These lifegroup questions are based on this past Sunday’s message, “New, Part 1: Rediscovering Faith.” You can listen to the 30-minute message at this link, and use the discussion questions in your lifegroup below.
What kinds of new year resolutions do people typically make? Have we made any resolutions here in our group? Have a look at this little chart, and let’s talk about how our group compares.
On Sunday, Steve says that “becoming new isn’t just a good idea, it is God’s idea.” He pointed to the following verses.
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. -Ephesians 4:17-24 NLT
So, as Christ followers, people who have “learned about Christ,” (v.20) we are supposed to be different, right? How? What are some of the characteristics of Jesus that we should be modeling?
Being like Jesus is hard, isn’t it? Steve talked about how it is “Easy to believe IN God, but hard to believe God.” What does this mean? Is it true?
How does Jesus call us to be like Him in Matthew 25:31-46? Is this a good description of us?
Steve talked about having a “faith without borders” on Sunday. What does that mean? How do I redraw my borders in light of Romans 12:1-2? Can I do this by myself? Does God do it for me? Or is there a partnership here? (hint: Ephesians 4:23-24 explain this.)
Group exercise: Write on a piece of paper two or three things to learn to trust God with in 2014.