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COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY GUIDE
For the week of April 17, 2022
MY STORY
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This past weekend we celebrated Easter. When you were growing up, did you have any Easter traditions? Has your viewpoint of Easter changed over time? If so, how? |
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This past Sunday we were reminded us that Jesus wants to have all of our life, not just a part of our life. What are some words or short phrases that would describe a person who has given Jesus all of his or her life? |
QUICK REVIEW
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
DIGGING DEEPER
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As a follower of Jesus, it can be difficult to understand what a risen life looks like practically. Thankfully, the Apostle Paul gives us a tangible picture of living life through the Spirit. As you read Romans 8:1-11, take note of any differences between living in the Spirit and living in our sinful nature. |
Romans 8:1-11 New International Version (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Based on what you read, was there anything challenging or confusing for you? If so, explain.
What could be some possible reasons Paul started this passage talking about the controlling of our minds?
As you look back on your life with Christ, is there something that has helped you keep your mind focused on Jesus?
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Our faith ultimately rests on an understanding of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. The following passages all contain statements that Jesus made about himself. For each one, identify what he says about himself and ways his description could help build our faith in him. |
John 6:35 – 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 8:12 – 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 10:14-15 – 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 11:25-26 – 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 14:6 – 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
TAKING IT HOME
1. Which point from this weekend’s message or Community Group study is most important for you to remember?
2. Can you think of one area you want to grow in when it comes to living in the Spirit? Ask your group to pray for you in that area this week.