[Podcast] Growing in a Different Direction

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As we close out 2016, we look back at a year of growing WIDE.  We believe that 2017 will be a year of growing DEEP, by cultivating His Word in our lives!

Lifegroup questions are below!

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Our Christmas Eve celebration is this weekend.  This is our weekend worship time together, so we won’t be having worship services on Sunday morning, December 25.  Please enjoy Christmas Morning with your family!

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If you are the discussion leader, have everyone in the group open to this page on their device.  Take turns reading, asking questions, and discussing.

Where do you go when seeking direction for your life? Whose advice or counsel do you seek?

God’s Word is where we find His will for every day of our lives. The Bible is a blend of God’s story, commands, and instructions to His followers. All of Scripture is intended to communicate God’s desires, will, and plan for the world. Because of this, reading, knowing, studying, and applying God’s Word is central to discovering God’s will for your life.

Paul writes to his apprentice, Timothy about the value of God’s Word in our lives:

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

What does God’s Word have to do with His will?

What are the three reasons this passage outlines that we should look to Scripture as our first and primary source for discovering God’s will?

What does it mean that all Scripture is inspired by God? What do you think is the difference between rebuking and correcting?

Why is the inspiration of Scripture important?

What would change if you didn’t believe Scripture was divinely inspired? How does knowing that God inspired the Bible impact the way you use it to guide your life?

To say that Scripture is God-breathed is to claim its absolute uniqueness. The Bible has God has its author, and as He inspired men to record His activity, He revealed His will for the way we should live our lives. Have a question, concern, need, or desire? Check it against God’s Word. The Bible reveals what God continues to desire from His people. Those Holy Scriptures clearly teach us when we are lacking knowledge, rebuke and correct us when necessary, train us to become more like Christ in our day-to-day lives, and prepare us for every good work.

In what areas of your life does Scripture prove profitable? How? Have you noticed a change in these areas when you haven’t been actively studying or being taught God’s Word?

How does the Bible equip us for every good work?

Think about the last time you were looking for God’s specific will in your life. What did you do?

It is much easier to let others do the hard work for us. Rather than searching the Bible on our own, we look to others for their take on our situation. If we aren’t careful, we will be more committed to others than the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

2 Peter 1:20–21 (NLT)
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

Why do you think more people don’t look to the Bible for the will of God?

The Word of God is like no other source in our world. It is authored by God through the inspiration of men by His Spirit, to communicate His message for all generations. These men spoke for God as His Spirit worked in their lives. Because of this, the Bible is our first source for discovering God’s will in our lives. God’s Word tells us what God’s moral will is, and it also gives us beautiful glimpses of His character.

What should you look for as you try to discover God’s will through His Word? Look first for the direct commands in Scripture. Take a look at this short list of things God notes as His will:

  • It is God’s will that I avoid sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8);
  • It is God’s will that I rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16);
  • It is God’s will that I pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17);
  • It is God’s will that I give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18);
  • It is God’s will that I submit to governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-15).

Which of the above commands do you struggle with the most?

What kinds of things prevent you from finding real life answers in the Bible?

In what ways are you living according to God’s will? In what ways are you lacking?

Life’s biggest choices usually revolve around the “Big Three” — who to marry, where to work, and where to live. God’s Word will not tell us the name of the person we should date, nor the location we should live and work, nor how many kids we should have. However, the Bible does instruct us on what a godly relationship looks like, who we should be at work, and the quality of the homes we are to build. God’s Word builds us into people of character and hope as we discover His specific will for our lives.

How does knowing God’s general will for your life (i.e. through reading Scripture and acknowledging His direct commands) enable you to make specific decisions about your life?

How does your spiritual “character development” impact your everyday decisions?

As we prepare to launch into the “Year of the Bible,” how do you think spending 365 days in the Word will change you?  What are some ways you can prepare yourself to get the most out of this year?

One way is to make sure you are prepared with all of the tools you need… We’ve got great ones for you.
For more information on the upcoming Year of the Bible, just click here!