Commitment to God
Pray
Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.
Review
Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?
Watch
Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.
John 15:9-11
Ephesians 6:10-18
One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.
Retell
- One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
- As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.
Discuss
Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?
Scripture :
John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Love, Commandments and Joy
- Does Jesus love everybody? Does everyone abide in Christ’s love? How do we abide in His love?
- Verse 10 promises that we shall abide in His love if we keep his commandments: Can I do what I have always done and keep his commandments?
- What does the word abide mean in these scriptures?
- What does it mean to live in, or dwell in His love?
- What are the two promises about Joy if we will Keep his commandments and Abide in his love?
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
- Can you name one of your strengths, this is not a spiritual question – what are you good at?
- Are you comfortable working and doing things in an area of your own strength?
- How did you get comfortable with your strengths?
- In verse 10 what does it mean to be Strong in the Lord?
- How can we make God and his might our strength?
- If we are strong in the Lord are we going to be comfortable using the power of his might?
- How can we get comfortable in the Lord and the power of his might?
- In verse 11,14-18 tells us how to be strong in the Lord and the power of his Might: How many specific things are there to do? What are they?
- How many things are to be taken up or put on? How many things are to be done?
- How can we take up or put on things like truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation and the word of God?
- How can we pray always? How is this physically possible?
- What does it mean to persevere ?
- If we invest time in putting on these things, and doing these things will we become comfortable and competent in (be strong in ) the Lord and the power of his might? Why or Why not?
Next Week: The Successful Life – Commitment To Family and Self
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