Read Joshua 3.
How many of you were familiar with this story before this week? (Encourage people to read Joshua 1-3 this week.)
Summary of Joshua 3:
Joshua and the Israelites pack up their gear and head toward the Jordan River as they prepare for their big water crossing. They set up camp for the night, and Joshua tells Israel that they must sanctify themselves. Also, heads up Israelites–you are to follow the Ark of the Covenant at a distance of 2,000 cubits. God says to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses." (v 7) It's clear that Joshua is the new Moses. As Israel is preparing to cross the Jordan, one man from each tribe is selected to carry the Ark into the water. The Jordan River is in flood season at this time, too. When the feet of the Ark bearers enter the water, the Jordan begins to flow like a wall to their right and to their left, just like the Red Sea in Exodus. Once all of Israel made it to dry land, the priests bearing the Ark step out of the Jordan and the water returns to normal. Very cool miracle!
Questions based on the Scripture passage:
What barrier stood between Israel and the land?
What sign would be given to the people to tell when they should go forward?
How closely should the people follow? Why?
How was the ark carried? Why?
What did Joshua say was about to happen in verse 5? What was the purpose of it? (vs 7, 10)
What were the priests carrying the ark to do at the river?
What did Joshua specifically predict was going to happen (v 13)?
Describe the crossing of the river.
Application questions:
Joshua is pretty new to the position of leading the Israelites, and now he's asking them to trust God for a miracle. If you were in the crowd, would you find it easy or hard to follow Joshua's leadership? Why?
What role do you think your leader/Pastor has for your life?
When you are in a situation that requires great faith, what helps you to be bold?
What daily or weekly things do you do in order to make sure your "faith tank" is full for when you're going to need it? What kind of prep work do you do for when you're required to act in faith?
Share an example of when you displayed radical obedience.
Share a story of when you saw someone else have radical faith. How did that impact you?
Share an example of when God made the impossible possible for you.
As the people started to obey, it wasn't quickly evident that a miracle was actually happening. Have you ever obeyed God's commands, but then felt like He wasn't even noticing? What did you do next? What does scripture say about God that would encourage/help you?
Every step in this story of Joshua 3 seems just absolutely weird, stupid, crazy or pointless. Are you downplaying any of your steps like that?
Why is your next step that God asks you to take SO important? What could possibly be at stake?
Why is it SO important to not just know what your next step in faith is, but to actually take it NOW?
Give a good reason why you should wait to take the step God has asked you to take. What excuses do you make?
Do you think your next step could ever impact someone else?
Do you think God even has a next step for you? What is it? How will you listen to God and do what He says?
Nothing worth doing is ever easy. What can you do to help yourself when the going gets tough?
Write down the next step you think God wants you to take. If you're not sure, commit to praying about it this week.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Whole 'Nother Level: No Mo FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
Read Joshua 1:1–9, 16
Scripture Summary:
The Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan, which the Lord is giving to them.
The book of Joshua begins where the book of Deuteronomy ends, with the death of Moses. After the incredible career of Moses, "the servant of the LORD" (1:1), Joshua is to take over leadership of the Israelites and finally lead them into Canaan, the land God has promised to them.
The task of leading the people at this time would be overwhelming to anyone. Perhaps this is why Joshua is told by God three times (1:6, 7, 9) and by the people once (1:18) to "be strong and courageous." The Lord also commands Joshua to obey the book of the law of Moses (1:7–8), referring to Deuteronomy.
So, God is ready to take Joshua's life to a whole 'nother level! Let's use this part of scripture to look at our own lives and see if we're ready to seize the life God's planned for us, or blow it and miss out.
Group Discussion Guide:
At this time in the story, Joshua and the people had been roaming aimlessly (homeless) in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses just died, and God's talking about taking them to a whole 'nother level. Put yourself in Joshua or the people's shoes. What kind of reaction do you think you'd have? Excited or still upset at God? Ready to move forward, or let the past hold you back?
What's something in your past that you're so proud of? How can this hold you back from what God has next for you?
What's a struggle from your past that you've never been able to leave behind? How can this hold you back from what God has next for you?
Why is it dangerous to let our past (whether good or bad) define us?
What does the "perfect life" look like to you?
If you had all the things and money you ever wanted, but weren't living your purpose, would you be ok with that?
What do you think God's purpose for your life is? Be specific. What was the last thing that God called you to do? Have you done it? Are you doing it?
What do you think God's plans for your future are? How can you know?
When you don't know what God's next step for you is, do you think it would help to think about the last thing God called you to do, and make sure you're doing it?
Are you scared of what God's plans are for you? Wait for answers, then read Jeremiah 29:11.
The Israelites were roaming the wilderness of 40 years. I'm sure they weren't too happy that this what part of God's plan. Maybe they didn't even believe it was God's plan. What's it like for you when you think about your past or present and wonder how this could be God's plan? Does Matthew 11:29 help you? What about Isaiah 40:29–31?
What role do you have for God's plan? Read Joshua 1:3–6.
How can you ruin/waste God's plan for you? Read Joshua 1:7–9, 16.
God's promise you so many things, even just in these few verses we've read! What promise or commitment do you need to make to Him?
Why is it important to share what God's called you to with your rGroup?
What do you need to do to ensure you follow through with your commitments to God?
How can you help others with the plans God has for them?
Scripture Summary:
The Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan, which the Lord is giving to them.
The book of Joshua begins where the book of Deuteronomy ends, with the death of Moses. After the incredible career of Moses, "the servant of the LORD" (1:1), Joshua is to take over leadership of the Israelites and finally lead them into Canaan, the land God has promised to them.
The task of leading the people at this time would be overwhelming to anyone. Perhaps this is why Joshua is told by God three times (1:6, 7, 9) and by the people once (1:18) to "be strong and courageous." The Lord also commands Joshua to obey the book of the law of Moses (1:7–8), referring to Deuteronomy.
So, God is ready to take Joshua's life to a whole 'nother level! Let's use this part of scripture to look at our own lives and see if we're ready to seize the life God's planned for us, or blow it and miss out.
Group Discussion Guide:
At this time in the story, Joshua and the people had been roaming aimlessly (homeless) in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses just died, and God's talking about taking them to a whole 'nother level. Put yourself in Joshua or the people's shoes. What kind of reaction do you think you'd have? Excited or still upset at God? Ready to move forward, or let the past hold you back?
What's something in your past that you're so proud of? How can this hold you back from what God has next for you?
What's a struggle from your past that you've never been able to leave behind? How can this hold you back from what God has next for you?
Why is it dangerous to let our past (whether good or bad) define us?
What does the "perfect life" look like to you?
If you had all the things and money you ever wanted, but weren't living your purpose, would you be ok with that?
What do you think God's purpose for your life is? Be specific. What was the last thing that God called you to do? Have you done it? Are you doing it?
What do you think God's plans for your future are? How can you know?
When you don't know what God's next step for you is, do you think it would help to think about the last thing God called you to do, and make sure you're doing it?
Are you scared of what God's plans are for you? Wait for answers, then read Jeremiah 29:11.
The Israelites were roaming the wilderness of 40 years. I'm sure they weren't too happy that this what part of God's plan. Maybe they didn't even believe it was God's plan. What's it like for you when you think about your past or present and wonder how this could be God's plan? Does Matthew 11:29 help you? What about Isaiah 40:29–31?
What role do you have for God's plan? Read Joshua 1:3–6.
How can you ruin/waste God's plan for you? Read Joshua 1:7–9, 16.
God's promise you so many things, even just in these few verses we've read! What promise or commitment do you need to make to Him?
Why is it important to share what God's called you to with your rGroup?
What do you need to do to ensure you follow through with your commitments to God?
How can you help others with the plans God has for them?
Sunday, September 25, 2016
The Struggle Bus: The Funeral Bus
Read Job 9:32–35
Summary of Job 9:32–35
Job recognized that sinners need a reconciler with a holy God. He wished that God was a man like himself. He believed that only a mortal could help God understand his human error. God seemed distant and indifferent to his suffering. If God were like man, Job would take God to court on this case. He would argue his innocence in the court of justice, man to man.
Job desired an impartial mediator to plead his case before God. An umpire, arbitrator, lawyer or reconciler between them could quickly settle this dispute successfully.
Job wished that facing God was not so fearful. He knew he could not meet God on fair terms as long as God was omnipotent. Who could argue with His infinite, raw power? Who would hear his case?
Use these questions as a guide to help facilitate a group discussion:
What causes you to be ashamed or scared to approach God (in prayer)?
What do you do when you feel like God just doesn't understand what you're going through?
What has helped you humble yourself and submit to God when you didn't feel like doing so?
If you were Job's friend, what would you say to him after he goes off on this rant?
How can a holy God actually understand what a mortal human being goes through?
Why does sin separate us from God?
Does being good or not sinning bring us closer to God? Why or why not?
How do you know when you and God see eye to eye?
Why could it be harder for a person who has gone to church their entire life and is not a follower of Jesus to repent and turn to Jesus than a person who has never gone to church?
How can being "religious" be so dangerous?
How can a loving God (who is also the judge) send well-meaning, sincere, religious people to hell?
What verses would you point to if a friend asked you how to have a relationship with God or how to get to heaven?
Concerning the question above, did you tend to think of verses about things YOU need to do or things that JESUS has done?
Why do we so easily drift from the idea that Jesus is the savior, and not us?
Why do we need Jesus?
What's your story about when you turned to Jesus to save you?
Would anyone like to put their faith in Jesus right now? Would anyone like to turn back to Jesus right now?
Summary of Job 9:32–35
Job recognized that sinners need a reconciler with a holy God. He wished that God was a man like himself. He believed that only a mortal could help God understand his human error. God seemed distant and indifferent to his suffering. If God were like man, Job would take God to court on this case. He would argue his innocence in the court of justice, man to man.
Job desired an impartial mediator to plead his case before God. An umpire, arbitrator, lawyer or reconciler between them could quickly settle this dispute successfully.
Job wished that facing God was not so fearful. He knew he could not meet God on fair terms as long as God was omnipotent. Who could argue with His infinite, raw power? Who would hear his case?
Use these questions as a guide to help facilitate a group discussion:
What causes you to be ashamed or scared to approach God (in prayer)?
What do you do when you feel like God just doesn't understand what you're going through?
What has helped you humble yourself and submit to God when you didn't feel like doing so?
If you were Job's friend, what would you say to him after he goes off on this rant?
How can a holy God actually understand what a mortal human being goes through?
Why does sin separate us from God?
Does being good or not sinning bring us closer to God? Why or why not?
How do you know when you and God see eye to eye?
Why could it be harder for a person who has gone to church their entire life and is not a follower of Jesus to repent and turn to Jesus than a person who has never gone to church?
How can being "religious" be so dangerous?
How can a loving God (who is also the judge) send well-meaning, sincere, religious people to hell?
What verses would you point to if a friend asked you how to have a relationship with God or how to get to heaven?
Concerning the question above, did you tend to think of verses about things YOU need to do or things that JESUS has done?
Why do we so easily drift from the idea that Jesus is the savior, and not us?
Why do we need Jesus?
What's your story about when you turned to Jesus to save you?
Would anyone like to put their faith in Jesus right now? Would anyone like to turn back to Jesus right now?
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The Sorry Bus: Freedom vs Slavery
Read Job 42:7–9
Summary: God tells Job's three friends they are theologically wrong (v 7) and to seek forgiveness. God doesn't let them just say a simple prayer for forgiveness and be done with it. They must go to Job with their sacrifices and ask him to pray for them. This must have been a deeply humiliating thing. They accused Job of being far from God, and now God places Job as the priest to bring them near to God. In other words, God is seeing to it that the only way the three friends can experience reconciliation with god is through experiencing reconciliation with Job. They must humble themselves before Job, not simply before God.
Use these questions as a guide to help facilitate a group discussion about forgiveness.
Why is it so difficult to forgive those who hurt you?
Why doesn't forgiveness make sense to our human nature?
What do you do instead of forgiving?
What do you gain when you don't forgive? What do you lose?
Why does forgiveness matter to God? Why should forgiveness matter to you?
Read Matthew 5:24. What urgency and priority does Jesus put on forgiveness?
Are there people that you need to forgive in order to worship God?
Read Matthew 6:14-15. What's the reward if we forgive others? What's the consequence if we don't forgive others?
Read Romans 12:17-19. Who does judgement belong to? Why don't you want God to handle judgement? Why is it hypocritical to want to be the judge?
Are we supposed to forgive someone if they don't ask for forgiveness? (Colossians 3:12-13)
What scares you about freely forgiving? What could happen?
How could extending forgiveness heal a relationship? How might it heal the other person? How might it heal you?
Do you ever abuse the grace, mercy and forgiveness God has given you?
Do you agree that we must forgive others in order to be like Jesus?
If you need to forgive someone, how would you go about it?
Summary: God tells Job's three friends they are theologically wrong (v 7) and to seek forgiveness. God doesn't let them just say a simple prayer for forgiveness and be done with it. They must go to Job with their sacrifices and ask him to pray for them. This must have been a deeply humiliating thing. They accused Job of being far from God, and now God places Job as the priest to bring them near to God. In other words, God is seeing to it that the only way the three friends can experience reconciliation with god is through experiencing reconciliation with Job. They must humble themselves before Job, not simply before God.
Use these questions as a guide to help facilitate a group discussion about forgiveness.
Why is it so difficult to forgive those who hurt you?
Why doesn't forgiveness make sense to our human nature?
What do you do instead of forgiving?
What do you gain when you don't forgive? What do you lose?
Why does forgiveness matter to God? Why should forgiveness matter to you?
Read Matthew 5:24. What urgency and priority does Jesus put on forgiveness?
Are there people that you need to forgive in order to worship God?
Read Matthew 6:14-15. What's the reward if we forgive others? What's the consequence if we don't forgive others?
Read Romans 12:17-19. Who does judgement belong to? Why don't you want God to handle judgement? Why is it hypocritical to want to be the judge?
Are we supposed to forgive someone if they don't ask for forgiveness? (Colossians 3:12-13)
What scares you about freely forgiving? What could happen?
How could extending forgiveness heal a relationship? How might it heal the other person? How might it heal you?
Do you ever abuse the grace, mercy and forgiveness God has given you?
Do you agree that we must forgive others in order to be like Jesus?
If you need to forgive someone, how would you go about it?
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The School Bus: When God Takes You to School
Job 38–42
Summary of Job 38–40:5
Job had been confident that he knew the workings and the ways of God (27:11)... now God calls on him to prove that claim and demands that Job answer His questions (38:1–3). God then asks Job a series of rhetorical questions.
38:1 - God finally answers Job from the whirlwind (eye of the violent storm). Why do you think God chose this specific time to reply to Job?
Fill in the blank: When you hear from God in the midst of great struggle, it reassures you that God ___________.
(...is here, cares, is ultimately in control, etc.)
38:2–40:2 - God takes Job to school and blasts him with tons of questions. Don't you hate when someone answers a question with a question?! That's what God did to Job. Why is this God's method of reply? What is it that He's trying to communicate to Job?
(He's reminding Job of who is God, majestic, sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing, etc.)
Why does God appear to Job and say this? Is God defending Himself?
(God does not offer vindication of His dealings with us, nor does He need to justify his providence towards Job. He does not lower Himself in order to elevate us into judges of His conduct. The righteousness of His providence does not depend on how we perceive it or admit it. God is never defensive... He is the sovereign Lord of all, accountable to no being but Himself. He does not appear to vindicate Himself, but to rescue Job.)
Why does God speak to us (through His Word, others, circumstances, or the Holy Spirit)? What's the motive behind His words?
(to rescue us, save us from our sin, guide us towards Him, etc.)
40:3–5 - Job is ready to shut up and listen. Job needed to be rescued from his own thoughts. He began to make the wrong conclusions about God. We often need to be rescued from our own thoughts or the persuasion of others' thoughts. Powerful thoughts and words do not equal wisdom. Where does wisdom come from?
(Job 28:20-28, Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5)
Why should an unbeliever repent? Why should Christians repent?
(Repentance is not about relationship, but it is about restoring fellowship. Repentance is for everyone. To enjoy ongoing fellowship with God, we need to live a life of daily repentance.)
How does God's revelation lead to a life of repentance?
(It causes us to consider on a regular basis His glory and our inadequacies, and that His mind and thoughts are truly higher than ours. Isaiah 55:8–9)
42:7–17 - God never told Job why he suffered or what the purpose was. Would you still be demanding an explanation, or would you hear and understand what God said?
What has God showed you through these chapters?
What does God want to rescue you from right now? What do you need to repent from?
Summary of Job 38–40:5
Job had been confident that he knew the workings and the ways of God (27:11)... now God calls on him to prove that claim and demands that Job answer His questions (38:1–3). God then asks Job a series of rhetorical questions.
38:1 - God finally answers Job from the whirlwind (eye of the violent storm). Why do you think God chose this specific time to reply to Job?
Fill in the blank: When you hear from God in the midst of great struggle, it reassures you that God ___________.
(...is here, cares, is ultimately in control, etc.)
38:2–40:2 - God takes Job to school and blasts him with tons of questions. Don't you hate when someone answers a question with a question?! That's what God did to Job. Why is this God's method of reply? What is it that He's trying to communicate to Job?
(He's reminding Job of who is God, majestic, sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing, etc.)
Why does God appear to Job and say this? Is God defending Himself?
(God does not offer vindication of His dealings with us, nor does He need to justify his providence towards Job. He does not lower Himself in order to elevate us into judges of His conduct. The righteousness of His providence does not depend on how we perceive it or admit it. God is never defensive... He is the sovereign Lord of all, accountable to no being but Himself. He does not appear to vindicate Himself, but to rescue Job.)
Why does God speak to us (through His Word, others, circumstances, or the Holy Spirit)? What's the motive behind His words?
(to rescue us, save us from our sin, guide us towards Him, etc.)
40:3–5 - Job is ready to shut up and listen. Job needed to be rescued from his own thoughts. He began to make the wrong conclusions about God. We often need to be rescued from our own thoughts or the persuasion of others' thoughts. Powerful thoughts and words do not equal wisdom. Where does wisdom come from?
(Job 28:20-28, Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5)
Why should an unbeliever repent? Why should Christians repent?
(Repentance is not about relationship, but it is about restoring fellowship. Repentance is for everyone. To enjoy ongoing fellowship with God, we need to live a life of daily repentance.)
How does God's revelation lead to a life of repentance?
(It causes us to consider on a regular basis His glory and our inadequacies, and that His mind and thoughts are truly higher than ours. Isaiah 55:8–9)
42:7–17 - God never told Job why he suffered or what the purpose was. Would you still be demanding an explanation, or would you hear and understand what God said?
What has God showed you through these chapters?
What does God want to rescue you from right now? What do you need to repent from?
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The Empty Bus: When God Doesn't Show Up
Job 23:1-12
Summary of verses 1-9: Job has been struggling with the burden of his afflictions. He can't understand the meaning of God's providence with him. He cries out to God, but it seems God is not there to hear his case. He can't seem to find God anywhere (ahead, backwards, on the left or right). Although he knows that God is present everywhere, his mind becomes so confused, so consumed with his troubles, that he seems to be a man in fright and at his wits' end. And because he's so confused, nothing is clear. He is at a loss to know what God's purpose is with him. We see Job's faith wavering a bit.
Have you ever called out to God in a time of need, but it didn't seem like He even heard you?
• What were some of the thoughts going through your head?
• Why do you think you didn't hear from God? What do you think God was doing?
• Would you have done anything differently?
• What did you believe about God at that time?
• Why is it so scary when God doesn't seem apparent during times in the valley? Do you desire for His presence the same when you're on the mountain?
Why does it seem like the devil is always in the details? When trials come, we think this must be Satan. Why?
• Read Psalm 37:23. Who is always in every detail? Who directs every single step?
• Do you think you're a weak person if you need to depend on God? Are you strong if you can get through the hard times on your own?
• How does it help you to know that God is always aware of every detail in every step of your life?
Summary of verses 10-12: Job finds a way to still trust God. The steadfastness of his faith continues. God is a witness to his integrity. And even though he does not know the way which he goes, God knows that way. And Job's confidence is that God's way is good and produces gold.
• Are trials golden opportunities (pun intended) for God to do the work He desires in your life? Do you believe that statement? Can you testify to it? What personal stories can you share about this?
• How do you know if the affliction you're facing is a consequence for your sin or for God to do something powerful in your life?
(Embrace and learn from trials. Repent and turn from consequences.)
• How do you know when purification and sanctification are complete in your life? (When Jesus is seen perfectly in you.)
What should we focus on during our afflictions and trials?
(Our response and attitude towards these should be to pursue the will of God in/for our lives. Read vs 11.)
• What do you think the will of God for you today is? Are you in it, close to it, or far from it?
Continue to develop a thirst for His Word. Continue to seek Him in prayer.
Summary of verses 1-9: Job has been struggling with the burden of his afflictions. He can't understand the meaning of God's providence with him. He cries out to God, but it seems God is not there to hear his case. He can't seem to find God anywhere (ahead, backwards, on the left or right). Although he knows that God is present everywhere, his mind becomes so confused, so consumed with his troubles, that he seems to be a man in fright and at his wits' end. And because he's so confused, nothing is clear. He is at a loss to know what God's purpose is with him. We see Job's faith wavering a bit.
Have you ever called out to God in a time of need, but it didn't seem like He even heard you?
• What were some of the thoughts going through your head?
• Why do you think you didn't hear from God? What do you think God was doing?
• Would you have done anything differently?
• What did you believe about God at that time?
• Why is it so scary when God doesn't seem apparent during times in the valley? Do you desire for His presence the same when you're on the mountain?
Why does it seem like the devil is always in the details? When trials come, we think this must be Satan. Why?
• Read Psalm 37:23. Who is always in every detail? Who directs every single step?
• Do you think you're a weak person if you need to depend on God? Are you strong if you can get through the hard times on your own?
• How does it help you to know that God is always aware of every detail in every step of your life?
Summary of verses 10-12: Job finds a way to still trust God. The steadfastness of his faith continues. God is a witness to his integrity. And even though he does not know the way which he goes, God knows that way. And Job's confidence is that God's way is good and produces gold.
• Are trials golden opportunities (pun intended) for God to do the work He desires in your life? Do you believe that statement? Can you testify to it? What personal stories can you share about this?
• How do you know if the affliction you're facing is a consequence for your sin or for God to do something powerful in your life?
(Embrace and learn from trials. Repent and turn from consequences.)
• How do you know when purification and sanctification are complete in your life? (When Jesus is seen perfectly in you.)
What should we focus on during our afflictions and trials?
(Our response and attitude towards these should be to pursue the will of God in/for our lives. Read vs 11.)
• What do you think the will of God for you today is? Are you in it, close to it, or far from it?
Continue to develop a thirst for His Word. Continue to seek Him in prayer.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
The Beat-Up Bus: Grief, Anger, and the Blame Game
Job 3, Ephesians 4:26-32
Think of a time during the past week when you felt your emotions changing in the direction of anger. Which of the following statements characterized your response?
a. I ignored it.
b. I overreacted to it.
c. I worked to address it.
What was the result? What did you reap?
Anger shows itself in a variety of forms. Which form are you most likely to struggle with?
a. Irritability or bitterness?
b. Yelling or screaming?
c. Explosions?
d. Acts of fury to defend yourself (or others)?
e. Acts of self-injury (cutting yourself, misusing food, sex, alcohol, drugs, exercise, etc.)?
f. Dwelling on dark things that others have done?
g. Revenge, destroying others
h. Stewing and brewing
Anger is a heart issue. Understand how your heart leads to anger: A desire for even a good thing becomes a bad thing when that desire becomes a ruling thing.
"I want _______." (Desire)
"I must have _______." (Demand)
"I will have _______." (Need)
"You should _______." (Expectation)
"You didn't _______." (Disappointment)
Therefore, "I will _______." (Punishment)
What is your typical mode of punishment when you do not get your way?
(Silence, withdrawal, angry words, violence?)
Where do you tend to get irritated, frustrated, discouraged, or experience flashes of anger? Do you recognize any themes or patterns?
We can't control everything that happens to or around us. But, what can you control?
(Changes inside of yourself.)
Why does my heart towards others have to do with my heart towards God?
(1 John 4:19-21)
What is God revealing to you that he wants you to own, because He loves you and wants to change you, so that you can experience the freedom and joy of His rule in your heart? Be specific and ask those in your rGroup to pray for you and hold you accountable. Change is a community project.
So, you have an anger issue. What do you do?
(Anger must be surrendered. The only way out is to surrender your anger to God. Do not control or mange it in your flesh. Let the Spirit move you to action or bring you to brokenness.)
Are you ready to humble yourself in your broken state and surrender your sinful anger to God? Know that He will give you grace in your time of need.
(James 4:6)
Outbursts of anger can feel good for a moment (to our flesh), but how does it feel to surrender your anger to God? (Frees our spirit, removes weight of sin, mends relationship with God and others, allows you to focus on what's Holy, enables you to move forward, etc.)
Think of a time during the past week when you felt your emotions changing in the direction of anger. Which of the following statements characterized your response?
a. I ignored it.
b. I overreacted to it.
c. I worked to address it.
What was the result? What did you reap?
Anger shows itself in a variety of forms. Which form are you most likely to struggle with?
a. Irritability or bitterness?
b. Yelling or screaming?
c. Explosions?
d. Acts of fury to defend yourself (or others)?
e. Acts of self-injury (cutting yourself, misusing food, sex, alcohol, drugs, exercise, etc.)?
f. Dwelling on dark things that others have done?
g. Revenge, destroying others
h. Stewing and brewing
Anger is a heart issue. Understand how your heart leads to anger: A desire for even a good thing becomes a bad thing when that desire becomes a ruling thing.
"I want _______." (Desire)
"I must have _______." (Demand)
"I will have _______." (Need)
"You should _______." (Expectation)
"You didn't _______." (Disappointment)
Therefore, "I will _______." (Punishment)
What is your typical mode of punishment when you do not get your way?
(Silence, withdrawal, angry words, violence?)
Where do you tend to get irritated, frustrated, discouraged, or experience flashes of anger? Do you recognize any themes or patterns?
We can't control everything that happens to or around us. But, what can you control?
(Changes inside of yourself.)
Why does my heart towards others have to do with my heart towards God?
(1 John 4:19-21)
What is God revealing to you that he wants you to own, because He loves you and wants to change you, so that you can experience the freedom and joy of His rule in your heart? Be specific and ask those in your rGroup to pray for you and hold you accountable. Change is a community project.
So, you have an anger issue. What do you do?
(Anger must be surrendered. The only way out is to surrender your anger to God. Do not control or mange it in your flesh. Let the Spirit move you to action or bring you to brokenness.)
Are you ready to humble yourself in your broken state and surrender your sinful anger to God? Know that He will give you grace in your time of need.
(James 4:6)
Outbursts of anger can feel good for a moment (to our flesh), but how does it feel to surrender your anger to God? (Frees our spirit, removes weight of sin, mends relationship with God and others, allows you to focus on what's Holy, enables you to move forward, etc.)
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