Show me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.
I both love and loathe the term, “Show me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.” On one hand, it is a great phrase because the people that we hang out with, have the highest probability of influencing us. Think about it… the restaurants that you like, the movies that you watch, the teams that you root for are all often influenced by a friend in your life. It’s a community that you build and grow together out of camaraderie. That’s something that we all need desperately. We need people that we can grow together with who will influence us positively.
MONDAY, JUNE 6
Connect: Mark 5
DISCOVER:
- Four men bring a paralyzed man to Jesus. What were the obstacles in their way and what were they willing to do to get to Jesus? Why?
- What is the significance of Jesus telling the paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven? Why not just heal him?
- Jesus chose a tax collector named Levi (or Matthew) to follow Him. What does this tell us about who God chooses? What does it tell us about who we should share Jesus with?
- What can we learn about following Jesus from Levi’s response?
- What is the point Jesus is making about fasting in verses 18-22 in His explanation of grooms, garments, and wineskins?
RESPOND:
- After reading the essay, do you believe your sins have been fully forgiven? Why or why not?
- When Jesus responds to the critical scribes and Pharisees (verse 17) He gives an explanation for why He came. As His follower, how does Jesus’ purpose influence our purpose?
- What is the most remarkable thing you learned about Jesus in this chapter?
- What does this chapter inspire you to do to be more like Jesus?
TUESDAY, JUNE 7
Connect: 1 Psalm 32
DISCOVER:
- How did David describe the person who receives God’s forgiveness? (32:1-11) How did David feel when he had unconfessed sin in his life? (32:3-4)
- What personal testimony did David offer regarding God’s forgiveness? (32:3-5) How did God motivate David to confess his sin? (32:5)
- What did David experience after he confessed his sin to God? (32:5) How did God respond to David’s confession? (32:5)
- What promise did David offer to those who trust in the Lord? (32:10)
RESPOND:
- After reading Psalm 32, whom do you know who needs to hear this poem?
- What behavior or attitude do you need to confess to the Lord today?
- What is one creative way you can remind yourself of God’s forgiveness over this next week?
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
Connect: Romans 4
DISCOVER:
- Focus on Romans 4:7– What are transgressions? How are these defined?
- How can sins be covered? Covered by what/whom?
- What blessings will the Lord give those who are forgiven?
RESPOND:
- Do you recognize that you sin daily? Why or why not?
- If we sin daily, do you take your sin seriously or do you shrug it off?
- What does the Bible define repentance as? How do you live a life of repentance?
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
Connect: Luke 5 and Mark 2:1-17
DISCOVER:
- If we feel guilt for what we do, but shame for who we are, then which of these is beneficial and which is not? What effect does each produce in the human heart?
- In Luke 5:10, Jesus responds to Peter. What do we learn about the character of God from the words of Jesus here, and how do you think Peter reacted to them?
- read Luke 5:27-28: Who does Jesus call? What was his occupation? What are some of the things that make this call so surprising? What was this man’s response?
- What does Levi do? Why do you think he did this? Who does Levi invite? What does this tell us about Levi? What are some reasons Jesus could have given for not going to this feast? What does Jesus going to this feast tell us about Jesus?
RESPOND:
- What happens to a person physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually when she is not forgiven?
- Have you ever had a time you felt unforgiven either by God or by another person? What was that like?
- Who in your circle is most like Matthew–a person living outside of faith that you suspect may have interest in faith?
- What drew you to faith? Was it a person, an event, or an experience?
FRIDAY, JUNE 10
Connect: Ephesians 1
DISCOVER:
- Focus on Ephesians 1:7– Define redemption. How does a person gain redemption?
- How do we see God’s grace?
- Why would God want to forgive us?
RESPOND:
- According to Ephesians 1:7, have you received redemption through Christ?
- Who is someone who comes to mind in your friend circle who needs redemption? How can you create opportunities for them to talk about Christ?
Day 11 Hebrews 9
DISCOVER:
- Reread Hebrews 9:22– What is “the law” verse 22 is refers to?
- How has “the law” been fulfilled?
- Forgiveness is a 2 step process: (1) The shedding of the Blood, which Jesus completed & rose from the grave (2) Freely accepting the gift of forgiveness Christ offers. If a person accepts this gift, according to verse 22 what is a person considered?
SATURDAY, JUNE 11
Connect: Hebrews 9
DISCOVER:
- Reread Hebrews 9:22– What is “the law” verse 22 is refers to?
- How has “the law” been fulfilled?
- Forgiveness is a 2 step process: (1) The shedding of the Blood, which Jesus completed & rose from the grave (2) Freely accepting the gift of forgiveness Christ offers. If a person accepts this gift, according to verse 22 what is a person considered?
RESPOND:
- Have you confessed your sins to Christ? Have you repented of these sins to Christ? Have you asked forgiveness from Christ? Have you asked Holy Spirit to fill your heart, mind and soul? If no to any of these, why? I encourage you to talk to someone about your responses.
- If yes to these, have you taken the next step of baptism? If no, I encourage you to speak to someone here at the Rock to help with that next step.
- The bible is clear about forgiveness from God, but it’s also clear about us forgiving others. Are you purposely withholding forgiveness from someone? Why or why not? What steps can you take to finally forgive?
SUNDAY, JUNE 12
Connect: John 5
DISCOVER:
- Any guess as to why the “Sheep Gate” (John 5:2) was called that?
- What does John 7:14-15 tell us about this man who had been healed?
- In John 5:19-23, is Jesus saying that He is another God to rival the Father?
- Who is the “Son of Man” (John 5:27) to whom Jesus is referring?
- Why does Jesus say, “I can do nothing by Myself” (John 5:30)?
RESPOND:
- How do people react today when warned about their sin(s)?
- How do you react when people warn you about your sin(s)?
- What do you think people and we are so quick to be offended when called out about sin? How can we approach ACCOUNTABILITY better?