Message Title: Be Open
Series: The Way | Week 3
Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14 NRSV
Bottom Line: Be Open to the Spirit of God changing you.
Small Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
Ice Breaker:
What causes us to give up on our plans for self-improvement (diet, exercise, ect)?
If God could give you an audible word of encouragement right now, what would help you most?
Overview:
The purpose of Lent - to open our hearts to what God does for us and what God does to us.
A justified person has been saved from themselves and saved from the wrath God would otherwise be justified to bring down upon you because of your sin. All that, through the sacred gift of faith.
Justification is by grace through faith, while sanctification is by grace applied in life.
When we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit moves in a new way – literally taking up residence in us – desiring to constantly change us (transform us) to be more like Jesus, but it requires us to “BE OPEN” to the movement of the Spirit in our life. As Christians, we say it this way, after our salvation – we are still growing in grace...IF we allow ourselves to BE OPEN to it.
Discussion Questions:
How did Paul describe God's role in our salvation? (2:13)
How does santification differ from justification?
What is the difference between "Me Centered" faith and "God Centered" faith?
How do we grow in santification?
How does faith sanctify us?
What can you do this week to remind yourself every day what God has done for you?
Pastor Mark shared a Skit Guy video called God's Chisel. After watching this video, if God asked you where you would like the "chiseling" to begin on you, how would you answer? (The video is available by clicking on the Watch Online link above)
Have you ever felt like God was working (chiseling) in your life? If so, share with us.