 4 describes nations beating "swords into plowshares" and not learning "war anymore." When and how do you think this promise will be fulfilled? How does this passage encourage us when we see conflict and war in our world today? How does this verse give us hope and comfort?

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John 21 Home Group questions

Jesus provides what we need

1) In what way would you say the resurrection should make a difference in our lives? The disciples went back to their ordinary jobs while waiting for instruction and guidance from Jesus. What does this tell us about the value of living obedient Christian lives, even in the ordinary things of life?

2) Why do you think Jesus made the disciples throw the nets out and work hard, even though he already had fish and could have simply given them fish miraculously? Why do you think God chooses to use ordinary means to provide for Christians rather than providing through miraculous means? How does this help us understand the interplay between faith and our effort? (Consider 1 Corinthians 15:10.) In this instance, Jesus did provide miraculously, but not until they had worked hard first. What does this say about persevering in faith when nothing seems to be happening?

3) If we take the gathering of fish story as a picture of evangelism (“I will make you fishers of men” – Matthew 4:19), how does John 21 bring encouragement?

Jesus restores who we are

1) Why is Peter’s story so important for us when we have failed Jesus or denied him by our words or actions? How does knowing that God uses weak, broken people (like Peter) encourage or challenge you in your own Christian life?

2) Why is it so important for us not to get caught up comparing ourselves with other Christians and their faith or Christian service? (Consider 1 Corinthians 12:21–26.)

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What struck you most about the desperate situation in Samaria during this story?
How do you think you would have responded if you were one of the lepers or in the besieged city?
People often try to find satisfaction in money, power, or relationships. What are the things you've tried to use to fill your spiritual emptiness?
How would you describe what it means to "feed on Jesus" in your daily life?
Share a time when you felt truly spiritually satisfied. What was different about that experience?
How do you currently nurture your relationship with Jesus on a daily basis? What practical steps could you take to make this more consistent?
How can you be more intentional about prayer and asking for help to value Jesus more?
In what ways might your life look different if you truly believed how much God loves you?

Sharing Your Faith 9. Who might you know if someone is spiritually hungry? 10. What makes it challenging for you to share your faith with others? 11. Can you think of a time when someone shared something good with you that genuinely helped you? How can that inspire your approach to sharing about Jesus?

Deeper Insights 12. How do you distinguish between working to earn God's love and enjoying the love he freely gives? 13. In what ways do you sometimes try to make God conform to your expectations, like the king in the story? 14. How can you become more aware of the spiritual victories God has already won for you? 15. What would it look like for you to live from a place of being loved by God, rather than trying to prove your worth? 16. Share a moment when you've seen God provide in an unexpected way.

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In this passage, God addresses His people as children, just as Christians are addressed in the same way. How should focusing on God as our Father shape the way we relate to Him? How might truly recognising yourself as God's child help you during times of difficulty? (Romans 8:28; Romans 5:1-5; Hebrews 12:5-11)

Part of Israel’s rebellion was due to ungratefulness. How can we cultivate gratitude towards God even in difficult times? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; James 1:2-4)

The passage describes a gradual progression: forsaking the Lord → despising Him → becoming utterly estranged. Where have you seen this pattern in your own life or in the lives of others? What early warning signs might help prevent this downward spiral? How could we help someone who is displaying those warning signs? (Jude 17-25; Galatians 6:1-2)

What does this passage teach us about the reason for our obedience, considering that God is both our holy God and loving Father?

God preserved a remnant from Judah not because of their righteousness but because of His grace and covenant promises. How might this truth affect the way you approach God when you’ve failed Him? In light of the gospel of grace, with Jesus as our substitute who takes our punishment, how should this truth transform the way you deal with guilt, failure, or the temptation to rebel against God?

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1) Why is it difficult, yet important, for us to read and study the Bible while trying not to let our culture or personal presuppositions determine its meaning? To help us understand Scripture, why do we need to gain insight into the life and world of the people to whom the Scriptures were written?

2) We are not ancient Israelites, so why do you think we should continue to study the Old Testament? (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; John 5:39-40)

3) According to Nehemiah 9:29-30, what is the prophet’s primary task? The prophets can be called covenant prosecutors, which is why Isaiah calls on heaven and earth as witnesses in the cosmic courtroom (Isaiah 1:2a).

Read the following passages and discuss how they explain the basis for the prophets’ prosecution. What do they tell us about why the northern tribes of Israel were exiled and why the southern tribes also ended up in exile for a time?

Exodus 6:6-8
Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 7, 15, 20, 25, 36, 45, 52, 64
Leviticus 20:22
Exodus 24:3 & 7
Deuteronomy 29:10-15 & 29
2 Kings 17:6-8, 13-18
2 Kings 24:18-20

4) Though the prophets prosecuted, they also offered comfort and hope. According to Deuteronomy 30:1-6, what is the basis of this comfort? How does it compare to Isaiah 10:20-22? How does Deuteronomy 30:6 point forward to God’s work in Jesus? (Consider Jeremiah 32:36-40; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11.)

5) How does knowing about God’s hatred for sin, His patience with sinful people, and the blessings He offers to those who belong to Him—most of all, His salvation through Jesus’ death—affect and guide your life?

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Contemplation questions at the end of the Sermon

1) From Looking at Ephesians 5:25-33 and focusing on Christ and the Church, what stood out to you about that relationship?

2) What is one attitude or behaviour you have towards the church that you'd like to pray for change in?

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Study Questions

1) How does Titus 2:14—“[Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”—help us understand who we are? How should this, in turn, affect all aspects of our lives? (Consider also 1 Corinthians 6:20.)

2) What would you say is the purpose of the church? Could you summarise it in a short sentence?

Read Ephesians 4 and discuss:

Who does Paul expect will do the work in the church?
Which verse(s) talk about the goal of ministry, and what is that goal?
Which verse(s) describe how that goal will be achieved, and what do they say?
When everything is working properly, what is the outcome?
How well does our church’s vision align with this?

"We seek the love and truth of God, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, as described by the Spirit through the Bible, and as a result, strive to become more like Him."

3) Given all that you have just discussed, why is it important to exercise due diligence before granting someone church membership—especially considering that membership may involve participation in decision-making processes? Who should be responsible for this due diligence, and why?

4) As with all organisations, some must take on leadership roles. Why is this even more important in the church? (Consider Acts 20:28–30; Galatians 1:6–9, 3:1; Revelation 2:14–16, 20.) What does Hebrews 13:17 tell us about the relationship between elders/overseers and the congregation? How does it highlight the seriousness of an elder’s role (also consider James 3:1)?

5) What kind of leadership should an elder/overseer exercise, and how does this often differ from the world’s version of leadership? (Consider Matthew 20:25–28; 1 Peter 5:2–3.) Titus 1:9 states that an elder “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” While an elder instructs and rebukes, who ultimately enforces church discipline? (Consider Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4–5, 12–13; 2 Corinthians 2:6.) What is the nature of this "punishment," and what does this reveal about the importance of building a loving church community?

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Home Group Questions

1) When you come to a passage like this (or Romans 16), do you skim-read it, or do you take time to reflect on it? Why? Why do you think Paul would take the time to write passages like this when it would have been a financial expense, rather than simply having Tychicus pass on his greetings? Why should we take the time to contemplate and study passages like this? (2 Timothy 3:16) Was there anything in the sermon that challenged or encouraged you as we looked at these people?

2) Read verses 7-9. Apart from delivering the letter, what are Tychicus and Onesimus tasked with doing? Why do you think this was so important to Paul? (Consider this in light of Colossians 1:3-8 and 1 Thessalonians 3:6-7.) How can looking beyond our own church and seeing how God is working elsewhere be an encouragement to us? How might we, as individuals or as a church, do this better?

3) Paul receives comfort from his fellow Jews, especially because of their shared history and suffering. In order for people to truly comfort one another, we must be willing to be open and honest, which requires vulnerability and trust. Why is this important? (Consider Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; James 5:16; Galatians 6:2.) Do you find this easy or difficult? Why? How do you think a church could cultivate a culture of openness and support? Have you received comfort, or been able to give comfort, to others who have faced similar suffering or shared a similar history to you? (Consider 2 Corinthians 1:2-7.)

4) Consider the diversity of the people Paul had with him—Jews, Gentiles, a highly educated doctor, a former slave, someone who had previously faltered in ministry but was restored, someone who seemed faithful but later walked away, a church planter who was a fervent prayer warrior, and a messenger boy who became a travelling pastor. How is this a picture of the makeup of the church? (Consider Colossians 3:11.) How does this diversity testify to God’s grace?

5) What are the similarities between Epaphras’ prayer and Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-14? What does this teach us about how we ought to pray for our fellow believers?

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Home group Questions

Read Colossians 4:2-6. From the passage or from the sermon, was there anything that stood out to you—anything you observed, anything that challenged or encouraged you?

Before we engage in any church program or evangelistic outreach, why is it so important to be devoted to prayer? What do these passages tell us?
- Colossians 2:19 (Paul’s explanation of the problem with the false teachers)
- Acts 16:14
- John 6:44
- Matthew 9:35-38
- Why do you think Paul talks first about our walk around outsiders before he talks about how we speak to outsiders? (See Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:7-8). Why should it be of greatest importance for a believer to live a life consistent with the values and standards of our ‘new life’ in Christ, i.e. living as representatives of Jesus? What does inconsistency in behaviour reveal about a Christian’s belief, and what might it communicate to those who observe it?
- Why is it so important that we not only live a Christlike life but also make the best use of our time by speaking the gospel truth? What do Romans 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 tell us about how people are brought to salvation, and how is that encouraging for us?
- Why do many Christians find evangelism difficult? What do you think would help you or other Christians become braver and more urgent in evangelism? Do you think a deeper love for Jesus makes evangelism more natural? Why or why not?
- Consider this quote from Jeff Vanderstelt regarding a one-size-fits-all approach to evangelism: “We go about ‘preaching’ gospel snippets, thinking we’re speaking the gospel to others, but what people hear is not good news. Oh, it might contain gospel elements, but they don’t hear it as good news because they are not hearing the truths of Jesus applied to their lives and situations. What they get is just a set of phrases and propositions that don’t make much sense to their context, culture, or language.”

How does this relate to Colossians 4:6? How might a deeper knowledge and understanding of how Jesus is the answer to all human needs and cravings for satisfaction help us in our evangelism?

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Spurgeon tells a story of an old minister who heard a sermon by a young man. When the young man asked the old minister what he thought of it, he was rather slow to answer. At last, he said, “If I must tell you, I did not like it at all; there was no Christ in your sermon.”
“No,” answered the young man, “because I did not see that Christ was in the text.”
“Oh!” said the old minister, “but do you not know that from every little town and village and tiny hamlet in England there is a road leading to London?”

In Luke 24:27, Jesus goes back to the writings of Moses and the Prophets to help unfold the mystery of His death. What does this tactic of Jesus, coupled with Spurgeon’s quote, reveal about the Bible?

How does this help us better understand and read Scripture?
How might an overemphasis on this approach lead us to read Scripture inaccurately?

It has been said that the Bible is a "Him" book... it’s all about Him!
How do Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21 bring this truth together, serving as the perfect bookends of Scripture?
(See John 1:1-2 and John 1:14.)
In Romans 1:16, Paul says, “The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.”

Why is it necessary, once we are in Christ, to continue preaching the gospel to ourselves daily?
(Consider 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Colossians 2:6-7; Galatians 1:6-9.)

The message of the gospel is often seen as culminating at the cross.

How is this view incomplete, and why does our hope beyond the cross serve as an essential element in understanding the full message of the gospel?
(Consider Philippians 3:20-21 and 1 Peter 1:3-4.)

How might the words of Jesus in Luke 24:25, “Oh foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe,” present both a challenge and a warning for each of us?

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1) How would you explain what it means to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ”? Why should the gospel message create in us a desire to pursue righteous living? (Consider 1 John 5:1-3)

2) Philippians 1:27 describes the church as standing firm in one spirit and striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. How can we, as a church, build a community that stands firm and strives side by side? In what ways can we build stronger unity within our church, and how could elders help in that goal? Why is it so important to build a strong unified community that is centred around solid teaching of the gospel of Christ? (Consider 1 Peter 5:8-9, Philippians 3:2, Colossians 3:16)

3) Striving for the faith of the gospel can mean a defensive, supportive stance, but it could also mean an offensive, proactive stance. What are some ways our church could strive to take the faith of the gospel to the community around us? What are some ways you have seen other churches do this well?

4) Do you think it is important for external missions to have a high profile within the church? Why? How could we, as a church, foster a greater missions focus?

5) What are some ways that Grace Community could encourage a greater prayer life in our community?

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Home group questions:

Unity doesn’t mean uniformity, so how can the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts (acting as an umpire) help us stay united when there are cultural, social, educational, and even theological differences? How should our knowledge that we are part of the body of Christ influence our relationships with fellow believers? (Consider 1 Corinthians 12:21-27, Hebrews 10:24-25.)

Some might say that it is more important to pursue peace above doctrine, but how does verse 16 speak against that? (Consider also 1:28 and Titus 1:9.) What has the book of Colossians shown us about the importance of sound teaching? (1:9-10, 2:1-8.) What can happen when the church turns aside from the word of Christ and instead teaches human traditions and philosophies? (Consider 2 Timothy 4:1-4.)

How would you define what it means to do everything “in the name of Jesus”? Why should the name of Jesus be the motivating factor in our lives? (1 Peter 2:9-12.) How should the name of Jesus shape our words and deeds, both in church and out in the world?

Why do you think thankfulness is such a central part of the Christian life? How can thankfulness promote unity within the church? Discuss how we might grow in thankfulness and encourage each other to be thankful.

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Pope Francis said on 60 Minutes, “People are fundamentally good. We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good.” Does Romans 3 support that message? Why? What do verses 10-18 tell us about the fullness of human sinfulness? (For example, “no one understands; no one seeks for God” speaks of being sinful in mind.)

According to verses 19-20, what was the purpose of the Law? (Also see Romans 5:12-13 and 20.) What, then, is the Christian’s relationship with the Law? (Consider Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:24, and 6:2.)

In Romans 3, Paul is discussing both Jews and Gentiles (all people). According to verses 21-24, what is the universal problem, and what is the universal solution? How is the solution received? What is the significance of Paul describing God’s justification as a gift?

Paul uses the term propitiation, which means to turn God’s wrath away from the sinner and onto the sacrifice, i.e., Jesus. Why is it important not to downplay the fact that God is wrathful toward sinners and their sin? (Consider Revelation 20:12-15.) If God did not show wrath toward sin, what would that say about God and about the seriousness of sin?

What does it mean that God is “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus”? (Consider 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Colossians 2:13-14.)

Knowing God’s purpose in the Law and His wrath toward sin, because He is just, how does recognising our inability to be righteous on our own deepen our appreciation for the grace of God? How should that make us respond, especially knowing that His grace is a gift, in our everyday lives?

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In Colossians 2:16-18, Paul mentions that some felt judged and disqualified by false teachers who insisted on legalism, asceticism, and religious experiences. How do Paul’s words “as God’s chosen ones” (Colossians 3:12) reassure these believers—and all Christians—who feel as though they aren’t 'good enough' as Christians?

Paul acknowledges that, although we have new life in Christ, we still battle the "old self." What are some practical ways we can “put to death” the old self and its desires? How can the group support each other in this ongoing spiritual battle?

The false teachers were “puffed up without reason.” Why should the knowledge that we are chosen by God, without any merit of our own (see Ephesians 2:1-9), make us humble rather than full of pride and boastfulness?

Paul says Christians are "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved." How does understanding your identity as chosen and loved by God affect the way you live and interact with others?

How should knowing that we are God’s beloved stop us from chasing worldly treasures and make us content no matter what our situation?

How should the title "holy" (meaning set apart for God) affect the way we make decisions and behave when we are by ourselves or when we are in the community?

There is a big difference between living for God to gain His favour versus living for Him because of what He has already done for us. In your own life, how can you avoid falling into the trap of trying to earn God's favour, and instead live out of gratitude for His grace?

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Home group questions:

1.What does it mean to be “blessed” by God when we are mourning? How does this perspective challenge your current understanding of happiness and blessing?

2.What specific things in your life or in the world do you feel God is calling you to mourn over? Why do you think these things matter to Him?

3.When you look at the example of Jesus mourning, what do you learn about His heart and how He views suffering and loss?

4.How do you tend to respond to feelings of sadness or grief? Do you turn toward God, away from Him, or to something else entirely?

5.In what ways has God comforted you in times of mourning in the past?

6.Are there any sins or areas of personal brokenness that you need to mourn or bring before God this week?

7.What role do you think mourning plays in your spiritual growth? How might God use your sorrow to draw you closer to Him?

8.⁠ ⁠How can we, as a church family, support one another in times of mourning or hardship? Are there any ways you could be a blessing to others this week?

9.What promises in Scripture give you hope in times of sadness? Which promises might you want to meditate on this week?

10.How does the hope of Christ’s return and the end of all mourning impact your view of current sorrows and struggles?

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1.⁠ ⁠What does it mean to you personally to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”?

2.⁠ ⁠Can you identify any desires or goals in your life that sometimes compete with your desire for God?

3.⁠ ⁠In what areas of your life do you feel the most resistance to aligning your desires with God’s righteousness?

4.⁠ ⁠What are some practical ways you can cultivate a stronger hunger for righteousness in your daily routines?

5.⁠ ⁠Commentators say there are three areas of righteousness; legal, moral and social. Which area do you want to seek to grow in and why?

6.⁠ ⁠When you look back, how has your desire for God’s righteousness grown or changed over time?

7.⁠ ⁠How might you encourage others in their pursuit of righteousness? What’s been effective for you?

8.⁠ ⁠What are some challenges you face in resisting worldly desires, and how does what God has done through Jesus help with those?

9.⁠ ⁠When have you experienced a deep satisfaction in God (the righteous one), and what can you do to cultivate that kind of relationship with Him?

10.⁠ ⁠As we think about growing in hungering for righteousness how can we avoid the trap of legalism?

11.⁠ ⁠After reflecting on this verse, what things would you like to pray for?

Reflection questions at the end of the sermon:

What are the core things that unite you with other believers? How can you focus more on these for the sake of love and unity?

What are some of your own interests that you might be tempted to prioritise over the interests of others? In what ways does your faith need to be strengthened so that you can prioritise the interests of others?

In what ways are you tempted to serve others for the sake of your own benefit?
What would it mean for you to adopt the mindset of Christ in your relationship with others?

Are you motivated by the thought of future glory? Why or why not?

How would your service of others be affected if you more deeply knew how much you were loved by God?

Why do you think anger is such a common struggle, even among Christians? How would you define ‘righteous anger’ versus the anger of man, which “does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20)? In any given situation, how would you distinguish whether your anger is righteous or sinful? (Consider when Jesus talks about or shows anger; Matthew 5:21; Mark 3:1-6; John 2:13-17; and 10:13-14, versus how He reacts to His temptation, His betrayal by Judas, and His trial and crucifixion. Also, Ephesians 4:26).

Ed Welch said, “Ultimately, our anger has everything to do with our relationship with the Lord.” What are your thoughts on this?

Read Psalm 4. How does Psalm 4 show us how to “be angry” and yet not sin? I.e., what does it teach us about how to deal with anger? What are some ways we can “put off” anger, especially long-term anger which leads to wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk? (Consider Matthew 5:38-41).

What would you say is the motivation behind lying, and why do Christians need to put that off with the old self? Why do you think it is necessary for Paul to say that the Colossians (and by extension, all Christians) should not lie to one another specifically, instead of just saying "do not lie"? (Consider Proverbs 6:16-19, Ephesians 4:25). Discuss some practical ways of taming the tongue based on the fact that we have a brand-new identity at work, at home, and at church.

Looking at verse 11, what is the Christian answer to racism? How does our constant thinking of heaven, our new identity, and the fact that “Christ is all, and in all” help us with judgmental thoughts about people of different races, religious backgrounds, and socioeconomic status?

How do these verses go against the ‘Christian’ worldview which says that “once saved always saved’ means that I can live as I please? (Consider John 14:21-24; 2 John 1:5-6; Hebrews 12:4-8) What would you say to someone who says that they can watch whatever they want or read whatever they want and it won’t effect their relationship with Jesus?(Consider 1 Peter 1:14-17)

What would you say to someone who says, “If I am deeply attracted to something there is nothing I can do about it. How can I change my deepest desires?” How do verses 1-7 help us answer this?

This next topic is a difficult topic to discuss, may it be done in love and unity - As a church and individually how should we treat same sex couples? What if a same sex couple come to church? Should it be any different for people who are in any kind of sexually immoral relationship? (Ephesians 5:3)

According to Pew Research (on 2020): 46% of Evangelical Protestants believe that sex between unmarried couples who are in a committed relationship is acceptable. Why do you think this is and how do you think the church should correct this error? (Interesting to note from the study that regular church attendees are less likely to approve).

If the deep underlying foundation of this list of vices is idolatry of self how should we best put it to death? (Ephesians 3:16-19; Hebrews 12:1-2) Consider the following quote from Thomas Chalmer:
“There is not one personal transformation in which the heart is left without an object of ultimate beauty and joy. The heart’s desire for one particular object can be conquered but its desire to have some object is unconquerable. The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one.”

Home Group Questions

Read Matthew 25:31-46
1) In this passage, Jesus is at the end of a long teaching about the end of the age and coming judgment, which began in chapter 24. What would you say Jesus is specifically teaching us about Himself in this parable? How should a true understanding of this affect the way we live our lives?

2) How does verse 34 help us to see that salvation is not earned but rather given? (Consider Ephesians 1:11-14.)

3) It is important to understand the people Jesus is referring to in verses 35-40. Is Jesus referring to all downcast and impoverished people, or specifically to believers? What makes you say that? (Consider verses 40 and 45.) Does it make a difference in how we understand this passage?

4) How are verses 37-40 an indication that the actions of the sheep is faith displaying itself in works rather than works being done for the sake of reward? Why do you think Jesus specifically points to the downcast and downtrodden as those we ought to give focused care to?

5) How is love and care for fellow believers a sign of being a child of God? (Consider John 13:34-35; Colossians 1:3-4; James 2:14-17.)

6) How do verses 41 and 46 shape our understanding of hell, and how do they speak against annihilationism (the theory that those who aren’t saved cease to exist)? Why should this increase our urgency for evangelism?

7) How does this passage challenge our understanding of what it means to truly take up our cross and follow Jesus? In what ways might we be unconsciously neglecting “the least of these” in our daily lives?

Home Group Questions

Knowing the horrendous sins that David has committed (2 Sam 11), how does this Psalm encourage you or challenge you in approaching God when you have sinned? Why is it crucial to recognise that our sins are ultimately against God?

Discuss the relationship between:

God’s love and a believer's repentance.
God’s grace and a believer's repentance.
God’s judgement and a believer's repentance.
A believer's joy and repentance.

What does this Psalm teach us about human nature? What does it teach us about God’s character? What does it teach us about the security of God’s salvation?

Why is singing God’s praise and teaching others of God’s ways both the result and the expression of true repentance?

How does this Psalm point you to Jesus?

Home group questions:

1) What does Paul mean when he says that Jesus is the ‘image of the invisible God’?(v15) Hint: see John 1:18, Hebrews 1:3. Some of the Colossians may have been teaching that through visions and the worship of angels they can get a better understanding of God. If we need new or different revelation about God, what does that say about Jesus?

2) How do you think Paul would expect us to increase in the knowledge of God (as he prays in verse 10)? Does that mean that we should spend most of our time reading the gospels which speak specifically of Jesus’ time on earth? Hint: Luke 24:27&44-45, John 5:39, Acts 1:1, Revelation 1:1.

3) Jesus is described as ‘the firstborn’ in v15a. Jehovah Witnesses think this means that Jesus was created, whilst Mormons believe that Jesus was actually the result of a union between a divine father and a divine mother. Firstborn can obviously mean born first but it is also tied with rank and status. Look at what the Bible can also mean by the word ‘firstborn’ by looking up Psalm 89:24-28, Exodus 4:22, Hebrews 1:1-3. How do we know Jesus wasn’t created and therefore the firstborn in that sense? John 1:1-2 & 8:58. (Also consider that he is called the ‘firstborn from the dead’).

4) How does the knowledge of Jesus’ supremacy over all “thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” bring comfort and reassurance? How do you feel about the influence of the powers of evil over Christians and your life? Consider 1 Peter 5:6-11.

5) What does it mean that Jesus is the “head of the body, the church”(v18) and how should this influence the way we ‘do’ church?
The word preeminent means “to have first place”. What is the scope of Jesus’ preeminence and how should that effect our Christian life?

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Shamgar

31 After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

1) Can you put in a sentence or two the journey of the Colossians from unbelief to faith based on vs1-8, e.g. like a testimony of their journey to faith and its effect on their lives. When you read through Colossians 1:1-8, what does Paul indicate as the turning point or the pivotal thing that changed the lives of the Colossian believers?

2) Read 1 Corinthians 15:8-10. What effect has the grace of God had on Paul’s life and how would you describe his attitude towards God’s grace? What is your understanding of grace and how would you define it? (See Psalm 51:1-3; 103:8-13) How does grace set Christianity apart from all other religions? (Ephesians 2:8-9)

3) Why does an understanding of grace bring forth fruit and growth in believers? Why is salvation by grace a greater motivator for a life of purity and piety than salvation by works? How do people who claim to be Christians and yet don’t live a life of obedience to Jesus fail to grasp the grace of God? Why is the knowledge that we are constantly saved by grace through the gospel tied to the hope laid up for us in heaven? (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

4) If you were asked “What is the gospel?” how would you respond? Why is it impossible to separate the gospel and grace? Do you agree that the gospel should be the core of teaching within the church? What happens when a church becomes embarrassed or unimpressed with the gospel message? How does this affect the church?

If you have time -
5) Why is it so important for the church to make sure it centres around word of truth/gospel ministry (preaching and teaching the Word) rather than programs and teachings focused on earthly ‘betterment’? (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:17). On the flip side why is it important to include programs which are beneficial to people’s earthly life? Which programs within a church would be beneficial to both the church and the wider community and how could they be used for the glory of God?

Home group questions.

How would you explain to a new Christian what mature Christianity looks like (e.g. what should be the goal of our Christian journey)? How would you encourage/mentor a new Christian to pursue those things?
Someone once asked me, “Why is faith so important to God?” How would you answer that question (see Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9)? What are some ways God grows our faith? How can we work toward growing in our own faith, in both the invisible aspect (our relationship with God) and in the way we display our faith? How does Hebrews 11 help us understand faith?
Love for our Christian family is of utmost importance to God (see John 13:34-35; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 3:14-18). How have you experienced love from your fellow believers and how did/does that effect your faith? We display love in different ways; how do you feel you best display your love for your fellow Christians? In what ways do you sometimes show a lack of love for others? How do you think you could change that?
Paul uses the triad of faith, hope and love numerous times as a short hand for Christian maturity (see 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:5-6; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 5:8; 1 Tim 4:10-12). How would you describe the interrelationship between faith, hope and love?
Alexander Maclaren wrote, “hope [in Colossians 1:4] is best taken as meaning not the emotion, but the object on which the emotion is fixed; not the faculty, but the thing hoped for; or in other words, that it is objective, not subjective." Why is hope as an objective reality as well as the feeling of hopefulness so important to keep our faith strong? How would you explain Paul’s statement that a “hope laid up in heaven” creates love for all the saints?
Discuss how Jesus is the ultimate display of faith, love and hope (hope as an objective reality not a feeling, i.e. He knew His destination). Consider Hebrews 12:1-2; Luke 23:43,46; Matthew 20:18-19 & 26:29,39,42. Although you may not be able to recall specific verses, what can you recall of Jesus showing faith, hope and love?

** Unfortunately due to technical difficulties the beginning of the sermon was missed

In summary Ewen spoke about some of the greatest difficulties Christians he has known have faced. He spoke of having to watch a mother turn off the life support for her child and a pastors wife being overcome by dementia in her 50s.Home group questions:
Questions were taken from Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Psalms 51–100 © Copyright 2020 by David Platt, Jim Shaddix, and Matt Mason.
B&H Publishing Group
Nashville, Tennessee
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5359-5213-2

Why is there often a disconnect between what we know about God and how we feel and act?

Consider the psalmist’s exchanges with God—the “I/you” statements. How do these statements reveal what is happening in the writer’s soul? If you were to make a list of “I/you” statements, what would they be during this season of your life? During a dark season of your life?

Is it possible to have faith and feel that God is hiding his face from you? Why? Does right knowledge about God always yield sustaining belief? What makes the psalmist keep asking when his prayers were going unanswered?

What happens when we use our feelings (instead of our knowledge of God through his Word) as an indicator of our faith and trust in God?

When you feel like God has hidden himself from you, what choices are in front of you? Why should you choose to turn to him in prayer even though you may feel like he is not listening?

If your faith is weak right now, how does the truth that Jesus was forsaken so you never will be forsaken encourage you to pray? (For personal reflection - Is there someone with whom you can share what you’re going through so that he or she can pray with you over your suffering? When will you share your struggles with them?)

Home group questions:

How is thanks to God one of the goals and blessings of our restoration and reconciliation to God? (Romans 1:18-21; 1 Thess 5:16-18) Why must our thanksgiving be centred around Jesus? (John 14:6, 17:24-26; Ephesians 2:13-18; Hebrews 7:22-25)

How do you think thanks to God should be expressed in our individual life and in our corporate church life as well? Why do you think other people’s faith should be a reason to thank God?

Jesus says in Matthew 6:7-8, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” We do not ‘change God’s mind’ when we pray (if we did He would not be omniscient), so why do we pray and why do we pray to God for the sake of others? (Mark 1:35; Philippians 4:6-7; Col 1:3-4; 2 Cor 1:11; James 4:2, 5:13-16; 1 Tim 2:1-4). This article may help: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-pray-if-god-has-already-determined-everything/
Prayer can be difficult for people. If you have time discuss your practise of prayer.

Why is it necessary for us to recognise Jesus as both Lord (God and Master) and Saviour? (Job 9:30-34; Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 4:9-15). If faith is evidence of your belief (Hebrews 11:1) in what ways do we show that Jesus is both our Lord and our Saviour?

Home group questions.

1) How do you understand the term ‘in Christ’ (sometimes “in him” i.e. 2:6)? Why do you think it was important for Paul to remind the Colossians, which is also a reminder for us, that we are ‘in Christ’?

2) Do you agree that the greatest threat to the stability of the church (or a church) comes from people within the church rather than those from outside?

3) Bishop Stephen Neil wrote - “The false teachers came in with the claim that they would complete and perfect the simple and elementary faith to which the Colossians had been introduced by Paul and his friends. This is what the false teachers always do. ‘What you have is quite all right, and a good foundation for faith. Now let us just finish it off for you, and you really will be Christians”. How would the health, wealth, prosperity teaching be an example of this? Why do you think this kind of teaching appeals to Christians? Why do you think some Christians try to add Jewish practises to their Christianity while some other Christians follow teachings about personal spiritual breakthroughs and dream interpretations? How should the knowledge that we are ‘in Christ’ and have fullness in him prevent us from following such teachings?

4) Francis Bacon said: ”Prosperity is the blessing of the old testament, adversity is the blessing of the New” Do you agree? (Consider Lev 26:3-12, Romans 5:1-5; 8:17-18; 1 Peter 4:12-13) How can suffering be a blessing and how do churches who teach that you can have your best life now (aka one devoid of suffering and full of wealth) weaken peoples faith?

5) How should churches protect themselves from the internal threats of Christians wanting to have a syncretistic kind of religion which combines worldly values and beliefs with Christianity? How can the church ensure that the teaching within the church doesn’t stray from the gospel message?

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

Colossians 1:1-2

Throughout Colossians, Paul talks in various ways about ‘the message’ or ‘the word of truth’ they heard from Epaphras wanting to reassure the Colossians that the message they received is true. For Paul it is important that they stay faithful to that original message, the true message. Straying from what they heard and believed put them at risk of being deluded by plausible arguments (v2:4).

1) In the same way today, how does a degradation of the belief in the authority, infallibility and inerrancy of scripture lead to doctrinal compromises within the church? (consider Ephesians 2:19-22) How should a church guard itself against this? How would you answer the objection that the meaning of scripture is open for interpretation and one person’s interpretation is just as valid as another’s even if they don’t agree?

2) Epaphras is a great example of someone who heard the word and took it to ‘his people’. How do you feel about sharing the gospel with ‘your people’ (friends, family, work colleagues etc)? What makes you hesitate or what gives you the boldness to do so? Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. How might this passage help us overcome some of our fears of sharing the gospel? Why do you think the church is growing rapidly in places like Iran and China where Christians are persecuted and sometimes even killed for their faith? How does this make you feel about your effort in sharing the gospel?

3) How do the words “in Christ at Colossae”(v2) remind us of the ‘now and not yet’ reality of our Christian faith. (See Phil 3:20, 1 John 3:12, Ephesians 2:5-9 & 6:12). It is a reminder that we are in the world but not of the world so how do we keep from letting the ‘at Perth’ part of our life become of more importance to us than the ‘in Christ’ reality of our life?

4) Discuss how “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”(v2) is one of the greatest desires/wishes/goals you could have for yourself and also your loved ones. How might this phrase shape the way we parent our children, treat our spouses, relate to our family members? (When Paul says peace, it’s not just the absence of conflict; it reflects the Old Testament prophetic hope for an era of ‘shalom’, a time of spiritual and physical wholeness and well-being because our enemies have been destroyed and we experience the presence and blessing of God.)

13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.”

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring for ever.”

13 “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”

The Book of Remembrance

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name. 17 “They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

The Great Day of the Lord

4 “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

Homegroup Questions

How do you feel about the fact that it is possible for us to weary the Lord or as Ephesians 4:30 states, “grieve the Holy Spirit”? What is it in Malachi 2:17 and Ephesians 4:25-32 that causes God to feel this way?
Like the Israelites and Asaph (Psalm 73) do you sometimes question God and wonder why He seems to let the evil and the wicked prosper and yet His people suffer? How do you deal with such feelings and thoughts?
Notice the order in which God works; He sends a messenger, He refines and then He judges. How is this a display of God’s kindness? Why do you think God’s fire and purifying comes on His people before judgement on the wicked? (See James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 5:1-5). Are there times when you feel the imagery of Mal 3:2-3 has occurred in your life? What was the result to such refining and purifying?
“Martin Luther said, ‘“There are only two days on my calendar. This day and that day.”’ For the Israelites, there were only two days on the calendar: today and the Day of the Lord. In the same manner, there are only two days that should matter to believers: today and the day Jesus returns to test our worth.” How should the Day of the Lord (Jesus’ return) and passages like 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 effect the way you live ‘today’?
We know from scripture that when we are redeemed by Jesus we are fully accepted by God and our sins are remembered no more and yet God says that even we as Christians will stand before His judgement seat where our works will be judged. What do you think is the purpose behind God judging His people? (See 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15). How should theses verses effect your every day life?

To the church in Philadelphia

7 ‘To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

10 Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11 Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant[e] of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!

13 And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?[f] And what was the one God[g] seeking?[h] Godly offspring. So guard yourselves[i] in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her,[j] says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers[k] his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

Questions:

In a passage that is mostly about faithlessness between people, why do you think Malachi starts it by mentioning that they have “one Father” and “one God”? (v10) How does our faithfulness to our fellow members of the covenant of God indicate our relationship with God? (See 1 John 4:7-21)
Why does honouring God above all else benefit our brothers and sisters in Christ and how does it benefit both partners in marriage? (See John 13:31-35; Ephesians 5:22-33)
Why do you think marrying the daughter of a foreign god profanes the sanctuary of God? (By sanctuary I am referring to the temple of God.) Do you think the same applies to God’s covenant people, the church, today? Why? (Consider 1 Cor 7:12-16 & 2 Cor 6:14-18) What advice would you give to a Christian who is contemplating dating and/or marrying an unbeliever?
Malachi says, “the Lord [is] witness between you and the wife of your youth” (v14); what does that tell you about the seriousness of the promises given in the marriage covenant? If you are married, how does it make you feel about the seriousness of your relationship with your spouse?
From this passage and from others in scripture it is clear that God is against divorce and yet divorce is not an unforgivable sin (consider how Jesus speaks to the woman at the well in John 4) and God does give permission for divorce in some instances (Matthew 19:8-9; 1 Cor 7:12-16). Why do you think God allows divorce even though He hates it?
Why do you think God does not “regard the offering or accept it with favour” (v13) from a man who is faithless to his wife? (see also 1 Peter 1:7)

Malachi 2:1-9
2 “And now, O priests, this command is for you. 2 If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. 4 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts. 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, 9 and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Questions:
1. This passage can be divided into 3 sections. What short description (title) would you give each section?
2. What do you understand about why it is so important for God to have people honour His name, which could also be stated as why is it good for people that God is jealous for His glory?
3. Why do you think God's punishment for the priests and their offspring is so shocking? As the priests of the new covenant, how does it make you feel about your personal responsibility to honour God's name seriously? (see 1 Pet 4:17; Rev 2:5 & 3:19; 1 Cor 11:32-35). In what ways do we honour God's name?
4. If verses 4-7 describe the perfect priest, what does it tell us about what is important to God when it comes to being His representatives? How is Jesus the perfect example of this priest? What does Hebrews 6:19 - 7:28 tell us about Jesus' priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood?
5. What do verses 6-9 tell us about our how we, as the priests of the new covenant, should handle God's word? Do you think it applies only to the teachers of the church or do you think it applies to everyone? (Consider Col 3:16-17 & 4:5-6; 1 Pet 3:15)

6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

Questions:
Malachi 1:6-14

God commanded sacrifice in Leviticus and Deuteronomy yet He says in Isaiah 1:11-15 that he has had enough of their sacrifices and offerings. What does Isaiah 1:15-17 tell us about God’s reason for not wanting Israel’s sacrifices? How is that different to what we read in Malachi?

Why does the failure to recognise God as Father and Master effect Israel’s worship? How might the same attitude effect Christians’ worship of God (by ‘worship’ I mean our daily relationship with God and His worth to us)?
Lee Gatiss said that you will get the best from people when they know that the best is yet to come. How does that relate to verse 11 and what effect should it have had on the Israelites? Although verse 11 is no doubt talking about the gospel spreading to the ends of the world, there seems to be a close parallel and an extension to it in Philippians 2:10-11. How does the Philippians passage encourage you to give your best to God?
Jesus is both the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice and thus gave us full access to and reconciliation with God. How does Hebrews 10:19-25 help you understand what Jesus has given us and what our response should be?
Read Romans 12. What does it teach us about being a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God? Read Philippians 4:14-20. What does it tell us about how we as a church can offer sacrifice to God and what does Paul say are the results of such actions?
If you have time, read Hebrews 13:1-19 and list the ways we offer sacrifice to God.

1. a What do the Pharisees of Jesus day and all religions (excluding Christianity) today have in common?

b What does Christianity teach that sets it apart from all other religions?

2. How has the term “Born again” been wrongly used in today's culture to define what it means to be a Christian?

3. In verse 5 we read: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Catholics, as well as many bible believing Christians, believe that being “born of water’” in this verse is talking about baptism. They will refer to verses such as Mark 6:16 , 1 Peter 3:21,and Acts 3:23 to support their argument. How do we know from the passage in John 3, and other scriptures that this is not what Jesus is referring to?
(Helpful verses: Titus 3:4-7;John 1:12;John 5:24;John 11:25;Romans 10:9-11)

4. Why should we never attempt to harmonize God's sovereignty in salvation vs man's responsibility?

5. Luther describes John 3:16 as the “gospel in miniature”, what is the expanded view of the Gospel, and how does the “World” as expressed in vs 16 deepen our view of God?

Leaders Guide
1.a. They all believe you get to God by way of human achievement.
Discuss some examples of this false system of belief both present and historically and the practices involved (seeking to appease false gods by child sacrifices
etc)
b. We are saved by faith alone.

Open discussion
1 Peter 3:21
“While water baptism is clearly in the apostle’s mind, not the baptism by the Holy
Spirit, for he speaks of the waters of the flood as saving the inmates of the ark, and in this verse, of baptism saving believers he goes on to says that it saves them only as a counterpart. That is, water baptism is the counterpart of the reality, salvation. It can only save as a counterpart, not actually. The Old Testament sacrifices were counterparts of the reality, the Lord Jesus. In other words, a symbol. They did not actually save the believer, only in type. It is not argued here that these sacrifices are analogous to Christian water baptism. The author is merely using them as an illustration of the use of the word 'counterpart.'" Dr. Kenneth Wuest

Mark 16:16 Jesus here mentions a condition related to salvation (baptism) But a related condition should not be confused with a requirement. Nowhere in the Bible do we find a statement such as “whoever is not baptized will be condemned.”

Acts 3:23 There is an important difference between a condition of salvation and a requirement for salvation. The Bible is clear that belief is both a condition and a requirement, but the same cannot be said for baptism. The Bible does not say that if a man is not baptized then he will not be saved.

Requiring anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works- based salvation. To add anything to the gospel is to say that Jesus’ death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation.
Helpful verses: Titus 3:4-7;John 1:12; 5:24; 11:25;Romans 10:9-11

“These two truths, I do not believe, can ever be welded into one upon any human anvil, but one they shall be in eternity: they are two lines that are so nearly parallel, that the mind that shall pursue them farthest, will never discover that they converge; but they do converge, and they will meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth doth spring.” Spurgeon.
Remember, by saying “world”, Jesus is not referring to a quantity, rather he is referring to the quality of humanity, the fallenness of man. It is not that God's love isn't big enough for the entire world, but that God's love is powerful enough to love this broken fallen cond

1 The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.
2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country’, and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry for ever.’” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Questions:

Paul was undecided as to who to send to take Titus' place (v12); what does that say about the quality of the two men Paul was going to send? If either man could take Titus' place, what does it say about how God distributes His gifts in the body of Christ?
People can tie their 'church identity' to a role they have in the church (e.g. "I'm the morning tea lady" or "I'm the sound guy"); how might verse 12 help us think differently to that? Also, people can sometimes think that the way they do a particular job in the church is the only way it should be done; how does this verse speak against that?
Both Artemas and Zenas are simply names to us - we know nothing else about them - but what can we understand about them from these verses? (Consider what they were doing and the attitude they must have had in order to undertake those tasks).
Titus was instructed to speed Zenas and Apollos on their way and to see that they lack nothing (v13). What does that instruction tell us about where Christian churches should use some of their resources? Do you think it is right or wrong for churches to spend large amounts of their budgets on buildings, programs, production equipment etc? What example does 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 give us about church giving?
Why is it so important for people within the church to help cases of "urgent need" (v14) of both their fellow congregants and of the worldwide body of Christ?
Do you think it is enough to give money to churches in need (and para-church organizations who support the poorer churches) or do you think it is important for 'better off' churches to partner with poor churches in a more meaningful interpersonal way? Why?
Thinking back over the book of Titus, has anything challenged you? Has anything encouraged you? Did anything stand out for you? What have you enjoyed about Titus; is there anything that you didn't enjoy/struggled with?

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.Home group questions:

Paul contrasts that which is profitable (v1-8) and that which is unprofitable (v9). What are the profitable things and why are they profitable for people (all people not just people in the church)?
In a church situation how do you think we should judge what makes a controversy (debate) unprofitable and worthless?
Paul tells Titus to shun, to turn away from, the worthless and unprofitable things like fictitious stories (e.g. bible code) and theological quarrels (v9). Sometimes it’s important to respond to these things but at what point should we turn away?
Theological discussions (end times, prophecy, biblical theology, baptism, the age of the earth) are good to have but at what point do you think they become unprofitable?
What do you think are the things that we should “die on a hill” for, meaning what things do you think we shouldn’t turn away from but should stand firm on and argue about?
At what point would you call someone divisive within the church? How do we know that they “are warped and sinful; he is self-condemned”(v11)?
Some people would say that Paul’s process for dealing with a divisive person is too harsh, especially where Paul says to “have nothing to do with them”(v10). What are your thoughts? Why do you think Paul and Jesus (Matthew 18:15-17) give this approach when we as Christians are supposed to be forgiving and peacemakers?
What is the highest priority in church discipline for the church and for the individual being disciplined (1 Corinthians 5, 1 Tim 1:20)? How can we make sure that priority is achieved?

Titus 3:1-8
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Joshua Brown the WA representative of Voice of the Martyrs introduced us to the work of Voice of the Martyrs Australia as they support the persecuted church around the world.

In the presentation Joshua plays two videos which can be found by clicking on the following links.
Introduction to Voice of the Martyrs
Sejun International Day of Prayer

Following the sermon is the recording of an interview introducing Joshua and his work.

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things,

What elements of Christian belief can you see when you read Titus 3:4-7? (keywords and concepts)
What is it about this passage that shows that Christianity is different to other religious systems and philosophies?
What is it about this passage that gives you the most joy and/or comfort? Is there anything in this passage that you find difficult or that you would like to find out more about?
Some people object to the term "once saved always saved" (also known as 'perseverance of the Saints'). How does this passage point to that reality (also read John 10:27-30)?
When Paul talks about the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, do you think he is talking about baptism or some other reality we don't see, or both? How is regeneration and renewal both a present reality and a future one when Jesus returns? (See John 1:12-13; 1 John 1:3; Ephesians 4:20-24; 1 Cor 15:50-53)
If we are regenerated (a new creation) why do we still struggle with sin and why aren't we instantly holy? Renewal is a continuing process; in what ways do Christians need to be renewed, especially those who came out of a pagan background like Crete?
How could you use this passage to witness to people?

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Martha and Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

But as for you, teach what accords with sound[a] doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

Home Group Questions:

2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

But as for you, teach what accords with sound[a] doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

The Tower of Babel

11 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” 8 So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. 9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth. And from there the Lord dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Some Texts: Gen 9:1, 10:8-11, 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-13, 2 Cor 5:18-20, John 6:35, 12:32, Rev 21:1-2.

What was God's command to people in the beginning?
Why/how was what the people did at Babel sinful?

The people were trying to "go up", to put themselves in God's right place, to define their own right and wrong. How do people today try to do these things? How about you?

What is the significance of God "coming down"? How has Good come down to you?

Sin causes a fracturing and splitting in our lives, in our world. Where do you see that? How can the gospel break that and bring unity? How can you be an ambassador for reconciliation thru the gospel?

Jesus promises to draw all people when he is lifted up. When was he lifted up? How can we still lift him up?

People seek their identity in many different ways. How does God define us, name us, give us identity, in the gospel? In what ways have you found identity (good or bad)? How can you find meaning and identity in the gospel of Christ?

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Home group questions.
Take the time to read Colossians 1-2 together.

Discuss any initial questions you might have from reading it.

Focus on 1:24-2:5

What gives Paul the ability to rejoice at suffering?
Note on v.24 - What is “lacking in Christ’s afflictions” is not power, but reach, as Paul makes clear by what he does - evangelism. By making the word of God fully known, he is “filling up what is lacking.”

Focus on 2:16-23

In what way do Christians pass judgment on each other today? Think of some examples.

Optional:
What is the most significant decision you've had to make in the past and how did you navigate it? Would you have done anything different if you were/weren't a Christian at that time?

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Unfortunately the beginning of Alex's sermon was not recorded.

In order to give context Alex explained that according to Greek mythology Crete was known as the birth place of Zeus. Zeus was known for being promiscuous, a liar and a deceiver. In emulating Zeus the people of Crete were also known for being liars and deceivers. Not only was lying and deception practiced it was even celebrated and promoted, especially if you could do it in a way to get personal gain. Thus when Paul writes "God, who never lies" he is pointing out a major difference between God and Zeus.

Titus 1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Qualifications for Elders

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

**13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Whenever we read the Bible we ought to be asking, 'what does God want us, individually and as His church, to learn from this passage?' How would you sum up what God wants us to learn from 1 Corinthians 13, in your own words?

What are your thoughts as to whether faith and hope continue on into eternity?

If someone were to ask you why love is the greatest what would you say?

Read 1 John 4:7-12.
a. What is our motivation to love others?
b. How has God revealed His love toward us?
c. John wrote, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us". Why do you think he wrote "among us" instead of "toward us"?
d. What has God's love done for us?e. What do you think John means in verse 12 (see also 1 John 2:4-6)?

What is the greatest display of love we can show to other people? Why is that the greatest way?**

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Home group questions:

From your current understanding of the spiritual gifts of tongues, prophesy and knowledge (in other words don't feel as though you have to do research) what do you think they are?

Once the church had been established and the cannon of scripture had been completed with the penning of the book of Revelation, do you think there was still a need for tongues, prophecy and knowledge?

Paul says that when 'the perfect' comes the 'revelatory gifts' (gifts that reveal something about God) will cease. When do you think that will be, or has it already happened, based on your reading of the text?

Reading that we know in part and prophecy in part while we await the perfect to come, how does this make you feel? Are you encouraged or discouraged by the fact that we live in the partial?

What do you think Paul's purpose was in talking about moving from a child to a man? Why do you think Paul used the words "I gave up childish ways" which has an active, purposeful connotation.

In verse 12 Paul compares the now with the then. Putting the two "nows" together and the two "thens" together what do they tell us about our relationship with God now compared to then. How does the thought of the 'then' make you feel?

How do you feel about the thought of living for eternity? Did Isaac's explanation of what happens in heaven make you feel any differently?

How does it make you feel to know that you are fully known by God?

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? .... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Jesus and Thomas

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of This Book

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

15 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

The Resurrection of the Dead

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,

“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise’?”

God Is Our Fortress

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

46 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Jesus Wept!

Please read John 11:1-44.

Jesus knows
Jesus cares
Jesus saves
Jesus releases

1 Corinthians 15: 51-55
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

2 Corinthians
1:3b-4 the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Home Group:

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Home Group Questions:

God is in Control: God’s plan has not changed and neither should our response

Philippians 2:1-16a

Small Groups Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to be made in the image of God:
1. For the believer?
2. Related to the dignity of all humans?
3. Related to how we as Christians should interact with both Christians and Non-Christians?
How do we know that, even after the fall, that we are still in the likeness of God (though marred)?
How does Christ help to restore the image of God in a human?
How should we as God’s people react when the media and those in politics slander us as unloving?
How weird would it be for the Roman ears to hear the teaching of the equality of humans?
How much weirder would it be to the Roman ears to hear of a God that would allow himself to be sacrificed for His people?
Tom shared two stories (1) the man who gave him a Bible tract and (2) the friend he invited to church. Are there stories you can share where you have done well, or not so well, have not loved as you should have or wished that you would have said something differently.
It is often said that the Bible states in 1 Cor 5 that we should not associate with the sexually immoral but the Bible also speaks of a prostitute coming to Christ as well as many others in sexual sin. Read 1 Cor 5:9&13. How does this bring clarity on how Christians ought to deal with people involved in sexual sins as well as other serious sins?
Why do you think Paul instructs the Corinthians to judge those inside the church but not those outside the church?
Read Romans 8:26 and share how that makes you feel in a time of distress.

But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love is Patient

But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Discussion questions:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4 -13:3

From your reading of 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 what conclusions can you draw about the issues the Corinthian
church was struggling with?

Have you ever witnessed those kinds of issues in a church before? If so how did the leaders of the church address the situation?

In 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul says "earnestly desire the higher gifts". What would you consider to be the 'higher gifts' and why? If spiritual gifts are given by God it means that they can't be earned nor can they be taught, so what do you think Paul means when he says 'earnestly desire the higher gifts'?

Different denominations seem to 'pedestal' or put greater value on different gifts. Some may prefer the more 'charismatic' gifts (tongues, prophecy, gifts of healings, gifts of miracles) others prefer the more 'academic' gifts (preaching, teaching, wisdom, knowledge). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being on either side of the gift pendulum.

In chapter 13 verses 1-3 Paul says "but have not love" 3 times. Who is the focus of the love, God or man or both? Why do you say that?

What makes the gift of tongues, expressed without love, like a clanging gong or a crashing symbol? How could the gift of tongues be 'used' with love? If you feel like entering into a well debated topic, do you think the gift of tongues still exists today? (remember we are Christians so be nice :D )

How can prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, the understanding of mysteries, and great faith be expressed without love? How can someone who has all these great qualities be 'nothing'?

Paul says that even if he gives all he has to the poor or gives his body to be burned, without love he gains nothing. Is it ok to have a reward or the thought of gain as a reason to do things out of love? Why?

Are there any areas in our church or in your own life where you think love is lacking? How might you be able to use your gifts in a more loving way within the church?

Please note.
The beginning of this sermon was not recorded.
Posted below is the manuscript of the beginning of the sermon. Many thanks to Tom for preaching and for supplying the manuscript.

The question I have for today is this.
How can sinners serve a Holy God?

That’s a very heavy question isn’t it?

For those of us who follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, God has called us as Christians to be Holy. To be set apart from the world, to live for Jesus and to serve God in all that we say, think, and do.

1 Peter chapter 1 verses 15 to 16 says: But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

We are called to be a holy people, for God is holy.

We are called to be Holy because we are a chosen people. We are a royal priesthood of believers. We are God’s special possession.

And as God’s people, we are meant to be reflecting the nation that we belong to: the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Peter later says in 2 Peter 1 verses 5-8 to:

make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Goodness, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Mutual affection, Love.

All good things. All Holy things. But does doing all these things make us Holy? Is that how sinners serve a Holy God? Well, let’s go back to Haggai, let’s see what he says in today’s text....

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

One Body with Many Members

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

Sermon by Alex Thompson.

A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;
I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out before him my complaint;
before him I tell my trouble.

3 When my spirit grows faint within me,
it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
people have hidden a snare for me.
4 Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
no one cares for my life.

5 I cry to you, Lord;
I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”

6 Listen to my cry,
for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
7 Set me free from my prison,
that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
because of your goodness to me.

Sermon from Alan Raven

Colossians 3:18-21
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

The central message of Colossians can be summed up with Col. 2:6 which says: “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him”. What does it involve for us to rely on Christ and let Him be Lord of our lives? Scan Colossians 2:6-3:17.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 teaches us about how the Lordship of Christ plays itself out in the home. Three relationships at home include: wife-husband, child-parent, and slave-master (part of the ancient household). Why are these relationships (especially the first two) so vitally important in our context and culture? What does it do to the church’s Gospel witness when Christians fail at home? Conversely, what does it say to the world when Christian homes are healthy and happy places?

Looking at Colossians 3:18-21, what is God’s will and role for each of the following: wives, husbands, children, and parents? Also read the parallel passage in Ephesians (5:22-6:4) for further insights. Focussing on what Colossians states rather than what Ephesians adds, what is the essence of each person’s role, and how do they complement one another?

In the sermon, two practical suggestions were made for each person/role:

Wives: Accept/respect your husbands as heads. And be their helpers/companions to attend to their needs.
Husbands: Be gentlemen who are attentive and listen to your wives. And do your part in the family.
Children: Tell your parents what happens in your lives. And practice forgiveness toward your parents.
Parents: Ask forgiveness for provoking your children. And have as your ultimate parenting goal to show your kids Christ in the Word and through your life.

Which of these suggestions do you think God is calling you to put into practice or improve on? Is there anything else that you feel convicted about? Commit these to the Lord in prayer. Follow through on what you have committed to the Lord, trusting Him to give you the grace to do it.

Ewen Lin preaching from Luke 8:4-18.

The Kingdom of God is built upon the Word of God

The 4 Soils

Those who hear with a hard heart (v.5, 12)
Those who hear with a shallow heart (v.6, 13)
Those who hear with a divided heart (v.7, 14)
Those who hear with an honest and good heart (v.8, 15)

The Rich Young Man

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Confidence in God though our Spiritual Depression

Psalm 44
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil.

1 We have heard it with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
2 With your hand you drove out the nations
and planted our ancestors;
you crushed the peoples
and made our ancestors flourish.
3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.

4 You are my King and my God,
who decrees victories for Jacob.
5 Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.
6 I put no trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
7 but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
8 In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.

9 But now you have rejected and humbled us;
you no longer go out with our armies.
10 You made us retreat before the enemy,
and our adversaries have plundered us.
11 You gave us up to be devoured like sheep
and have scattered us among the nations.
12 You sold your people for a pittance,
gaining nothing from their sale.

13 You have made us a reproach to our neighbors,
the scorn and derision of those around us.
14 You have made us a byword among the nations;
the peoples shake their heads at us.
15 I live in disgrace all day long,
and my face is covered with shame
16 at the taunts of those who reproach and revile me,
because of the enemy, who is bent on revenge.

17 All this came upon us,
though we had not forgotten you;
we had not been false to your covenant.
18 Our hearts had not turned back;
our feet had not strayed from your path.
19 But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals;
you covered us over with deep darkness.

20 If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
21 would not God have discovered it,
since he knows the secrets of the heart?
22 Yet for your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

23 Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?
Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever.
24 Why do you hide your face
and forget our misery and oppression?

25 We are brought down to the dust;
our bodies cling to the ground.
26 Rise up and help us;
rescue us because of your unfailing love.

Questions:

In the past God fought for Israel. Why did He give them victory? (44:3).
God allowed Israel to experience suffering and humiliation among the nations (44:14). According to the Psalmist, Why did Israel experience suffering? (c.f 44:22). What assurance does 44:22 give to those who are suffering? (c.f Romans 8:35,36)
What was God’s plan for Israel in respect to the nations? (c.f Exodus 19:5,6) How do you fit into this plan as a Christian? (c.f 1 Peter 2:5,9) How are you serving God on behalf of the nations and the nations on behalf of God?

Victor Owuor's Sermon on Psalm 42 & 43.
**Hope in Christ through our spiritual depression.

(**Study questions are included below.)

Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah.

42 As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
4 These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation 6 and my God.

My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
8 By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
and at night his song is with me,
a prayer to the God of my life.
9 I say to God, my rock:
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a deadly wound in my bones,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

43 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Send out your light and your truth;
let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
O God, my God.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

Questions:

How does the Psalmist describe his spiritual depression? What are the causes of spiritual depression? When did you last have such an experience?
How can we restore our trust in God when He seems “silent”?
What hope do we gain from Christ’s temptations? How have you experienced that hope in the past?

David Mitchel preaching through 1 John 4:7-21

God Is Love

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.