Small Group Weekly Questions - Entries from May 2009

ThuThursdayMayMay14th2009 Week of May 17, 2009

Posted Thursday, May 14 2009 @ 5 PM byMichael Sust Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

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Small Group Bible Study Questions

Week of May 17, 2009

“Falling ‘From’ Love”

Genesis 3:1-13

Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

Falling from the Purpose – READ Genesis 3:1-5

a) The serpent is described as “crafty” (Hebrew: a·rûm), which in a positive sense means “prudent” and in negative sense “tricky.” In unmasking the devil’s strategic schemes, where in this text do you see his craftiness in approaching the woman?

b) Share a practical example from your life where you discovered the devil’s craftiness in what at first seemed to be an innocent conversation.

c) The three ways of satanic deception all have to do with attacking the truth by

1. Manipulation

2. Twisting

3. Denying (lying)

In your own words define each way in one sentence based on your observation of the biblical text.

d) READ John 8:44. In reference to Satan’s character, why does the Word describe him as “murderer?” Using words, have you murdered anyone recently?

e) READ John 8:31-32 Concerning the truth of the Word, what is the promise of God for us if we know the truth? How do you apply this knowledge in your daily life and relationships, especially with your spouse (fiancée).

Falling from the Plan – READ Genesis 3:6-7

a) Where do you see the falling away from God’s plan for a leader and helper in this text? Answer the question based on the “Four Cs of Godlike Relationship:”

1. Companionship (togetherness)

2. Compatibility (as leader and helper)

3. Closeness (not only physical, but spiritual, emotional)

4. Commitment (communication, responsibility, obedience)

b) Which of the above areas in your marriage would you point out to a single person as “positive” and “need improvement” (and why) as an advice for their future as a spouse? Do this exercise in your group and if you don’t have any singles share with each other.

c) READ 1 Timothy 2:12-14 – In light of the fall, do you see this scripture as an instruction to men for leadership or does it make you uncomfortable as “bashing the women?”

d) READ 1 Timothy 2:12-14 and Matthew 19:4-6 and discuss the verses in light of the topic of “falling away from God’s plan” for men and women.

Falling from the Relationship – READ Genesis 3:8-13

a) What’s the one and only reason the relationship between the man and woman failed?

b) God is all-knowing, and yet He asked the man and woman several questions about their whereabouts and their behavior. Why do you think He did that and can you cite any scripture verses to support your opinion?

c) READ 1 Corinthians 15:22 – Why is Adam (not Eve) held responsible for the death of all men? (What’s the difference between being deceived and sinning willfully?)

d) READ 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the content

MonMondayMayMay11th2009 Week of May 10, 2009

Posted Monday, May 11 2009 @ 4 PM byMichael Sust Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

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Small Group Bible Study Questions

Week of May 10, 2009

“Leaders & Helpers”

Genesis 1:26-31, 2:18-25

Speaker: Pastor Michael Šust

The Great “What-for” – READ Genesis 1:26-31)

a) For what primary purpose did God created the first human being (Heb: “a·?am”) – v. 26?

b) God is the Potter and we are the clay (see Isaiah 64:8). The image of God was to be projected through three basic functions. Can you identify these in verses 28 and 29?

c) Concerning “multiplication,” of mankind, discuss the specifics of God’s original design for men and women and compare it to what you see in the world around you.

d) Concerning our “dominion” of the earth, where do you see the application of what God meant - 1. In this passage, 2. In your daily life?

e) Concerning “stewardship,” what was man’s original function (see Genesis 2:15). What helped him to realize that he needed a “helper fit for him? (Genesis 2:19-20).

f) Realizing that sin has now corrupted our accurate projection of God’s image, how did God restore His image unto us? (Read Colossians 1:15-16)

g) Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. As the Scripture commands us to disregard the “perspective of the flesh,” look now through the eyes of Christ at the three functions of our design (multiplication, dominion and stewardship) and discuss their new greater application in your daily life.

The Great “Therefore” – READ Genesis 2:18-25

a) Where in this passage do you see man’s preordained capacity to lead?

b) God said: “It is not good that the man (a·?am) should be alone.” What significance do you find in this verse concerning God’s complete purpose for mankind?

c) A “helper fit for him” (v. 20) comes from the Hebrew “ezer neged” where “ezer” refers to an assistant and “neged” to a corresponding counterpart. If married, how do you and your spouse live out the “leader and helper” functions in your relationship? Give specific examples.

d) If single, how are you preparing now for upholding this fundamental function in a future marriage relationship? (Share with your group.)

e) What are some of the things that can make the man/woman relationship dysfunctional?

f) What is God communicating to us through Adam saying “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh?” (Read Matthew 19:4-6)

g) In v. 24, what is the “Therefore” there for? Summarize God’s reasons for creating a human being as male and female complementary counterparts.

h) Back to the original purpose of God in multiplication, dominion and stewardship – Read Ephesians 5:31-32 and discuss the application of all of the above verses in terms of our functionality as the “Bride of Christ.”

i) Men and women, since all of us are His “bride,” share in your own words how you personally apply this truth in your life as a helper under the headship of Jesus Christ.