Tag: Kanakuk Staff

Parent topic for Kanakuk Staff.

God, Our Protector-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 3:23-26

“Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”

Q: Why is it that you do not need to be afraid of things that will happen on earth?

Things that happen on earth are only temporary, and if we believe in the Lord and trust in Him, then He will protect us eternally!

Psalm 3:3-6

“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and he answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.”

Q: When have you seen the Lord be your shield? How does this verse encourage you?

Example: “The Lord has been my shield as I have gone through school and played sports. He has protected me from injury and helped keep me from temptation. This verse tells me that I should not be afraid of those who want to hurt me because God is with me always.”

Picture

John 10:28-29 – “And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

Q: When we accept Jesus into our heart, is there any way that we can lose our salvation? How do you know this truth?

NO! God is greater than ALL the enemies in the world, and they cannot take us away from Him. This is God’s promise to us!

Paul

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 & 11 – “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

Q: According to this passage, how can we go through hard times and not be defeated?

Even when we are beaten down, we can stand tall knowing that we are living for Christ and will get to spend eternity with Him. No matter how tough the world is, this life is only temporary!

Peter

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Q: In what ways have you seen God’s protection in your life?

Example: “Even though I stumble and am not always perfect, God has forgiven me and kept me from doing greater harm to myself. He has surrounded me with friends who love Him and keep me accountable.”

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?

 

Fear the Lord-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 18:13

“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.”

Q: Why is it important to listen before we speak?

Being a good listener shows love and grace to those who are speaking. It’s a reflection of our relationship with the Lord and our humility.

Psalm 33:8

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.”

Q: What do you think the fear of the Lord is? And why do you think the Psalmist says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord?”

The fear of the Lord refers to the respect, awe, and submission we should have for God. The whole earth should fear Him because He created it and is sovereign over it.

Picture

Luke 18:11-13 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’

Q: Looking at how the Pharisee prayed versus how the tax collector prayed, how should we approach God in reverent fear when praying?

The Pharisee prayed in pride thanking God that he was not like the tax collector. The tax collector was too afraid and ashamed to even look towards God. We should take a note from the tax collector and come humbled for Christ knowing that we have not done enough to earn His love.

Paul

2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Q: What does “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” look like according to this passage? What does it look like in your life?

God calls on us to cleanse ourselves and seek the holiness of God motivated by awe and respect that He deserves. I can do this by repenting of my sins and striving to live a life of obedience to Him.

Peter

1 Peter 1:17-19 – “If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

Q: Why should we have a reverent fear of the Lord while on earth?

While on earth, we should be in awe of the Lord for how He has redeemed us with His blood and not with things of this world.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?

 

Who Will You Follow-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 1:10

“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

Q: Who in your life entices you to sin? How can you tell them you will no longer follow in that sin?

Example: “My friend. I can tell them that I really care for them and want them to help me by not going back to sin.”

Psalm 1:1-2

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and His law he meditates day and night.”

Q: Why are we blessed when we say no to sin? How do we become someone who strays from sin?

When we say “no”, we are deciding to glorify God rather than man. We can keep away from sin by delighting in and meditating on God’s Word everyday.

Picture

Matthew 1:19-20 – “And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.’”

Q: Who did Joseph choose to follow when he found out Mary was pregnant? What can we learn from Joseph’s example?

Joseph chose God by believing God’s messenger, the angel. We can learn to pray and listen to God when we need counsel for any situation. Have faith!

Matthew 10:37-39 – “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”

Q: What does it mean take up your cross and follow Christ?

It means to make Jesus my top priority every day and sacrifice the things of the world for Him.

Paul

1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

Q: Are you an imitator of Christ? What evidence do others see in your life?

Example: “I am an imitator because I am trying to glorify God in the words that I say and the actions I do. I think others see my obedience to Christ and joy in Him.”

Peter

1 Peter 2:21 – “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…”

Q: In following Christ’s example, we are told that we will also suffer and be persecuted as Christians. Why do you want to follow Christ’s example if this is true?

Example: “I want to follow Christ because I have tasted and seen that Christ is good and that the any pain and hurting are only temporary.”

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?

 

Light-Staff

Posted on by admin

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?”

Q: What are you afraid of today? How is the Lord your light?

Example: “I’m afraid of failing in my sports, academics, relationships, etc.” The Lord brings light to my dark sin, and helps guide me through the darkness down a path of righteousness.

Psalm 119:130

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”

Q: How does God’s Word bring light to the darkness? How does Scripture bring understanding to your life?

His Word shines the truth on the darkness that really exists in your life. In Scripture, God Himself shows how He can overcome that darkness in our life by His light.

Picture

John 8:12 – “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”

Q: What does it mean that Jesus is the Light of the world? Do you currently have the light of Christ within you, or are you walking in darkness?

Jesus is the exclusive source of spiritual light, the one and only light that will never go dark in the world and in your life. Example: “I have a little bit of His light in my life, but there is still some darkness that I am struggling with like deceitfulness or lust…”

Paul 

Ephesians 5:7-13 – “Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”

Q: Why do you no longer participate in the darkness? What does it mean to walk as children of the Light?

Darkness does not produce any fruit in my life and is a disgrace to our loving Father in Heaven. Walking as children of the Light means living a life full of integrity, repentance, goodness and righteousness. It means that I repent when I sin and find others to keep me accountable.

Peter 

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Q: What darkness is God calling you out of? How can you use your weaknesses to proclaim the excellencies of Christ?

Example: “A life of partying. By telling people that I have stopped participating in the party scene in order to be in community with my Savior and other believers, I am stepping into the light.”

APPLICATION: How does God’s Word cast light in areas of our lives?

LOCKER ROOM: What are some ways to bring the light into the dark areas? 

Reconcilliation-Staff

Posted on by admin

Reconciliation means the restoration of a broken relationship. It first requires sincere forgiveness for the person who has hurt you. Then, if possible to be truly reconciled, you go to that person and sincerely seek their forgiveness for your side of the broken relationship (even if your part is very small). Finally, reconciliation is complete when the relationship is restored. Our model for reconciliation is the standard Jesus set when He restored our relationship with God by dying for our sins on the Cross.

Proverbs 10:12; 14:33(a); 14:29-30(a)

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.”

“Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding.”

“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. A tranquil heart is life to the body.”

Q: According to these passage of scripture, describe a heart that is well prepared for reconciliation.

A heart that is full of love, understanding, patient and tranquil.

Psalm 103:8-12

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Q: Is there any sin too big for you to reconcile with the Lord? What is one sin in your life that you feel is “too big”?

NO! The Lord covers ALL our sin. Example: “I feel like my impurity is a sin that is too big because I constantly keep returning to that sin.”

Picture

Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”

Q: What is this verse saying about restoring a broken relationship?

It is difficult to truly worship the Lord when there are unreconciled relationships in your life. You need to forgive so your heart is in the best place to honor Christ.

Q: How important is reconciliation to Jesus? Who is one person in your life that you need to seek reconciliation with? If you do not reconcile, how can this affect your faith?

It is imperative for Jesus. Example: “I need to seek reconciliation with my older brother.” If I cannot forgive him, it proves that I have little faith that the Lord is bigger! Broken relationships distract from being able to offer everything I have.

Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Q: Describe, in your own words, the steps of reconciling with a brother or sister of Christ.

(1) Reconcile one-to-one (2) If he/she doesn’t listen, then reconcile by bringing a second or third person with you (3) If that doesn’t work, then reconcile by bringing group of believers that both parties know. The personal relationship should end after those steps fail you, although you can still love that person in Christ.

Paul

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the world of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin oun our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Q: Are you a minister of reconciliation, or do you harbor bitterness and unforgiveness? Where does reconciliation come from?

Example: “At this point in my life, I am not a minister of reconciliation. I am holding on to unforgiveness and am bitter against my parents.” Reconciliation comes from a heart surrendered to God.

Peter

1 Peter 1:22-23 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Q: What place does love have in the reconciliation process? How does obedience produce a more loving heart?

Love for God and for others is the central point of reconciliation. Obedience = learning to have the heart of God = a heart of love.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?

 

Friendship-Staff

Posted on by admin

 

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Q: Why is true biblical friendship so important to you?

Example: “I know I can always count on my friends that love the Lord because our relationship runs deeper than surface friendship.”

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Q: Why do you need to be careful in calling just anyone “friend”?

You can get hurt calling anyone your friend since most will prove to be unreliable and will not reciprocate the care in friendship.

Q: Describe a BIBLICAL friend.

Like the fruits of the Spirit, a true, biblical friend is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.

Q: What is your personal standard for allowing someone to be your friend?

Example: “Someone can be my friend if they care about spending time with me and hearing about what is really going on in my life; most importantly, their ultimate goal in the friendship should be pointing me closer to Jesus.”

Proverbs 15:22

“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”

Q: Why is it important to listen to your “true biblical friends?”

Friends who have a biblical foundation will give me good, sound advice rather than leading me astray to make bad decisions.

Psalms 71:4

“Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man.”

Q: Describe someone you are befriending or have befriended who is/was a bad influence on you, and describe the rise and fall of the friendship.

Example: “Johnny was my friend, and we used to hang out on the weekends and go to parties together. Our relationship was never deep and now he does not care about what is going on in my life since I have quit the party scene.”

Picture

John 15:12-14 – “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.”

Q: Describe Jesus’ friendship. What does His friendship mean to you?

He has and will always sacrifice everything to be our friend. Example: “His friendship means everything because He is the only one in my life who has remained constant.”

Q: What can you learn from His friendship, and how can you use His example to be a better friend?

His friendship is unwavering. To be a true friend, I need to die to myself and sacrifice my needs for others.

Q: How do you show your friendship to Jesus, and how can you improve that friendship?

Example: “I can improve my relationship with Him by repenting my sins, praying and reading God’s Word daily.”

Paul

2 Timothy 1:3 – “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.”

Q: Why is praying for your friends so important? Why should you have a daily prayer reminder to pray for your friends?

This is the greatest way to love your friends! You are literally going before God in prayer for whatever prayer request they have asked!

2 Timothy 2:2 – “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Q: Describe the importance of teaching Jesus’ Word to your friends and investing deeply into their spiritual growth.

If I care about my friends, then I will point them to their Lord and Savior by sharing God’s Word. If I do not know how to teach them about God’s Word, I could invite them to youth group.

Peter

1 Peter 4:3-5– “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

Q: What is Peter asking you to do in this passage?

To stop running with the old friends who are living in constant sin.

Q: Do you have any “friends” that you need to distance yourself from? Why?

Example: “Yes, because they are tempting me to do things that I know does not please God.”

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

 

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?

 

Accountability-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 27:6, 27:17, 25:11

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

‘Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”

Q: When it is wise to confront a friend? What makes a friend’s “loving rebuke” a requirement for true friendship?

When they are living a life that goes against what God has called us to. You confront them because you do not want your friend to get hurt when they are headed down the wrong path; you know the answer to pure joy is Christ!

Psalm 1:1-2

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

Q: What is the result of “walking, standing and sitting” with the wrong people in wrong places? How have you learned this “the hard way” over the past twelve months?

We become like these people and receive the consequences of sin with them.

Picture

John 15:12 & 13

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

Q: Describe how Jesus’ example of friendship truly inspires you to develop the type of friendship that He exhibits in His life and death.

Everyday, if I truly love my friends, I will find ways to lay down my life for them. Christ sacrificed everything for those he loved.

Paul

Ephesians 4:15

“…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

Q: How do you want to see this group you are studying with today become more of a “truth in love” relationship? What does “truth in love” mean?

By encouraging each other and calling one another out in love when veering off God’s path. “Truth in love” = speaking honestly with kindness and care.

Peter

I Peter 4:3-5

“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

Q: What does this verse say to you about friendships you once had or friendships you want to avoid?

It is time to walk away from negative relationships and become true friends with those following Jesus, no matter how hard the peer pressure can be.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: What is your standard for friendship?

 

Reputation-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 22:1

“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.”

Ecclesiastes 7:1

“A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.”

Q: Why is your reputation so vital to your happiness, spiritual growth, friendships and success in life? How do you develop a “bad name” for yourself? How do you develop a “good name” for yourself?

My reputation is worth more than any wealth in this world. I can earn a “bad name” by not being a man or woman of integrity and chasing sin. To develop a “good name”, I need to focus on living in obedience to Christ and glorifying God in my interactions with others.

Psalms 33:12-14

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; from His dwelling place He looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth.”

Q: What exhortation is found in this Psalm that speaks to you about your personal pursuit of a good reputation.

Example: “I feel encouraged that if God is my Lord, He has chosen me for His inheritance.”

Picture

Matthew 23:26

“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.”

Q: What inner-character qualities provide a good reputation? What qualities provide a bad reputation? What qualities do you currently exhibit that your friends who know you the best would say damage your reputation? What would you like to do about those “inside the cup” characteristics that hinder you from a flawless reputation?

Good reputation = integrity, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Bad reputation = immorality, hatred, selfishness, impurity. Example: “My reputation is damaged because I speak badly about others and give into gossip.” Example: “I would like to stop gossiping and only say things that are encouraging to those around me.”

Matthew 7:15-20 – “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

Q: Talk about your reputation being displayed from the “inside out.” How has hypocrisy hindered your reputation in your past?

My reputation reflects what is going on in my heart; the inside will eventually expose itself.” Example: “My hypocrisy made others distrustful of me, thus hurting my reputation as a Christian.”

Paul

Titus 2:6-8 – “Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which in beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

Q: What does this passage urge you to do in regards to developing a solid reputation?

I need to be an example of GOOD, so that anyone who is against me has no ammunition, because there isn’t anything bad to discuss.

Peter

1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Q: How does your behavior influence your friends to move towards Jesus? How does it influence them to move away from Jesus?

By showing the love of God, my friends will be attracted to Jesus! On the other hand, bad behavior can turn my friends against Christ because they will see what I, as a “Christian”, do and see my hypocrisy.

 

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

LOCKER ROOM: Name a person you admire who has a “good name.” What is one inner quality that person possesses that makes him/her admirable? What behavioral qualities does he/she exhibit that gives him/her a good reputation?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Encouragement-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 25:11

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”

Q: What makes encouragement so valuable?

Encouraging words gives hope and reassurance to the person receiving them. People want to be around those who lift their spirit and bring positivity.

Proverbs 24:5 & 6

“A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”

Q: Why is it so vital that you surround yourself with encouraging friends?

You will win the battles in life with encouraging friends who keep you accountable, especially when hardship strikes.

Proverbs 16:24

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Q: What is your goal in terms of becoming a great encourager?

Example: “My goal is to say at least one encouraging thing to someone each day.”

Psalms 119:50-51 & 119:97

“This is my comfort in my affection, that your word has revived me. The arrogant utterly deride me, yet I do not turn aside from Your law.”

“O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Q: In what ways does God’s Word provide encouragement to you?

Example: “I know that I am deeply loved through and that God made me unique. It is comforting to know that He is with me every step of the way”

Picture

Acts 1:8– “…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Q: How does “sharing Jesus” with lost people by your life and your words give you encouragement?

It allows me to know for certain that every person I meet has had a chance to hear the Gospel and not be eternally separated from Christ.

Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Q: Why does “discipling someone” or investing deeply in someone else’s spiritual growth provide the greatest encouragement of all?

Sharing the gospel with someone is the most important job I could ever have. When we invest in others, we’re essentially saying, “I care about you eternally.”

Paul

Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

Q: How are you doing in habitually encouraging those who are closest to you?

Example: “Not very well. I tend to just keep to small talk or be critical rather than encouraging those around me.”

Peter

2 Timothy 2:2 – “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Q: Who do you know that needs “the encouragement of Christ?”

Example: “One of my best friends who I have known for a long time or one of my close family members.”

Q: What do you need to do to become one that disciples that person?

First, I need to be a light of Christ in their life and gain their trust. Then, I could ask them if they desire to learn more about the Bible and Jesus and share my testimony.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything that has been holding you back from encouraging others?

 

The Tongue-Staff

Posted on by admin

Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Q: How are death and life in the power of the tongue? Does your mouth produce good fruit or bad fruit?

Death comes when we hurt others with our words, and life comes when we encourage others. Example: “My mouth is constantly producing bad fruit because I’m not good at holding my tongue.”

Psalm 141:3

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;

Keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Q: Do you struggle with your mouth? Have you prayed and asked God to help set a guard over your mouth?

Example: “Yes, I struggle with putting others down. I have never prayed that God would put a guard on my mouth but know that He can help me be more encouraging to others.”

Picture

Matthew 12:36-37 – “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Q: What are some careless words that you use? How do these affect your testimony?

Example: “I sometimes curse when I play sports. This hurts my testimony because others see me and do not take me very seriously as a Christian.”

James 3:4-6 – “Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.”

Q: How is your tongue like a boat’s rudder? How is your mouth like fire?

Boat’s rudder = what I say can either direct my ship (my life) in a good direction or a bad direction.

Fire = it only takes a few words to create an out-of-control wildfire of rumors and lies

Paul

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Q: What does this verse say about your speech? Are your words encouraging to those around you?

Everything that I say should be encouraging and edifying to others. Example: “I try to be encouraging, but honestly, most of the time I fail and get caught up in gossip.”

Peter

1 Peter 3:10 – “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”

Q: Why is taming your tongue and putting it under the Lordship of Christ so important?

My tongue can either bring me life or death; the words I say are a reflection of my heart, and if my words are hurtful, that reflects on my sinful nature.

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?

 

LOCKER ROOM: Is there anything this week that you have been enslaved to, and how we can help you?