"Good Not Perfect: The Problem of Evil"
TEXT: 1 Cor. 5:13;1 Tim. 1:19-20; Rev. 22:15
TRUTHS:
1. Why the presence of evil? Does it have a purpose? Is there an intended plan? Consider this, what will keep us from sin and death in eternity? The fact that we have already ‘tasted’ sin and death during our earthly lives will impact our decisions in eternity. Therefore, we will understand the implications of choosing sin and are well acquainted with what it brings (or destroys).
2. While some may frame it up as a pious act, it is not helpful to focus on sin, death, and temptation. The children of God have been instructed to fill our minds with what is true, lovely, and good.
3. What is God’s plan to help us overcome our weaknesses? One of the chief ways He provides victory for us is to be together with other believers!
4. The following represent the (4) categories of sin: (1) the body, (2) one another, (3) in relationship to God, and (4) in relationship to our heart.
5. Sins against the body include sexual immorality, sensuality, and drunkenness. Sins against one another include strife, lying, murder, and slander. Sin in relationship to God includes idolatry, sorcery, and false worship. And sins of the heart include covetousness, jealousy, anger, and pride.
6. Where do we primarily experience the power of God in our earthly lives? We experience His power in dealing with the above four categories of sin.
7. Believers should be quick (and wise) in confessing their sin. We are biblically instructed to confess our sin to God and to others (when necessary). We confess most sin to God and to Him alone, but there is sin that the Lord calls us to confess to others in order to find freedom.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. The Bible speaks about the destructive nature of sin. So, it follows that focusing on sin could appear as a pious and wise act. But it's not. Why is placing so much focus on sin a detriment to our spiritual lives and growth?
2. In what ways does being with other believers help us have personal victory (Truth 3)?
3. Are the four categories of sin (Truth 4) related or associated with one another in any way? In what ways are they connected to each other?
4. How does the power of God show up when dealing with personal sin? We often characterize God's power by such feats as parting the Red Sea, but how do we recognize it when dealing with personal and corporate sin?
5. How can a child of God discern when they should confess their sin to others (and not just to the Lord)? How can one make such distinctions concerning the personal confession of sin?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray into the following areas:
Dealing with sin rightly (self and others)
That fellowship with one another would produce victory
Wisdom and help for those who may struggle with the presence and reality of evil
Yorumlar