Grace That Resores

LIFEGROUP MEETING GUIDE

HOW TO LIVE FREE – RESTORING GRACE

GRACE FREELY GIVEN! Series – Part 3 of 8

Mike Prah

Week of April 14, 2019

 

SERMON OVERVIEW:

“Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to You again! Give us back the joys we once had!”  Lamentations 5:21 (NLT). Like any relationship, our relationship with Jesus Christ must be maintained regularly. We don’t just become a Christian and that’s it. Every day, we’re either growing closer to Him, or we’re drifting farther away. The good news is that God offers us restoring grace when we drift away. No matter how far we’ve fallen, He always says, “You can come back to me.” In this study, we will discuss the common causes of falling away from the Lord and God’s amazing grace that restores!

 

A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER.

 

B. ICE BREAKER:

Take some time to share what’s going on in your life, testimonies and upcoming events. Recognize birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions of your group members

C. BIBLE DISCUSSION: PICK A FEW POINTS FROM EACH SECTION TO DISCUSS.

 

SECTION 1: REVIEWING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What fresh insight did you learn from the sermon?

(b). What Bible verse cited in the message stands out to you the most? Why?

 

SECTION 2: PERSONALIZING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What did you hear that encouraged or reassured you?

(b). How did the message increase your love for God or Jesus Christ?

 

SECTION 3:  ENCOURAGING APPLICATION OF THE SERMON

(a). If we diligently apply the message, what effect would it have on your personal lives and your walk with Christ?

 

SECTION 4:  DIGGING DEEPER

WHAT CAUSES BELIEVERS TO FALL AWAY? – Peter’s Denial of Christ – Mark 14:27-72

1. OVERCONFIDENCE

            “Everyone else may stumble in their faith, but I will not!” Mark 14:29 (NCV)

– What did Peter claim in Mark 14:29? What was the tone of his remark?

– Why does overconfidence put as at risk of falling away from God? Share some examples.

 

2. LAZINESS

“Couldn’t you stay awake with Me for one hour? Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation” Mark  14:37-38 (NCV)

– From Mark 14:37 what were the disciples doing when Jesus found them? What was Jesus’ attitude toward them for this? What should they have been doing?

– Why is it easier to do the wrong thing than it is to do the right thing?

– What can we do to spiritually “stay awake” so we can overcome temptations?

 

4. FEAR OF DISAPPROVAL

“Peter followed Him [Jesus] at a distance …” Mark 14:54a (NIV)

– In Mark 14:54a How was Peter “following” Jesus? What do you think Peter was afraid of?

– Why do we fear what others may think?

 

“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe” Proverbs 29:25 (GN)

According to Proverbs 29:25, what should we keep in mind when we worry about other people’s opinions of us? Whose opinion should we value the most? Why?

 

GOD’S RESPONSE:

“There is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NLT)

– What does God promise us in Romans 8:1?

– Is this a promise for everyone? Who are those who belong to Jesus Christ? How can we be sure that this promise is for us?

– Does being free from condemnation for our sins mean that we are also free from the consequences? Share some examples of sins that although forgiven, still carry personal consequences?

– Pastor Mike teaches that when we sin, we hurt ourselves the most.  We lose in 3 ways: (1) Our Fellowship with God  (2) Our effectiveness on earth, and  (3) Our rewards in heaven. What does this teaching mean to you?

 

WHY DOESN’T GOD REJECT BELIEVERS WHEN WE SIN?

 

1. BECAUSE GOD’S LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL

The faithful love of the Lord NEVER ends! His mercies NEVER cease. It is only the Lord’s mercies  that have kept us from complete destruction.” Lamentations 3:22 (NLT+LB)

– According to Lamentations 3:22, when does God’s compassion for us end? How can this truth help you?

 

2. BECAUSE SALVATION ISN’T BASED ON MY PERFORMANCE

       “He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy.”  Titus 3:5 (NLT)

– Mercy means God does not treat us as we deserve. Why is God’s mercy important to our salvation? What must we do to be saved?

 

3. BECAUSE JESUS HAS ALREADY TAKEN MY PUNISHMENT

“When Jesus served as a sacrifice for our sins, He solved the sin problem for God — not only ours, but the whole world’s.”  1 John 2:2 (Mes)

– From 1 John 2:2 what did Jesus do to pay for our sins? What was the result of His sacrifice?

– Does the fact that Jesus died to pay for our sins mean we can go on sinning? What does “grace” make us want to do?

 

“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” Revelation 3:19 (NLT)

– What does Revelation 3:19 mean to you and how would you apply this truth to your life?

– If a fellow Christian says, “I can live any way I feel like because Jesus has paid for my sins and when I die I’m going to heaven,” how would you use Revelation 3:19 to enlighten them?

 

4. BECAUSE GOD DOESN’T HOLD ON TO GRUDGES

“God will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.  He does not punish us for all our sins; He doesn’t deal harshly with us as we deserve … The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.” Psalm 103:9-13 (NLT)

– What does Psalm 103:9–13 tell us about God’s attitude toward the sin of those who fear Him?

– What should our attitude be toward this truth?

 

“Come back to Me, you unfaithful children, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful. “Yes, we will come to you, because you are the LORD our God.”  Jeremiah 3:22 (NCV)

– What is the promise in Jeremiah 3:22 and who is it for? What is the required action on our part?

– How can the truth of this verse make a difference when we find ourselves feeling distant from the Lord?

 

III.  WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I SIN?:  RETURN TO GOD

“If you return to Me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve Me.”  Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT)

– What does Jeremiah 15:19 say we must do to be restored to fellowship with God? What will we be able to do as a result?

– What should we do when we sin?

 

D. PRAYER TIME – PRAYER POINTS

 –  Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and follow-through in the application.

– Ask for prayer requests and pray for the individual needs of your group.

–  Closing Prayer

THANKS FOR COMING!  INVITE FRIENDS & COME BACK NEXT WEEK! PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANYONE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR MEETING. GOD BLESS YOU!