Grace That Restores - Pt2 | LifeGroup Study Guide

Nov 7, 2022 | by Mike Prah

LIFEGROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

GRACE THAT RESTORES- Pt2
RELENTLESS GRACE: GOD'S POWER TO LIVE FREE Series-Pt4
Mike Prah | Week of November 6, 2022

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 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)

I. 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)

According to Titus 3:5, why did God save us?
Mercy means God does not treat us with as we deserve. Why is God’s mercy important to our salvation? What must we do in order 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 anyway 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?
Who are the ones this verse is talking about? What does it mean to fear God?
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?

II. WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I SIN?: RETURN

"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 see that we have sinned?

"No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you clean as freshly fallen snow." Isaiah 1:18 (LB)

In Isaiah 1:18, what does God say He can do with our sin? What does Isaiah’s words mean and how do they apply to you?

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!