Resilient Recovery Groupabcd.docx

Resilient Recovery GroupMens Break out

Introduction to new members [Say who we are and why we are here]

Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Neutralize temptation]

At 7:15 we will check-in about the week and any burning issues.

At 7:25 we will close with prayer.

This week in resiliency:

James 4:7-10 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.Meditation: Spend some time examining your heart. Most of us do not submit completely to God. We do not seek him enough through meditation on his word. We do not resist the devil and we do not humble ourselves. What tempts you away from meditating on his word? __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Next, lets repent to God for avoiding his word. Share with the group how your lack of submission can be dirty, double-minded or a source of grief, mourning and gloom to you, others in your life, and God._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rejoice that God forgives sinners before they even repent! You can commit this verse to memory: 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

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Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Neutralize temptation through meditation in Gods word]


At 7:25 we will close with prayer. James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Meditation:Think of a sin in your life. __________________________ The image that the bible uses is that of a mother who conceives and gives birth to a child. What evil desire is the mother of your sin?

We should put to death our evil desires and not allow them a foothold. But our natural man refuses to do this. How does your natural man protect, feed and nurture your evil desire? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

James 1:16-18 Dont be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.What word of truth can put to death your evil desires before they even have the chance to conceive?___________________________________________________Rejoice that Christ is NOT like us!! He does not have or follow evil desires. Every impulse of his heart is godly. Even though he is glorious, he humbled himself to the point of deathand gave us the righteousness he earned through his life, death and resurrection.Mark 10:45: The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Rest in Gods promises]


At 7:25 we will close with prayer. Romans 5:8: God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.Romans 8:32: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

You may falsely believe that you must clean yourself up, or fix some things in your life before you dare to ask God for healing or forgiveness. But these sinful, rebellious thoughts come from a heart that rejects Gods promises and wants to work out its own salvation. Write down the specific thoughts that you put up as a barrier between you and Gods Amazing Grace.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.9 Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11You can ask for more faith and belief and trust fully that he will give it to you. You can also ask another Christian to pray for you. What could another person pray on your behalf? How could another person advocate for you? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



Opening Prayer



At 7:25 we will close with prayer. Avoid the Pitfall of reverting your own willpower.You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a]

MeditationThink of a sin past or present __________What are some things you have tried to do in the flesh to overcome a sin that did not work?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9New International Version (NIV)When we want to conquer a sin in our own flesh, it is often because we want to be able to boast. This boasting is sinful. What boasts are you tempted to make? That you have great willpower? That you are a victor? That you have done something others admire? Or some other boast?

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, God, have mercy on me, a sinner.14 I tell you that this man [Tax Collector], rather than the other [Pharisee] , went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart. Psalm 51:16-17What helps you obtain the attitude of the tax collector and psalmist?_____________________________________________________



Opening Prayer



At 7:25 we will close with prayer. We try to continue without support.Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:8 There was a man all alone;he had neither son nor brother.There was no end to his toil,yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.For whom am I toiling, he asked,and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?This too is meaninglessa miserable business!Meditation:When have you felt alone in life? When did you feel like all your toil was meaningless?________________________________________________9 Two are better than one,because they have a good return for their labor:10 If either of them falls down,one can help the other up.But pity anyone who fallsand has no one to help them up.Who has been a support to you in your life? Tell the group about a person that has been there for you. This person may have been a teacher, a coach, a youth pastor, and uncle, a friendanyone that displayed care and concern for you and to whom you are grateful now._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.But how can one keep warm alone?12 Though one may be overpowered,two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.What attitudes or behaviors prevent you from seeking and accepting help from others?___________________________________________________



Opening Prayer



At 7:25 we will close with prayer. Pitfall: we become prideful.Pride goes before destruction,a haughty spirit before a fall.19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressedthan to share plunder with the proud.

MeditationHave you ever felt really strongly that you were right about somethingmaybe even gotten angry with someone else when they tried to correct youand found out later that you were the one who was wrong? Tell the group about this time of pride and haughtiness in your life.

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[a]and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.21 The wise in heart are called discerning,and gracious words promote instruction.[b]Has there been a time when you gave heed to instruction? In other words has there been a teacher, mentor, pastor, friend, spouse who taught you something and you were blessed by it? Tell the group about that time.

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,but folly brings punishment to fools.23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,and their lips promote instruction.[c]Wisdom and prudence are great character traits to have. What character defects do you have that get in the way of you becoming more wise and prudent?



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Tell others what God has done for you]



If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.7But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faithMeditation:Christian author and Pastor Tim Keller says that righteousness in the bible refers to being presentable; it means being good enough to please. We spend so much of our time working to be presentable, accentuating our best qualities and covering our flaws. When we tell others what God has done for us, it is important not to make us presentable, but to boast about Jesus instead.Paul used to count righteousness from the law as gain. Some of us may have had more worldly ways of being presentable, like being tougher, cooler, nicer, or smarter than others. What are some things that you used to count as gain? What things did you used to think made you presentable, likeable, respected, feared or worthy? _________________________________________________________Do you count these things as loss? Do you consider them garbage? If so, what happened to make them garbage for you? If they are not garbage for you, what do you still find appealing about them?______________________________________________________10I want to know Christyes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.Paul says he wants to know Christ, participate in his sufferings and become like him. In your recovery, how are/have you participated or shared in Christs sufferings? How are you becoming like him?____________________________________________________



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Tell others what God has done for you]



Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:6-9)

MeditationPaul had received visions that he calls surpassingly great revelations. Yet he refrains from boasting about them. Have you ever been turned off, discouraged, or bothered by hearing someone else boast about what God had done? Have you ever potentially turned off, discouraged or bothered someone else with your boasting about God?

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christs sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)Why do you think it is wise to avoid even boasting about what God has done in our lives?

What weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties can you boast in?

What do you imagine it feels like to an unbeliever or a young believer when we boast about these weaknesses? What do you think goes through their minds?_____________________________________________________Tell the group about a time boasting in weakness has caused Christs power to rest on you and made you strong.



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Rest in Jesus and his care]



The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

MeditationIn the passage on the other half of this page, Jesus read from the book of Isaiah and declares that he is the fulfillment of prophesythat he is the Christ. There are two ways to miss out on the power of resting on this promise. One is to think too little of your sin. The other is to think too little of Gods power. When we think too little of our sin, we say, I am basically a good person and when I occasionally sin, God doesnt really care that much. But how can we rest in Jesus, when we dont see ourselves as sin-weary. Answer the following questions, trying not to think too little of our sin. How are you poor because of your sin?How are you a prisoner to your sin?How does your sin make you blind?How are you oppressed by your sin?When we think too little of Gods power, we say, I know God did great miracles in the Bible, but he isnt really going to do anything for me now. The burden for change is on me.Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. Hebrews 11:1-2Name some times in the bible, where everything looked like it was hopeless but God delivered on his promises.Can you name a time in your own life where everything looked hopeless, but God delivered on his promise?



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Tell others what God has done for your]


At 7:25 we will close with prayer. Jonah 2:7When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord 2 Corinthians 12:9But he said to me,My graceis sufficient for you, for my poweris made perfect in weakness.Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me.Psalm 119:7171It was good for me to be afflicted,so that I might learn your decrees.Psalm 513 For I know my transgressions,and my sin is always before me.17 My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.Meditation

God Uses pain to get our attention. What is the pain in your heart that is getting your attention? (Jonah 2:7)God uses pain to teach us to depend on him. Where do you need to depend more on God? (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Pain is a practice field where we learn to act like Christ. How can you react more like Christ in your pain? (Psalm 119:71)

Pain makes us able to identify with, not judge, others in who are in pain and sin. Our pain can make us willing to treat others like Christ treats us. To whom can you give mercy and grace? (Psalm 51:3,17)7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)Our sin [hurt, habit or hang up] is often the result of our unwillingness to pay attention to God, depend on God, act like Christ, and treat others like Christ treats us. Our recovery from our sin results when the Holy Spirit makes us willing to grieve, mourn and wail over our sin. When we are weak, we are strong. What testimony can you give to a person who is going through pain?



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Rest in Jesus and His care]


At 7:25 we will close with prayer

But Zion said, TheLordhas forsaken me,the Lord has forgotten me.15Can a mother forget the baby at her breastand have no compassion on the child she has borne?Though she may forget,I will not forget you!16See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49

MeditationIn this verse Zion or the people of Israel say they feel forsaken. God replies can a mother forget the baby at her breast? Do you feel like Israelunloved or mistreated by God? Or do you powerfully feel Gods love? Rate your faith in Gods love for you on a scale of 1-10 and tell the group why you chose that number:In Verse 16, God says, see I have engraved you on the palm of my hands. Tim Keller points out that sometimes slaves had the name of their masters tattooed on them. He points out that it is amazing for God, our Lord, to be devoted to us in such a way that he would have our name engraved on him. Tim Keller also points out that the word engraved may be a reference to something done with a chisel and hammer. So the verse might be pointing to Christs palms.Do you believe that Christ underwent suffering to save you? Or do you doubt that Christ really meant to save YOU? Rate your current level of faith in Christs salvation for YOU on a scale of 1-10. Tell the group why do feel the way you do?The bible says that we increase our faith by hearing the word rate yourself on these faith strengtheners:__ bible-reading and bible memorization__Listening to sermons__Listening to Christ-praising music__reading Christian books__Praying



Opening Prayer




14For those who are led by the Spirit of Godare the children of God.15The Spirityou received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f]And by him we cry,Abba,[g]Father.16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirithat we are Gods children.17Now if we are children, then we are heirsheirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferingsin order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8

MeditationThe passage below discusses says that we who are led in the Spirit can call God, Abba Father. It says we are not slaves who live in fear. What fears do have? One of these or some other fear?I am not smart enough? I am not likeable? I cant overcome a particular sin? I am afraid of dying? Afraid a wayward son or daughter will never come home to Christ? I am too far gone? I am not worthy? God cant forgive me another time? I am not really saved? God doesnt really like me?Tell the group about a fear you have that keeps you feeling like a slave. If you cant think of a current one, tell the group about a former one. Yet we are adopted by God and if Children, then Heirs. If we share in Christs sufferings, we will share in his glory.Do you believe that YOU will share in Christs glory? Why or why not?The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17This passage gives a number of promises: 1) God is with you, 2) God is a Mighty Warrior, 3) God takes great delight in you, 4) he loves you, 5) he will not rebuke you, 6) he will rejoice over you, 7) he will sing as he rejoices over you.Do you live like the above is true? How does a person act who lives like he believes the above is true?



Opening Prayer




Surely[d]goodness and mercy[e]shall follow meall the days of my life,and I shalldwell[f]in the house of theLordforever Psalm 23:6No good thing does he withholdfrom those whowalk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

MeditationWe do not always acknowledge Gods promises to us. Sometimes this is because we desire something more than we desire God. What tempts you to grumble and despair? Here are examples of desires that may prevent us from acknowledging the spectacular nature of Gods promises. I want an easier life. I want another person to treat me better than they do. I want more fun and relaxation in my life. I want more money. I want a better a job. I want better health. I want appliances, cars, houses, computers that dont break down. I want a more attractive or better partner. I want pornography. I want someone else to get punished for what they have done. I want to get drunk or high. I want more excitement. One antidote to grumbling and despair is to acknowledge and believe Gods promises. Did you experience Gods goodness and mercy this week? Tell the group about some examples of Gods goodness and mercy to you this week.To dwell in the house of the lord forever may mean that we are in his presence, obtaining all our needs from Him and living in his grace. On a scale of 0-10, how beautiful is it to you to dwell in the house of the Lord? 0=I only desire earthly things; 10=I only desire to be in Gods presence.

Given how difficult our lives are, how is it possible that No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly?



Opening Prayer



At 7:25 we will close with prayer1Come, all you who are thirsty,come to the waters; and you who have no money,come, buy and eat!Come, buy wine and milkwithout money and without cost2Why spend money on what is not bread,and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Seek theLordwhile he may be found;call on him while he is near.7Let the wicked forsake their waysand the unrighteous their thoughts.Let them turn to theLord, and he will have mercy on them,and to our God, for he will freely pardon.Isaiah 55: 1,2, 6-7MeditationBeing thirsty can mean that you lack something essential. It can also mean that you are desperate, that you are in dire need. Are you thirsty? Do you lack something essential?

This passage says, you who have no money, come buy and eat. What has God given you that you have not paid for?

The passage also questions why we spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy. What are you spending your money on that is not bread? What are laboring on that does not satisfy?Money? Possessions? A Reputation? A high? Pornography? Food? Comfort and ease? The praise of humans? A change in another person? Health? Career? A relationship with parent, child, wife, boss, coworker?

The LORD can be found. He is near. We can turn to him. He will have mercy and give pardon freely. This pardon and mercy is like water, wine, milk and bread. Does his pardon and mercy seem precious to you?

In prayer, turn to the LORD. He will have mercy. He will freely pardon. You ARE forgiven!!!!



Opening Prayer




Cursed is the one who trusts in man,who draws strength from mere fleshand whose heart turns away from the Lord.6That person will be like a bush in the wastelands;they will not see prosperity when it comes.They will dwell in the parched places of the desert,in a salt land where no one lives.7But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.8They will be like a tree planted by the waterthat sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes;its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of droughtand never fails to bear fruit.MeditationWhat are some ways that you trust in man, draw strength from mere flesh and turn you heart away from the Lord?

What have been the consequences for doing the above? Have you not seen prosperity when it comes? Have you dwelt in the parched places of the desert? Have you lived in a salt land where no one lives?

When have you trusted in the Lord and put your confidence in him?

What have been the consequences of doing that?

Are your leaves always green? Do you never fail to bear fruit?

If you feel like you are not always green and sometimes fail to bear fruit, the Pharisee would demand that you act more righteously: pray more, tithe more, read the bible more. But this passage encourages you send out [your] roots by the stream. How does a person do this? How does a person rely totally on God, not trusting in man and drawing no strength from mere flesh?God does not help those who help themselves: Trust completely in the Lord he is the stream by which we must send out our roots.



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Seek Gods power and presence]



Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?36As it is written,For your sakewe are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.37No, in all these things we are more thanconquerors throughhim who loved us.

Meditation:Which of these have you experienced?TribulationDistressPersecutionFamineNakednessDangerSword When you experienced the above how did you react? Did you doubt that God loved you? Did you think that Christians wont have to experience these things? Did you feel judged? Did you think God did not want to give you good things? Did you think God was not willing and able to help you?The passage does NOT say that God will make all the bad things go away. In fact, it says we ARE being killed and we ARE regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. How can it be that we are being killed all the day long AND we are more than conquerors?How do your troubles unite you Christ?



Opening Prayer




31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?32Forthe Gentiles seek after all these things, andyour heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33Butseek firstthe kingdom of God and his righteousness,and all these things will be added to you

MeditationWhat are you anxious about tonight? This week?

The passage says, the Gentiles seek after all these things. Do you think unsaved, unregenerate, ungodly people might also be anxious about or seek after the things you are anxious about? Why or why not?

Some people will starve or go thirsty or go naked for the Gospel. How can Jesus say your heavenly Father knows that you need them all and all these things will be added to you?

We are asked to seek the kingdom of God. If we seek it, it must be because we know we need it. What aspect of the kingdom of God do you love most?

Food, drink and clothing are needs that we have. Why do you need Gods righteousness? Why do you need to seek it?



Opening Prayer



At 7:25 we will close with prayer7Ask,and it will be given to you;seek, and you will find;knock, and it will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.9Or which one of you, if his son asks him forbread, will give hima stone?10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?11If you then,who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more willyour Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! [Matthew 7]

MeditationAsking is for people who dont have. What do you ask God for tonight? Seeking is for people who for people who want to find something. What are seeking tonight? Knocking on doors is what people do when they are outside and dont have the permission or power to go inside on their own. On what door do you knock tonight?When have you been given something, or found something, or had something opened to you?Do you like to ask, seek, and knock? Or do you prefer to give, have, and open the door for others?44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,46who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13

How much do you treasure the Kingdom of heaven? Is it worth selling everything you have? Do you count everything as loss? If not, what needs to change so that you do see the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great price?



Opening Prayer

Group will discuss a bullet point or two from the Resilient Sheet [Imagine letting go of hurts, habits and Hang-ups]


12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. . 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4

MeditationBeing in need. What are you in need of? What is an area of your life where you notice something missinga lack, a deficit, or a weakness?

Having plenty. What do you have plenty of? What is an area of your life where you notice fullness?

Have you ever experienced what Paul is talking about when he says he has learned the secret of being content in ANY and EVERY situation? When has God provided you with contentment in a difficult situation?

Can you imagine yourself letting go of the desire to be well fed and living in plenty? What would you be doing differently if you let go of these desires and were living out the secret of being content in ANY and EVERY situation?

Paul says that even though he has received full payment and has more than enough, it was good of the Philippians to share in his troubles by providing a gift to him. He says he desires more to credited to [their] account. Have you ever received a gift from another Christian, allowing them to have the gift credited to their account?



Opening Prayer


At 7:15 we will check-in about the week and any burning issues

5Put to death,therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:sexual immorality,impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,which is idolatry.6Because of these, the wrath of Godis coming.[b]7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.8But now you must also rid yourselvesof all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,and filthy language from your lips.9Do not lie to each other,since you have taken off your old selfwith its practices10and have put on the new self,which is being renewedin knowledge in the image of its Creator.11Here there is no Gentile or Jew,circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,but Christ is all,and is in all. Colossians 3

MeditationThe bible uses the language put to death when it refers to letting go of sin. What aspect of your earthly nature do you wish to put to death?

This passage states here there is no Gentile or Jew These are all examples of an earthly identity or distinction. Is there some part of your identity that you have given up, let go of or put to death as a new creature in Christ? If not, what part of your identity is God calling you to give up for the sake of the Kingdom?

How was your identity part of your hurt, habit or hang-up? Was there some distinction or uniqueness that you took pride in?12Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience.13Bear with each otherand forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14And over all these virtues put on love,which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3

What is an example of some good quality or trait that God has granted as part of your new self? If you cant identify a new quality or trait, what trait or quality do you desire to be granted?How do you put to death the old self?



Opening Prayer


At 7:15 we will check-in about the week and any burning issues21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Never, Lord! he said. This shall never happen to you!23Jesus turned and said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.24Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.25For whoever wants to save their lifef will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.26What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Fathers glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.MeditationWhen Peter wants to protect and defend Jesus from suffering and death, he says, this shall NEVER happen to you. Jesus calls Peter Satan and a stumbling block. Jesus says that Peter has his mind on merely human concerns.Many times, when we want to be protected from something it is because we have our minds on human concerns. Think of your struggle this week? Do you think that you shouldnt have to struggle with that issue? What do you want to be protected and defended from? To what do you say, this shall NEVER happen to me? Rejection?Poverty? Poor health? An insult? being on the receiving end of a correction? Losing an argument? Receiving an injury to your pride? A loss of status? The loss of a right to hold someone else culpable for what they have done to you?How could you pick up your cross in that situation? How could you lose your life in obedience to Christ?

How can we gain the power to pick up our cross and follow Jesus? Jesus tells us to think of something bigger and better than our merely human concerns: the reward the father will give us in heaven. What is the reward you look forward to the most in the next life?

If you worry that you do not have the power to pick up your cross in your struggle, remember that Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to us. Because of his grace, we are MORE than conquerors.



Opening Prayer


At 7:15 we will check-in about the week and any burning issues13Now listen, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.15Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lords will, we will live and do this or that.16As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.James 416And he told them this parable:The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.17He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.18Then he said, This is what Ill do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.19And Ill say to myself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.20But God said to him, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?21This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God. LUKE 12MeditationLetting go of boasting. Boasting has three parts: 1) believing we are in control, not God, 2) believing that our successes are permanent and unshakable, 3) loving our successes more than the God who gave us those successes.Was there ever a time that you thought you had it made, that the success just wasnt going to stop coming, or that you had all the angles figured? Have you ever boasted about your arrogant schemes? Are you currently tempted with an opportunity that is feeding your greed or that gets your mind racing about the possibilities?These passages say that you are mist that appears for a little while and vanishes and this very night your life will be demanded of you. Both are antidotes to pride and greed. What helps you let go of control, pride and greed so that you are able to say:5Trust in theLordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Is there a time in your life in which you trusted in the LORD, didnt lean on your own understanding, and acknowledged him in all your ways? Tell us about i.

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