04-18-2021
04-18-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (West & Online), Dr. E. Dale Locke (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Mistaken Identity
Week 2: Body Guard god
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. Read our memory verse for this sermon series, which tells us how to get a true picture of what God is like - Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
In light of the fact that Jesus is the best picture of what God is like, what are some things you can be confident about regarding God?
2. Why is it important to move beyond childhood ideas about God and mature our understanding of what God is like? What can happen if we don’t do that?
3. What is a “half-truth”? Name some half-truths that you’ve heard.
Problematic Idea: God will always protect me and will never let bad things happen to me.
Disclaimer: We’re NOT saying God doesn’t protect.
4. Share about a time when you believe God protected you.
5. Pastor Trevor said: “Body Guard god isn’t in the Bible. In fact, our faith started with the worst possible thing happening to the best possible person.” What do he mean by that?
6. Scripture shows us that bad things do sometimes happen to good people. Read Paul’s description of his life in 2 Corinthians 11:21-30 – “Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
What do you notice?
Four Truths Jesus Teaches Us:
· Jesus taught we should expect trouble.
7. Read John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What do you notice in this passage?
· Jesus promised His presence.
8. Read Matthew 28:20b: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” And Psalm 56:8 NLT – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
Why does this matter? How can this help when you’re suffering or going through a difficult season?
· Jesus promised redemptive purpose.
9. Read Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Notice Paul isn’t saying that God causes bad things. But rather that God causes everything that happens to us to work together for good. How are these two ideas different?
10. Share an example of how God redeemed a painful situation in your life and brought about a good purpose.
· Jesus ultimately promised freedom from suffering.
11. Read Revelation 21:3-5 - “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’”
What do you notice in this passage? Why does this passage give hope – even when we’re suffering?
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