"To Succeed in the Future, You Need Equipment"
TEXT: Hebrews 1:1-14, 13:21
TRUTHS:
1. What does the future hold for the children of God? We will stand face-to-face with our risen and glorified Savior, Jesus Christ, while possessing glorified (or perfect) bodies ourselves. The redemption and restoration of creation will no longer be only a concept that we believe in by faith, but that faith will be made sight, and we will witness this redemption with our own eyes.
2. Jesus’ incarnation had a distinct and glorious purpose. Christ came to earth to pay humanity’s sin debt, so that we can have our sins and transgressions forgiven. That reality should motivate us to fight against personal and corporate sin. The Church of Jesus Christ must be careful not to make our faith about something that steers us away from dealing with sin, both individually and as a local body of believers.
3. Pride was the sin of Satan. Our enemy tragically assumed that he was superior to God and all other created beings. That pride led to his fall, and it will produce similar devastation in our lives if we fail to repent of such foolishness.
4. Christians believe and adhere to “big stuff.” Meaning, our worldview provides answers to humanity’s biggest questions and struggles. To be apathetic towards God’s Word and Kingdom is most likely a sign that one has not considered the implications of the life-changing truth claims we proclaim to believe. It could be argued that one does not truly believe the Christian faith if its claims fail to produce life-change in someone who professes to believe the Word of God.
5. There is no authentic and genuine Christianity without being connected to other believers.
6. What “equipment” has our Heavenly Father provided us so that we are empowered and enabled to do His will? (1) Brotherly love, (2) a pure marriage bed, (3) understanding that we don’t treasure the material world and/or money, (4) praying for your leaders, and (5) being submitted to spiritual leaders and other brothers and sisters in Christ. These tools, if they are faithfully practiced and committed to, will enable every child of God to grow spiritually and discern truth.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. How does/should the future promise spoken of in 'Truth 1' impact our present (and daily) lives? How does that reality help us in our fight against sin and temptation?
2. What are the areas of focus that Christians tend to elevate above dealing with our sin (Truth 2)? Additionally, how can we make rightly dealing with sin a primary focus of our faith without dwelling on sin and its implications in a way that causes despair and guilt-ridden anxiety?
3. How can we spot pride in our hearts and lives? What additional truths can the example of Satan teach us about the dangers of pride?
4. In your opinion, what are the "big things" that define the Christian faith (Truth 4)? Give examples of how the specific truths you mentioned produce change in a believer's daily life?
5. Consider how each piece of "equipment" enables you to discern and live out God's will. What comes to mind when thinking of how each "tool" helps a believer grow and discern truth? For example, how does praying for your leaders equip you to advance God's Kingdom in yourself and in the world?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray into the following areas:
That future promises would impact our present lives
To rightly deal with sin
For your leaders
For other believers to have victory over sin
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