Grace That Restores - Pt1| LifeGroup Study Guide

Oct 30, 2022 | by Mike Prah

LIFEGROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

GRACE THAT RESTORES- Pt1
RELENTLESS GRACE: GOD'S POWER TO LIVE FREE Series-Pt3
Mike Prah | Week of October 30, 2022

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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 on a regular basis. We don’t just become 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 how we can be made fresh again. First, we’ll look at the 4 common causes of falling away from the Lord. Then, we’ll discuss God’s amazing grace that restores.

A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER

B. ICE BREAKER:

Take some time to share what is going on in your life, testimonies, and upcoming events. Recognize the birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions of your group members. Pick 1 item from the Icebreaker list (see below) to discuss to know each other better.

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? OR

(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 our personal lives and walk with Christ?

D: DIGGING DEEPER (TAKE TURNS READING THE SCRIPTURES AND THEN DISCUSS THE QUESTIONS)

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 deceive us and 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?
When are we the weakest to temptation?
What can we do to spiritually “stay awake” so we can overcome temptations?

3. FEAR OF DISAPPROVAL

“Peter followed Him at a distance …” Mark14:54a (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?

Pastor Mike shared that one of the dangers of trying to please everyone is , it stunts our ability to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When God is big in our lives, people have less power over our lives. Their influence is diminished when God is big in our lives. But when we allow people to be big, what ends up happening is God becomes diminished. And we give to people in our lives what really only belongs to God. We give to people authority, influence, and what only God deserves to have. God and people can’t both be equal-sized in our lives. A people-pleasing mentality hinders our ability to grow in faith.

Do you agree or disagree with this teaching? Why or why not?
Reflect on the following statements by Jesus and share how you would apply that to your life.

Jesus: “Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me.” John 5:41 (LB)

Jesus: “I don’t try to please myself, but I try to please the One who sent me.” John 5:30 (NCV)

4. CONVENIENCE

“Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.” Mark 14:54 (NIV)

What did Peter choose to do in Mark 14:54b?
Even though we love the Lord, why are we often tempted to seek help from the enemy as Peter did by “warming himself with the enemy’s fire”? Share some examples.
What usually happens when we accept help from our enemy?

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?
When God says, “there no condemnation” what does it mean to your past, present and future sins? What does it mean to be free from it?
Is this 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 consequences.
Pastor Mike teaches that when we sin, we hurt ourselves the most. We lose in 4 ways: (1) Our Fellowship with God (2) Our effectiveness on earth (3) Our rewards in heaven, and (4) Our joy here on earth. What does this teaching mean to you?

II. 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?

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

E. PRAYER POINTS

Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and follow through on the application. Pray for a divine, positive impact as God's people apply this Word to everyday living.
Ask for individual prayer requests and pray for your group's individual needs.
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!