Mourn

Introduction:

How does the thought of God's judgment on sinners make you feel? (Micah 1:1-16)

1. Are you Apathetic ?
2. Are you Angry ?
3. Are you Amused ?

How Do I Mourn If I Don't Feel Like Mourning?

1. Confess your own sin.

   Isaiah 6:4-5 - And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

2. Consider the condition of sinners.

   Luke 19:41-44 - And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

3. Concentrate on the cross.

   Romans 5:8 - God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Micah 1:1-16

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. When you see sin run rampant and celebrated, how do you typically react? Do you merely condemn sinners, are you indifferent towards their being judged, or do you just laugh them off? Why?
   

3. The Biblical response to sinners facing God’s wrath is to mourn (see Micha 1:8-9, 16). If you don’t mourn, why not? How can you get to the place where your heart breaks for what breaks the heart of God?

Breakout
Pray for one another to have the heart of Jesus - to mourn over the sinfulness of our nation.

Living in the Wrath of God

Introduction:

Living in the Wrath of God (Romans 1:18-32):

1. God Abandons thsoe that Abandon Him. (Rom 1:18-23)

   Judges 10:13-14 - Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods; therefore I will save you no more. Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.

   Hosea 4:17 - Ephraim (Israel) is joined to idols; leave him alone.

   They clearly know about God...

   But they clearly don't want God.

3 Evidences that God Has Abandoned People:

1. First the Heart goes: Sexual Immorality. (Rom 1:24-25)
2. Then what is Natural goes: Dishonorable Passions. (Rom 1:26-27)
3. Finally, the Mind goes: Debased Minds. (Rom 1:28-32)
• Mourn
• Discern
• Wake up
• Hope
• Worship
• Repent
• Believe

John 3:36 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Romans 1:18-32

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How is God’s abandoning people a manifestation of His judgment? What are the three things God “gives people up” to (Romans 1:24, 26, 28)?
   

3. How exactly is thankfulness connected to faith (Romans 1:21)?
   

4. What are some ways that you see debased (useless) minds in our culture today (see Romans 1:28)?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Living in the Wrath of God

Introduction:

1. God Abandons a Nation That Abandons God.

   Read: Judges 10:13-14 | Hosea 4:17 | Matthew 15:12-14 | Acts 14:16

2. Why Does God Abandon a Nation? (Romans 1:18-23)

   They clearly Know about God.

   But they clearly don't Want God.

What Happens When God Abandons a Nation?

3. 3 Progressive Steps a Nation Takes When God Abandons It.
   1. First the Heart goes: Sexual Immorality. (Romans 1:24-25)
   2. Then What is Natural goes: Dishonorable Passions. (Romans 1:26-27)
   3. Finally, the Mind goes: Debased Minds. (Romans 1:28-32)

   Psalm 81:11-16 - "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels. Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways! I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes. Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Romans 1:18-23

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you heard of this aspect of God’s wrath (abandonment) previously? If not, what is your initial response to this concept?
   

3. Read Romans 1:19-20 again. How is it that everyone is “without excuse” when it comes to knowing there is a God? Explain how people know of God’s existence solely through creation.
   

4. What is the connection between giving thanks and having faith (Romans 1:21)?
   

5. Explain, briefly and in your own words, the progression that takes place when God “gives up” a nation (Romans 1:24-32). What can we do about it as a church?
   

Breakout
Pray for our nation, using Psalm 81:11-16 as your guide.