Paul: Zeal.

Introduction / Review:

zeal

Def: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

Romans 12:11 - Do not be slothful in zeal...

Romans 9:1-3 – I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Exodus 32:32 - But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.

Why I Am Fired Up to Share Christ (2 Cor 5:14-21):

1. I am Controlled by Jesus' love. (2 Cor 5:14-15)
2. I see people as Spiritual beings. (2 Cor 5:16-17)
3. I Represent God to people! (2 Cor 5:18-20)
4. I have a Life-Changing message! (2 Cor 5:21)

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

Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

1 - On a scale of 1-10, rate your zeal for Christ (1 = no zeal, 10 = on fire sharing Christ with everyone). How can you score a higher rating?

2 - How do you recognize a “red apple”? How can you start a conversation with them about Jesus Christ?

3 - Explain the Gospel using 2 Cor 5:21. Could you explain that to someone who needs to hear it?

BREAKOUT

Pray for: zeal, ability to spot “red apples”, and boldness to share Christ!

Peter: Restoration.

How do I prove my love for Jesus? (John 21:15-23)

1. By Caring for his people. (John 21:15-17)
2. By being Faithful no matter what. (John 21:18-19)
3. By refusing to Compare myself to others. (John 21:20-23)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read John 21:15-23

1 - Though we know we are forgiven in Christ (those who have received Him!), we do we still struggle with guilt from time to time?

2 - Discuss the usage of the words for “love” in the exchange between Jesus and Peter (John 21:15-17). What is the significance? What kind of love does Jesus call us to? What does that look like?

3 - How do we often compare ourselves to other Christians / churches? Why do we do this? How does Jesus’ statement to Peter (John 21:22) address our desire to compare ourselves with others?

BREAKOUT

What are YOU doing right now to “love Jesus’ people”? What is He calling you to do? What is keeping you from doing it?

Jesus: Salvation.

Introduction / Review:

John 5:39 - You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

John 8:24 - I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am (he) you will die in your sins

Wise Up About Wisdom (Colossians 1:15-20)

1. As God, he is the Creator . (Col 1:15-17)
2. As God, he is the Authority . (Col 1:18)
3. As God, he is the Savior . (Col 1:19-20)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read Colossians 1:15-20

1 - How would you describe Jesus to someone who has never heard of Him?

2 - If someone thinks Jesus is great - but does NOT believe Jesus is God, can that person be saved? Why or why not? (What about Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses?)

3 - What does this passage teach about creation? Why is creation an important topic when it comes to describing Who Jesus is (ie, why did Paul talk about creation in relation to Jesus)?

4 - In what areas do people struggle in allowing Jesus to have preeminence in their lives? Why?

BREAKOUT

Pray for one another.

Solomon: Wisdom.

Introduction / Review:

Wise Up About Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-28):

1. You have to know you Need it. (1 Kings 3:7)
2. You have to know Where to get it. (1 Kings 3:9)

   James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

3. You have to Apply it. (1 Kings 3:16-28)

Proverbs 18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:13 - If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 12:13 - An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

Five Principles for Making Wise Decisions in "Grey Areas": (1 Corinthians 6-8-10)

1. Is it Permissible ? (1 Cor 6:12)

   1 Cor 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

2. Is it Beneficial ? (1 Cor 6:12)
3. Is it free from possible Addiction ? (1 Cor 6:8-10)
4. Is it free from causing a brother to Stumble ? (1 Cor 8:12-13)

   1 Cor 8:12-13 - Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

5. Is Glorifying to God? (1 Cor 10:31)

   1 Cor 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

   Prov 8:11 - ...wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read 1 Kings 3:7, 9, 16-28 (or just read the whole chapter if you want!)

1. Define wisdom. How is it different than knowledge? Where does wisdom come from?

2. Review the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle. What are the 5 questions to ask when seeking wisdom for a decision in a "grey area"?

3. Come up with "grey area" scenarios, and as a group, evaluate the scenario using the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle.

BREAKOUT

What "grey area" have YOU personally struggled with? How does the 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 principle help you?

David: Worship.

Introduction / Review:

Are You a True Worshipper?

John 4:23

Am I a True Worshipper?

1. Am I all-in with all my Emotions ? (2 Sam 6:12-15)
2. Does my worship go Vertical and Horizontal? (2 Sam 6:16-19)

   Hebrews 13:15-6

3. Am I focused Solely on God? (2 Sam 6:20-23)

What to Say When You Are Accused of Worshipping Too Hard.

1. It was for the Lord, not you. (2 Sam 6:21)
2. I have Personal reasons to worship so hard (2 Sam 6:21)
3. It is Impossible to worship too hard. (2 Sam 6:22)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23

1. We are to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Where do you think HBC leans - more on the spirit side or the truth side? Where do you lean personally? How can you/HBC move towards being more balanced in spirit and truth?

2. Why, do you think, we tend to restrain ourselves emotionally in worship? How can you be “all-in” with your emotions (2 Sam 6:14)?

3. How does God regard our good works (see Hebrews 13:15-16)? How does that motivate you to serve people?

4. How can you eliminate distractions and focus solely on God in worship (2 Sam 6:21)?

BREAKOUT

What personal reasons do YOU have to worship the Lord right now! Share - then pray prayers of thanksgiving.