Time Out?

Posted by Dave Stone

Revelation 20:1-10

RELATE

1. As a group, discuss what kind of Sharefest project you would like to do. (Signups begin on Sunday, February 14. Sharefest is Saturday, March 20.)
There will be family-friendly projects as well as projects for those with physical limitations. Contact Jan Sederburg for more information.

2. What is your favorite game show and why?

REVIEW

3. Looking back over this week’s teaching, was there anything that particularly challenged you, confused you, or caught your attention?

4. Discuss the principle “time alone doesn’t fix heart trouble.” Why not?
The point here is that time (by itself) is not sufficient to heal a troubled heart. Healing also requires action. This is a good way to lead people toward action.

5. Discuss the principle “a perfect environment doesn’t produce a perfect heart.” In what ways does this challenge your thinking?
This is a “setup” question for the next question (application). For Kelli, it challenged a false belief about parenting. Namely, that if parents create the “perfect environment” for kids, then kids will follow Jesus. And that is not true. Biblically, it is not the perfect environment that sanctifies our heart, it is suffering (consider Joseph, Job, Jesus, Paul).

APPLICATION

6. Many times we think: “If only ___________, then I could follow Christ more closely.” (E.g., if only I had a different spouse, if only I had more time to read the Bible). What other things might fill this blank? Do you have any if-only’s active in your life right now?
Use this as an opportunity to help people focus on Christ’s work and not their individual circumstances. See thoughts on previous question.

7. Have you ever been in a state of heart trouble (bitterness, anger, pride, lust, etc.) and “nurtured it” for a while? What is your part in healing your heart?
It is easy for me (Kelli) to harbor unforgiveness in my heart. But I am commanded to forgive as Christ forgave me. Therefore, I verbally mouth the words of forgiveness and trust that Christ will bring my heart into submission to him.

8. According to the following passages, how is the Word of God effective in dealing with heart trouble?

• Psalm 19:7-11 - revives the soul
• John 1:1-14 - Jesus, the Word of God, is the ultimate communication of God; if your group has unbelievers, key in on this passage
• Hebrews 4:12- cuts to the heart
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - useful for training (and staying out of trouble)

How do these truths motivate you to engage God’s Word?
We want people to read the Word and be changed by it.

DIG

9. In our passage, Satan is bound for 1000 years and is ineffective. Currently, Satan is active and effective. According to the following passages, what is Satan doing right now?

• Matthew 4:3 - tempting
• John 8:44 - lying, deceiving
• John 10:10 - stealing, murdering, destroying
• 2 Corinthians 11:14 - disguised as an angel of light
• 1 Peter 5:8 - seeking to devour
• Revelation 12:9-10 - accusing