10.6.24
TEXT: Psalm 85; Matt. 4:8-9
TRUTHS:
1. Why does the Bible go to such lengths to make humanity aware of the presence of false teachers and the teachings that they espouse? It implies that there are teachings and truth claims that, if adhered to, will produce destruction and alienate you from your Creator. It then follows that calling out such teaching(s), which the Bible does and portrays as a normative practice for every generation of the Christian Church, should not be viewed as an attack. Rather, it is a caring act (that should be motivated by our love and concern for others).
2. Eschatology, or the study of the end, is not a scary or sad undertaking for believers. Quite the opposite—it is a joy! The children of God need not be scared or insecure about the end of the age (the return of Christ). The return of Jesus marks the end of death, and that the complete and final redemption of the curse (Genesis 3) has begun.
3. What should/needs to be in the heart of a believer concerning the end? The heart of every believer should long see Christ and witness His redemption of all things.
4. Jesus was our ‘substitute.’ Meaning, the consequences and harm that humanity deserved was instead placed upon Him. So, for those in Christ, the work of Jesus is not intended to harm us. We must remember this reality when we are tempted to view God as the one responsible for bringing harm into our lives. Our Heavenly Father does correct us, and that can feel quite uncomfortable, but it is ultimately done for our benefit.
5. What should a believer do when anxiety about the end fills their heart? They should pray about it, including repentance for not viewing it in the same manner that Scripture presents it as—a positive one.
6. What is a sign that you are “God-lover?” You are able to pray for your enemies with compassion in your heart.
7. No one believer is enabled to stand in authority over the enemy by themselves. No single child of God can be victorious over the powers of spiritual wickedness standing alone. Victory and authority over the enemy flows from Christian community, from belonging and being the family of God.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. How does one determine which teachings are destructive? What questions should we be asking?
2. Why is it important to have the right heart and view of the return of Christ? How should this reality impact our present and daily lives?
3. What temptations or lies are likely to arise in your mind if you are in a season of correction?
4. Why would such treatment of your enemy (Truth 6) be a sign that someone is a "God-lover?"
5. What informs or shapes a person's heart concerning the end? What are the "sources" that dictate how we view the return of Jesus? Additionally, why is it important to consider this?
6. Take a moment to consider what the return of Jesus will bring about the end of. Name some things that will be gone or done away with when Christ returns...
TALK TO GOD:
Pray into the following areas:
For those who are confused or scared about the end
To pray for our enemies (personally and corporately)
Thankfulness for the return of Jesus
That those who gather at ALAG will rightly understand the body of Christ and Christian community
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