Thank you for preaching this weekend, Steven Mansell!
Publishing Note:
There will be no discussion questions posted in June and July, as lifegroups are taking time away from meeting so we can all serve together and try to keep up with our summer travel schedule. These will pick back up again in August when school starts up.
IN THE MEANTIME, the format of this blogsite will be changing in June. Here, I’ll update you on our building progress as well as other things!
What are some examples of products companies make that pride themselves on their strength? How do commercials for these products illustrate their strength?
Can you think of any products or companies that pride themselves on their weakness? Why or why not?
What about our political candidates? They ALL have weaknesses… Many of those are obvious. How do they talk about their weaknesses?
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies.
What are some modern analogies to an ordinary clay jar holding a special treasure?
Where do you see examples of weakness and frailty in this passage? How do these examples of weakness help to exhibit the strength and power of our God?
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
How would you summarize David’s prayer in this passage?
What reasons might we decide that a prayer like this is too difficult or painful?
Do you willingly admit your weakness? Do you often ask the Lord to illuminate any sin you are harboring in your heart and mind?
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2 NLT
How should Christians respond to a brother or sister in Christ who is caught in sin? Should the response be any different for one who confesses a sin or a weakness to a certain temptation?
How can this mutual kind of relationship demonstrate the strength of God in us?
How can you display the strength of God in your life in the coming week?
How can acknowledging and boasting in your weaknesses open doors for encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ? For sharing Christ with those who don’t know Him?
What should an accountability relationship between Christians involve?