Society Focus
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.
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.
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 knowledge towards understanding and wisdom. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
- What are some examples of paying evil with evil?
- How can we provide things honest in the sight of all men? What does it mean that we are honest with all men?
- How does being honest in all things help us to NOT be evil?
- What are some strategies to live peaceably with all men?
- What should we do if there is someone we can not be peaceable with?
- Why is it important to give avoid vengeance? Who’s authority are we taking when we seek vengeance?
- Verse 20 starts with ‘Therefore’ what does this mean in this context?
- Because we are not to pay evil for evil, be honest, live peaceably and not avenge what are we supposed to do? How does treating the enemy as described in verse 20 ensure that we Don’t do the things we should not?
Proverbs 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
- What characteristic of God would make our honesty important?
- If a Just Weight is a delight to God then how does he feel about honest business?
- Of the seven things that God hates how many have to do with being dishonest? Can you think of how each of the seven things relates to untruth? (Use the following to help the discussion)
Proud look – thinks of themselves to highly
Shed innocent blood – false punishment
Wicked imaginations – thoughts against the righteousness
Swift feet to mischief – running towards the unrighteousness
Discord – false familiarity
Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:
20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
- Why should the just man be confident?
- What should our attitude be towards the enemy that falls?
- Why should we have confidence in not fretting about evil men?
- If it turned out you were wrong about your enemy – how would these verses protect you from making false accusations?
- When considering all these verse – what is the most common theme in treating society?
- Being honest – protecting the innocent – seeking justice : where does self fit into this?
- Who’s job is it to worry about you? How is it an act of faith in God to live this way?
Next Week: The Successful Life – Spiritual Focus
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