Urban Legends 03: More Than You Can Handle

KEY POINTS:

The gift of too much teaches you to: 

1. Put something down 

2. Hand something off 

3. Give something to God.

BREAKING THE ICE:

GOD WILL OFTEN ALLOW YOU TO HAVE MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE!

Contrary to popular opinion, God wants us weak not strong. How does the world’s perspective of strength and weakness differ from God’s?

CONNECTING:

1. Why is this spiritual myth so dangerous? Believing the myth, “God won’t give you more than you can handle” can lead us to what wrong conclusions? Share a personal example of how believing this myth has affected your life. How does this belief lead us to attempt to handle things by ourselves, rather than depend on Christ or share the load with others?

2. In what area of your life do you feel God is giving you more than you can handle? Where in your life do you need to say “or” instead of “and”? To what request and to whom do you have the most difficulty saying “no”? What boundaries do you need to set in these relationships?

3. Is God asking you to: 1) put something down 2) hand something off 3) give something to Him or 4) do something else? If you need to hand something off, who could share this burden with you? (see Numbers 11:17)

4. When have you felt overwhelmed by life? Did this feeling lead you to 1) try harder 2) give up or 3) depend on God and/or others? Why is it beneficial to share our burdens with other believers? Why do you find it difficult to ask for help? Share a time when you handed something off to others. What was the result? What are you holding onto that needs to be given to God?

5. In what ways were you taught that you need to be strong (in yourself)?

Why are we afraid to disclose our weaknesses to others? What perceived weakness in yourself do you find difficult to accept? How is God using this to bring about brokenness and dependence on Him? How can you allow the Lord’s power to be perfected (accomplish it’s goal) through your weakness?

TAKE IT HOME: 

1. Ask God to show you the specific things He wants you to put down. Practice

thinking “ I can do ______ or _____” instead of “I can do _____ and ______.”

2. Ask God to show you the areas in your life where you are relying on your own strength instead of His. Acknowledge this to God and surrender control of these areas to Him.

3. Make a list of the weaknesses that make your life difficult. Each time you are reminded of one of these weaknesses, thank God for His grace and trust Christ to empower you in this area. Memorize Philippians 4:13.

4. Spend some time this week giving your burdens to God. Ask Him to reveal His purpose for them in your life. Apply Psalm 55:22 and 1 Thess. 5:18.

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS:

1. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-14.

Why did Paul refer to Israel’s history and what can we learn from it? (10:6,11) 

Name some examples from Israel’s history when God allowed them to experience more than they could handle. 

How did they respond and how does their response serve as an example for us today?

What warning did Paul give the Corinthians? Why? (10:12) 

What causes us to fall into sin? 

What should we recall when we are tempted to yield to sin? How does God make a way of escape when we are tempted?

How does the context for God’s promise in 10:13 shed light on it’s meaning? 

How is this different the myth, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Put verse 13 into your own words and commit it to memory.

2. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Who was responsible for giving Paul a “thorn in the flesh”? 

If Paul had not had this “thorn” how might his spiritual life have been affected? (12:7) 

What did Paul ask God to do? 

What did God reveal to Paul? 

What is your “thorn in the flesh”? 

What purpose does it serve? 

How can trusting in God’s grace and power make a difference in this area?

Why does God choose to heal some people of their weakness or disability and not others? 

How should you respond if God chooses not to remove your “thorn in the flesh”? 

How can you be content with your weaknesses?

How does God remind us to rely on Him and not ourselves? 

Why should we boast about our weaknesses? 

How can you “boast in” the Lord when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate? 

When confessing your weaknesses, be sure to boast in the Lord at the same time. Example: “I feel inadequate and overwhelmed when ________ but Christ is the strength of my life.”

VERSES FOR FURTHER STUDY: Numbers 11:13-17; Exodus 18:17-23; 2 Cor.1:8-11, 3:4-6, 4:7-11; Psalm 55:22

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Generousity

Giving isn't about the volume, it's about your heart. Jesus once commended a faithful woman who gave what was considered very little. But Jesus recognized it as being much.

Luke 21:4 (New Living Translation)

4 "For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has."

God doesn't want us to give as a duty. We ought to give as we can.

2 Corinthians 8:12 (NLT)

12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.

Ultimately, giving benefits not just others, but us as well.

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

25 The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Life is about giving--not as a duty, but as a joy. And that joy overflows into all aspects of our lives.


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Urban Legends 02: God Wants You To Be Happy

KEY POINTS:

God doesn’t want you happy . . . 

1) When it causes you to sin. 

2) When it is driven by circumstances.

• In the pursuit of happiness, the prodigal son became miserable.

3) God wants you blessed. 

• If you pursue happiness, you’ll miss God. 

• If you pursue God, you’ll find blessings.

Blessed: Spiritually prosperous— experiencing life-joy and satisfaction through God’s indwelling presence and matchless grace.

BREAKING THE ICE:

• How are most people trying to find happiness? 

• Name some pursuits (sins) that can create temporary “happiness”, but lead to 

permanent sorrow.

CONNECTING:

1. Talk about a time when you did the wrong thing because you thought it would make you happy. Complete the following sentence with the first thing that comes to mind: “I would be happier if only . . .” or “I could never be happy if . . .” 

What do your answers reveal about your goals in life? 

How can pursuing happiness lead to misery? 

What is the difference between happiness and joy? 

Are you seeking happiness in externals or a blessed life through your relationship with Christ?

2. How do people attempt to use God for their own gain or profit? (Example: “If I do ___ for God, He will give me what I want.”) 

What is wrong with basing your contentment or happiness on externals? 

What does it mean to be “holy”? To be “blessed”? 

How does being holy lead to a blessed life?

3. How has the pursuit of happiness caused you to miss God? 

How did it lead to sin? 

In what ways are we blessed when we pursue God? (see Psalm 16:11 and John 15:11) 

Why should the awareness of Christ’s presence in us and His promises to us bring us inner joy? 

What has Jesus spoken to you that gave you great joy?

4. Describe a time when your circumstances did not make you happy, but you still experienced God’s blessings. 

How did God bless you, in spite of your less than optimum situation?

The apostle Paul experienced many hardships as he followed Christ. What was the goal or focus of his life (see Phil. 3:8-10, 14)? 

How would pursuing this goal lead to experiencing a blessed life?

TAKE IT HOME: 

1. Have you believed the spiritual myth that God wants you happy? 

Is there 

anything you are doing today, against God’s will, in the pursuit of happiness? 

If so, what attitudes or goals do you need to change in order to pursue God and experience a blessed life?

2. It is easy to get distracted by worldly pursuits. 

How will you stay focused on seeking God’s interests instead of chasing after happiness? How will you demonstrate, to others, God’s perspective of a blessed life?

3. What worldly ideas do you need to reject? 

What promises do you need to believe to experience the blessings that yours in Christ? How will you find your joy in God this week? (see Psalm 16:8-11, 37:4; Phil. 4:4)

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS:

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-11 and Philippians 4:11-13.

• What brings us great gain? 

What does it mean to be content? 

With what are we to be content? 

Why do some think that godliness is a means to financial gain?

• What about your life is making it difficult for you to be content? 

What would it take for you to be content in your circumstances?

• How can you guard against placing too much stock in your personal possessions or circumstances?

• In what types of situations had Paul learned to be content? 

Why was Paul able to handle any kind of circumstance? 

What is the relationship between contentment and a blessed life?

2. Read Matthew 5:3-10 (Amplified version).

• Who did Jesus say would experience a blessed life? 

What does it mean to be blessed?

• What does it mean to be poor in spirit? How are those who mourn blessed? • What will those who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness receive? What

does it mean to be filled? • How are we blessed by having a pure heart? Why would seeing God result in

blessing and joy?

• What is the reward for those who are merciful and peacemakers?

• Which of these kingdom attitudes needs to be developed more fully in your life? 

What will that look like?

VERSES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

2 Tim. 4:3-4; 1 Peter 1:15; 3:8-12; Prov.16:25; Eccl. 5:18-20; 2 Cor. 7:9-14; Psalm 16:5-11; 37:4-7; 112:1; Matt. 6:33; John 10:10,15:9-11; Rom. 14:17, 15:13; Eph.1:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:16-18

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Enjoy the Good!

Seen anything good lately? We're bringing the good right to you!

Psalm 24:1 (New Living Translation)

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.

From Genesis 1 (NLT)

4 And God saw that the light was good....

10 And God saw that it was good....

12 And God saw that it was good....

18 And God saw that it was good....

21 And God saw that it was good....

25 And God saw that it was good....

31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!

Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

16 Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Look around you. God made life to be enjoyed. As the crowning point of creation, get out there. Go spread some good. And have a really good day


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Training To Excel

You have to work hard and train to excel at something. There are those that train to run, to act, to type, to draw, to bike, to swim, and to play "Angry Birds". Paul talks about working to excel:

2 Corinthians 8:7 (New Living Translation)

7 Since you excel in so many ways--in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us--I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

So excel in your giving! Think of your giving as something to be developed. Something that takes creative thought, not simply something you mark off a list.


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Urban Legends 01: There Are Many Ways To God

KEY POINTS:

1) Test the claims of Jesus. 

2) Test the credibility of Jesus.

• Examine what people said. 

• Examine what Jesus did. 

• Examine what God did (resurrection).

3) Test the character of Jesus. 

THREE OPTIONS: 

JESUS is either a liar, a lunatic or LORD.

BREAKING THE ICE:

• Has anyone ever accused you of being narrow- minded in your spiritual beliefs? How did you respond?

• What are some reasons people have for believing that Jesus is NOT the only way to God?

CONNECTING:

1. Some believe that all religions are just different paths that lead to the same God. How do we know if what we believe is right? When you were first confronted with the claims of Christ, what questions did you have about Him? How did you overcome your doubts about His deity? What convinced you that Jesus is the Son of God?

2. Share a time when you were asked a difficult spiritual question by a non–believer. What was the question and how did you respond? What can you take from this week’s message that will better prepare you in the future?

3. Some people refuse to believe in a God who would send people to Hell. How would you explain the difference between a God who is fair and a God who is holy and just? Why did Jesus have to die in order for us to be forgiven and receive eternal life? What is the one thing that God asks of us? (see Ro- mans 10:9) How difficult would it be to believe in a holy, but loving God who became human, took our punishment for sin and died in our place so that we could live forever with Him?

4. Why do people today fail to realize that Jesus is God? How would you share Christ with someone who struggles with believing Jesus is the only way to God? What misunderstandings might they have about the gospel? About Jesus? What are your favourite verses to share regarding the claims of Christ?

TAKE IT HOME:

1. What will you do to be prepare yourself to share the claims of Christ? (Example: study the verses below to become better equipped to share your faith).

2. Do you believe the spiritual myth that there are other ways than trusting in Jesus to be saved? If so, what truth about Jesus are you failing to believe? For example, the truth that he is God, his death was necessary, his resurrection or something else? If your faith is weak, take the time to examine the claims and character of Jesus.

3. How will you demonstrate with your life that Jesus rose from the dead and is the only way to the Father?

DISCOVERY QUESTIONS:

1. Read John 1:1-5, 12-14; 10:30-33,37-38; 14:6-11.

• Who is the Word? What is the relationship between the Word and God? What did the Word do? Who did Jesus claim to be? What did he say that he came to do? What was his relationship with the Father? What is the benefit of believing the Word? Whose glory did the Word reveal? (1:1-5, 12-14)

• What does Jesus mean when he says he is one with the Father? What proof does he give? Why did Jesus’ claims enrage the Jews? Who today is offended by this claim? (10:30-33, 37-38)

• How does Jesus describe himself? What one way did Jesus say we could come to the Father? How did Jesus characterize his relationship with the Father? How can we know what Father God is like? (14:6-11)

2. Read Phil. 2:5-9; Col. 1:15-20; Heb. 1:1-3.

• Who and where was Christ before he became a man? How did Jesus limit himself? For what purpose did he come? In the end, who will bow their knee and confess that Jesus is Lord? (Phil. 2:5-9)

• What is Christ’s relationship to God? To Creation? To the church? What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection? What did God achieve through the work of His Son? What does the work of Christ on your behalf mean to you? (Col. 1:15-20)

• How did God speak to people in the past? How does He speak to us today? How is Jesus different from other prophets? What does Jesus reveal to us about the nature of God? What did Jesus do after completing his ministry on earth? What difference should it make to us that Jesus is heir of all things and the creator of the world? (Heb. 1:1-3)

VERSES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Matt.10:32-33; 27:54; 

Mark 6:2-3; 

John 8:46, 58; 14:6-1; 16:15-16; 18:38-39; 

Acts 3:15-16; 

Rom. 2:11-16;10:9; 

Phil. 2:9-11; 

Col. 2:9.

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The Ghost 04: Filled With The Holy Spirit-Follow Up

Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions and scriptures are designed to help you take that next step.

With your Bible read Acts 2:1-4.

This passage describes the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came and filled the early church giving them the ability to speak in tongues.

• Share your personal reactions to the gift of tongues. How did the message influence your beliefs?

Read 1 Corinthians 14: 4-5, 18, 23, 27-28.

Paul instructs us in these passages the purpose of speaking in tongues, which is designed to strengthen the person speaking and not the church.

• Why do you think speaking in tongues is such a controversial topic among believers?

Read Galatians 5:16-17 and Ephesians 5:15-18.

These scriptures tell us that we should not give into our sinful desires, but rather we should be filled with the Holy Spirit.

• How did the picture of getting drunk help expand your understanding of what a Spirit-filled life is like? 

• Describe a time when you experienced being filled by the Holy Spirit. How did the experience affect your relationship with Christ? 

• If you haven’t had that experience yet, what do you think it would be like?

Read Galatians 5:22-26.

This passage instructs us to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

• How does living a Spirit-filed life currently look in your own life? What steps can you take now to begin or continue to process of living a more Spirit-filed life?

• As you take your next steps towards a Spirit-filed life, what questions do you still have that you will seek out answer to?

next steps

Here are some specific things you can do this week to learn more about the Holy Spirit and help you experience the power of the Holy Spirit.

Consider reading Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. In this book, Francis Chan offers a detailed understanding of the Holy Spirit and teaches us how to embrace and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction. 

This week take time to focus on developing a more Spirit-filled life by praying and seeking a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Also, spend some time with someone who you feel is living a Spirit-filled life and learn from their insight and experience on how to fully experience the Holy Spirit.

Use these prayer tips to guide your time with God this week to expand your conversations both in person and online:

• Pray and ask God to show you some specific ways that you can begin living a more Spirit-filled life.

• Have an honest conversation with God seeking answers to the questions you have about how to live a Spirit-filled life.

• Ask God to show those areas of your life that are keeping you from having a Spirit-filled life. Commit to working on those areas.

• Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit and for all He has done in your life and will continue to do.

• Pray for those you know and love that they will begin to experience a more Spirit-filled life.

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