January 2010: Jesus | Relationship

8/14/2019 January 2010: Jesus | Relationship

1/13


2/13

BIG IDEAS FOR JANUARY

JESUS |RELATIONSHIP

TotheMightyMenandWomenofAxis,

ThismonthwebegintheNewYear2010together,seekingGodandseekingtoliveoutthe

GospelasonebigAxisfamily. WhatanawesomeprivilegetobepartofGodsworkinthisworld.

Whatjoy,

also,

to

be

doing

it

with

people

we

can

love,

celebrate

and

laugh

with.

We

are

expectantandhopefulforwhatGodwilldothroughourgrowingAxisfamilythisyear.

JanuaryscurriculumismeanttopaintapictureofhowJesusmodeledhealthyrelationship.We

haveallfelttensionabouthowtorelatetofriends,family,communitymembers,andthosewho

dontyetknowtheLord.Wewanttolovewell,butwhatdoesthatreallylooklike?Thismonth,

wellexplorefouroftheseareasoftensionthroughthelensofJesuslifeandministry. These

weeksarenotblackandwhitetheymayraisemorequestionsthananswersbutweinvite

yourcommunitytowrestlethroughthescripturesandhopefullyunderstandmoreofGodsheart

forus.

Weve

scheduled

four

weeks

of

curriculum,

starting

with

the

week

of

Experience.

Hubs

dont

usuallygatherthatweek,butsinceitwouldbethethirdweekoffformostofyou,weknowthat

alotofyouwillmeetanyway.Thefirstweekismeanttosetuptherestoftheweeks,soevenif

youwaituntilafterExperiencetobeginthenewyear,wewanttoencourageyoutostartwith

Week1,Relationshipvs.Idolatry. ItstudiestherelationshipthatJesushadwiththeFather,

andhoweveryrelationshipflowedoutofhisintimacyandloveforGod.Therearethreeweeksof

curriculumthatfollow,butfeelfreetochoosewhichevertwoseemmostapplicabletoyour

communityifyouvebeenplanningforonlythreeweeksofdiscussion.

Morethananythingelsethismonth,weareexcitedtoseehowstudyingJesusrelationshipswill

helpourcommunitiestoknowmoreoftheFathersloveforus,andthroughthattobetter

understandtheGospel. TheGospelisthefullexpressionofGodslovethatHewouldsendhis

ownsontotakeuponHimselfthepunishmentwedeserve,andallowusinsteadtoknowhimand

liveinHisloveforalleternity. PraiseGodthatitwasnotprimarilythroughabookoran

epiphanythatHechosetoshowusHimself,butinsteadoffersusrelationshipwithHisprecious

Son,Jesus.

Mark Your Calendars:

January8:AxisExperiencewithCharlieHall

January2223:LeadershipRetreatwatchyouremailformoredetails!

**TherewillbenoConversationsthismonthatSouthBarringtonduetotheleadershipretreat

Thankyouforeverythingyoudo,

AmyandKimberly


3/13

WEEK ONEJANUARY 4 - lO

JESUS |RELATIONSHIP:RELATIONSHIP VS.IDOLATRY

WhatstheBigIdea?

Relationshipswere

importanttoJesus,buthis

relationshiptothefather

alwayscamefirst.Jesus

modeledhealthy

relationshipsthatwere

fueledby(ratherthanin

competitionwith)hislove

forGod.

Truth:

Mark1:3539

Veryearlyinthemorning,

whileitwasstilldark,Jesus

gotup,leftthehouseand

wentofftoasolitaryplace,

whereheprayed.Simonand

hiscompanions

went

to

look

forhim,andwhenthey

foundhim,theyexclaimed:

"Everyoneislookingfor

you!" Jesusreplied,"Letus

gosomewhereelsetothe

nearbyvillagessoIcan

preachtherealso.Thatis

whyIhavecome."39

Sohe

traveledthroughoutGalilee,

preachingintheir

synagoguesanddrivingout

demons.

John8:28

...IdonothingonMyown

initiative,butIspeakthese

thingsastheFathertaught

Me.

1John4:1717

Bythis,loveisperfected

withus,sothatwemayhave

confidenceinthedayof

t;becauseasHeis,

soalsoareweinthisworld.

judgmen

FramingQuestions

Whoseapprovaldoyouthinkaboutthemostinyourlife? Whatisthething(orthings)thatdriveyourdaytodaylife?Whatdoyouthink

aboutthemost?

WhatDoes

Scripture

Say?

(Head)

Havesixpeoplereadthesescripturesoutloud:Mark1:3539,Matthew14:23,Luke5:16,Luke6:12,Luke9:28,Mark6:46.

Whatstandsouttoyouaswereadthesescriptures? ThesescripturesshowJesuspersistenthabitofgettingalonewithHisFather.

Didthepeopleinhislifealwaysapproveofthis?Whywasthissoimportantto

Him?

Whatdoesthewordidolatrymeantoyou?Whatisanidol?1 ReadExodus20:34.HowdoesthisrelatetoJesusprioritiesinrelationship?

WhichMeansWhat?(Heart)

ReadJohn8:2829. Fromthis,howdoyouthinkJesuslifeflowedoutofhisrelationship

with

the

father?

Luke14:25readsLargecrowdsweretravelingwithJesus,andturningtothemhesaid:"Ifanyonecomestomeanddoesnothate*hisfatherandmother,his

wifeandchildren,hisbrothersandsistersyes, evenhisownlifehecannot

bemydisciple.Whatisyourreactiontothispassage?WhatdoyouthinkJesus

meantbyhate?2

HowDoesThisChangeMyLife?(Hands)

Whatthingsorpeopleinyourlifeaffectyouractionsthemost? Wheredoesthemajorityofyourtimego? Howdoyouspendyourfreetime?

Whatdoesthissayaboutyourpriorities?

Whatthingscouldyoutakeoutofyourlife,oraddtoittomakeyoumoreabletoconnectwithyourheavenlyfather?

AretherethingsorrelationshipsthatyouareputtingbeforeGod? Atwhatpointdoesarelationshipbecomeanidol? Howdoweloveintensely,likeJesuscommandsinJohn15:13,butalsofollow

hiscommandtohateallthosepeopleinourlives,comparedtoourlovefor

him?

IJohn4:17says,Lovehasbeenperfectedamongusinthis:thatwemayhaveboldnessinthedayofjudgment;becauseasHeis,soareweinthisworld.

WhatwoulditmeanforustobelikeChristinthisworld?

Fromtheseverses,howwouldyoudefinehealthyrelationship?StretchActivity

Asawayofbenediction,readJohn17:2026overyourhub.Haveeveryonelistento

thesewords,

and

think

about

how

they

affect

their

daily

lives.

Before

you

do

this,

take

alittletimetoexplainthatthisisJesus'prayerforallbelieversbeforehewasarrested

andcrucified.Talkaboutwhyyouwouldreadthisprayerovertheminsteadofto

themseenoteaboutbenediction3.

Details,Details

AxisExperienceCharlieHallandiScatter

celebration:January8,

2010,7:30pminCaf

Twenty


4/13

EXTRA INFORMATION FOR WEEK ONE:RELATIONSHIP VS.IDOLATRY

1.Somedefinitionsforyourconversationaboutidolatry:

idolatry,n

1:theworshipofaphysicalobjectasagod

2:immoderateattachmentordevotiontosomething

idolize,vb

toworshipasagodbroadly:toloveoradmiretoexcess.

(MerriamWebster, I. (2003).MerriamWebster's collegiatedictionary. Includes index. (Eleventh ed.).

Springfield,Mass.:MerriamWebster,Inc.)

2.AfewcommentariesaroundtheuseofthewordhateinLuke14:25:

"Toemphasizethatdiscipleshipisdifficult,Jesussaidthatonemusthatehisownfamilyandevenhis

ownlifeinordertobeHisdisciple.LiterallyhatingonesfamilywouldhavebeenaviolationoftheLaw.

SinceJesusonseveraloccasionsadmonishedotherstofulfilltheLaw,Hemustnothavemeanthere

thatoneshouldliterallyhatehisfamily.Thestresshereisonthepriorityoflove(cf.Matt.10:37).Ones

loyaltytoJesusmustcomebeforehisloyaltytohisfamilyoreventolifeitself.Indeed,thosewhodidfollowJesusagainsttheirfamiliesdesireswereprobablythoughtofashatingtheirfamilies."

Walvoord,J.F.,Zuck,R.B.,&DallasTheologicalSeminary.(1983c1985).TheBibleknowledge

commentary:Anexpositionofthescriptures(2:243).Wheaton,IL:VictorBooks.

"...hateisusedinthesenseofdecisiverejectionofcompetingclaimstoonesallegiance.Countthe

cost.ButchoosetofollowJesustotheend."

Richards,L.O.(1991;PublishedinelectronicformbyLogosResearchSystems,1996).TheBible

readerscompanion(electroniced.)(665).Wheaton:VictorBooks.

3.Whatdoesbenedictionmean?

benediction,n

1:theinvocationofablessingesp:theshortblessingwithwhichpublicworshipisconcluded

2:somethingthatpromotesgoodnessorwellbeing

(MerriamWebster, I. (2003).MerriamWebster's collegiatedictionary. Includes index. (Eleventh ed.).

Springfield,Mass.:MerriamWebster,Inc.)


5/13

WEEK TWOJANUARY ll - l7

JESUS |RELATIONSHIP:HOLINESS VS.HOLIER-THAN-THOU

WhatstheBigIdea?

HolinesspointstoGodand

love.Butwhenpride

consumesus,wecan

becomeholierthanthou.

Thisself

impressed

version

ofrighteousnessbrings

judgmentandcondemnation

tothepeoplearoundus.

Truth:

John4:52617

Thewomanansweredand

said,Ihavenohusband.

Jesussaidtoher,Youhave

wellsaid,Ihavenohusband,18

foryouhavehadfive

husbands,andtheonewhom

younow

have

is

not

your

husband;inthatyouspoke

truly.23

Butthehouris

coming,andnowis,whenthe

trueworshiperswillworship

theFatherinspiritandtruth;

fortheFatherisseekingsuch

toworshipHim.24

Godis

Spirit,andthosewhoworship

Himmustworshipinspirit

andtruth.

Luke18:101310

"Twomen

went

up

to

the

templetopray,onea

Phariseeandtheotheratax

collector.11

ThePharisee

stoodupandprayedabout

himself:'God,Ithankyou

thatIamnotlikeother

menrobbers,evildoers,

adulterersorevenlikethis

taxcollector.12

Ifasttwicea

weekandgiveatenthofallI

get.'13

"Butthetaxcollector

stoodatadistance.He

wouldnotevenlookupto

heaven,butbeathisbreast

andsaid,'God,havemercy

onme,asinner.'

FramingQuestions

Whatdoesthephraseholymanprovokeinyou?Haveyouknownmenorwomenwholiveuptothatphrase?

Whatdoesthephraseholierthanthouprovokeinyou?Withoutgivingnamesorspecifics,hasyourpathintersectedwithpeoplewhocouldbe

describedthis

way?

Howdoyoufeelaroundthesetwogroupsofpeople? Whatdoesthewordholymean?1

WhatDoesScriptureSay?(Head)

ReadJohn4:526.DoesthiswomanseeJesusasaholyman? Askmembersofyourgrouptorereadaloudverses1718,and2324.What

characterizesJesusholinessinthisscene?

ReadLuke18:1013.Thismanclearlythinkshesholy.Ishe?Whyorwhynot? Rereadthispassage,butreadfromLuke18:914. Whatisthedifferencebetweenbeingholyandbeingholierthanthou?

WhichMeans

What?

(Heart)

Doyoufeellikeyoucanbeholy? ReadEphesians5:111.Whyisitimportanttopursueholiness? HowdoesJesusdeathandresurrectionmakeusholy?Howdoesitsetusfree

toliveholylives?2

Withenougheffort,canweachieveholiness?ReadRomans7:158:1.Doesthischangeyourdiscussion?

3

DoesGodexpectperfectbehaviorfromus?Whatdoesheexpect?HowDoesThisChangeMyLife?(Hands)

Haveyouevertriedtoeitherhideoravoidholiness?Why? Haveyoueverpretendedtobeholierthanyouare?Why?

Do

you

feel

its

okay

to

be

broken

in

our

hub?

Do

you

feel

its

okay

to

be

well?

IsthewayyouactpointingtoyouortoGod?Howdoprideandhumilityfactorintothisconversation?

Haveyoueverfeltsuperiortoothersbecauseofyourgoodbehavior?Behonest.Howshouldwerespondtothatemotion?

IsGodmoreconcernedwithbehaviororheart?Doesyourlifereflectyouranswer?

StretchActivity:PracticalSteps

Whatdoesholinesslooklikeinthesesituations?Howmightholierthanthoucrowd

respond?

Youvebeeninvitedtoabarbyyourcoworkers. Thepersonyouretalkingtoswears.Alot. Yourcoworkersconstantlytelldirtyjokesandgossip. Thatsongwithquestionablelyricsisprettycatchy. Yourgoodfriendjusttoldyouthatshescheatingonherhusband. ThebachelorpartyyoureattendingjustcrossedtheXXXline. Yourereallyattractedtoyourboyfriendorgirlfriend,andcoworkersare

makingfunofyouforwaiting.

Isthereaspecificscenarioyoudliketodiscuss?

Details,Details

Haveyouinvitedyourleadershipteamtothe

upcomingLeadership

retreatonJan.2223?


6/13

EXTRA INFORMATION FOR WEEK TWO:HOLINESS VS.HOLIER-THAN-THOU

1.AnoteaboutthewordHoly:

TheHebrewwordforholy,qodeshmeans

1)apartness,holiness,sacredness,separateness

a)apartness,sacredness,holiness

1)ofGod

2)ofplaces

3)ofthingsb)setapartness,separateness

2.Thesequestionsseemthesame,buttheyrenot.

HowdoesJesusdeathandresurrectionmakeusholy?

ThisquestionisgettingathowwearejustifiedbyJesussacrificeandhisforgiveness.

Howdoesitsetusfreetoliveholylives?

ThisquestionisgettingathowwearesanctifiedbyJesustransformingforgivenesstowalkmoreandmoreclosely

withhim.

Notso

sure

what

that

means?

Check

out

this

article:

Understandingthedifferencebetweenjustificationandsanctificationcanbeasimportantasunderstanding

thedifferencebetweensalvationanddamnation. Rightlydividingbetweenthetwoisofcrucialimportance.

Whenyouunderstandwhattheyare,youcanthendrawalineinthesandandsay,"Thisiswhatsaves. Thisisnot

whatsaves."

JustificationistheworkofGodwheretherighteousnessofJesusisreckonedtothesinnersothesinneris

declaredbyGodasbeingrighteousundertheLaw(Rom.4:3;5:1,9;Gal.2:16;3:11). Thisrighteousnessisnot

earnedorretainedbyanyeffortofthesaved. Justificationisaninstantaneousoccurrencewiththeresultbeing

eternallife. ItisbasedcompletelyandsolelyuponJesus'sacrificeonthecross(1Pet.2:24)andisreceivedby

faithalone(Eph.2:89). Noworksarenecessarywhatsoevertoobtainjustification. Otherwise,itisnotagift

(Rom.6:23). Therefore,wearejustifiedbyfaith(Romans5:1).

Sanctification,ontheotherhand,involvestheworkoftheperson. ButitisstillGodworkinginthebelieverto

producemore

of

agodly

character

and

life

in

the

person

who

has

already

been

justified

(Phil.

2:13).

Sanctification

isnotinstantaneousbecauseitisnottheworkofGodalone. Thejustifiedpersonisactivelyinvolvedinsubmitting

toGod'swill,resistingsin,seekingholiness,andworkingtobemoregodly(Gal.5:2223).Significantly,

sanctificationhasnobearingonjustification. Thatis,evenifwedon'tliveaperfectlife,wearestilljustified.

Wherejustificationisalegaldeclarationthatisinstantaneous,sanctificationisaprocess. Wherejustification

comesfromoutsideofus,fromGod,sanctificationcomesfromGodwithinusbytheworkoftheHolySpiritin

accordancewiththeBible. Inotherwords,wecontributetosanctificationthroughourefforts. Incontrast,wedo

notcontributetoourjustificationthroughourefforts.

JustificationandSanctification:WhatistheDifference?ChristianApologeticsandResearchMinistry.

http://www.carm.org/justificationandsanctification

3.A

note

about

Romans

7:15

8:1:

Thispassageisalittlebitdifficulttoreadaloud,sohavefunwithit,andthinkaboutreadingittwicefor

comprehension,possiblyfromtwodifferentversions.Weveincludeditbecauseitbringsarichnesstothe

conversationabouthowwewanttobeholy,butsomehowstillfallsoshort.IfPaulstruggledwiththis,we

probablywilltoo.
http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%204.3http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%204.3http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%204.3http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom%205.9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%202.16http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%202.16http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%202.16http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal%203.11http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%206.23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%206.23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%206.23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Romans%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Romans%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Romans%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Phil.%202.13http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Phil.%202.13http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Phil.%202.13http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%205.22-23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Phil.%202.13http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Romans%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%206.23http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Eph.%202.8-9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/1%20Pet.%202.24http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal%203.11http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Gal.%202.16http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom%205.9http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom%205.1http://bible.logos.com/passage/nasb/Rom.%204.3


7/13

WEEK THREEJANUARY l8 - 24

JESUS |RELATIONSHIP:ACCOUNTABILITY VS.JUDGMENT

WhatstheBigIdea?

Manyofusstrugglewith

howwecanholdour

brothersandsisters

accountable,andstill

encouragethem

without

judging. Jesusmodelshow

toencourageapersonto

repentwithoutcasting

judgment.

Truth:

Mark10:172921

ThenJesus,lookingat

him,lovedhim,andsaidto

him,Onethingyoulack:Go

yourway,sellwhateveryou

haveandgivetothepoor,

andyou

will

have

treasure

in

heaven;andcome,takeup

thecross,andfollowMe.22

Buthewassadatthis

word,andwentaway

sorrowful,forhehadgreat

possessions.

Hebrews4:12

ForthewordofGodisliving

andactive.Sharperthanany

doubleedgedsword,it

penetrateseventodividing

souland

spirit,

joints

and

marrow;itjudgesthe

thoughtsandattitudesofthe

heart.

Colossians1:28

Weproclaimhim,

admonishingandteaching

everyonewithallwisdom,so

thatwemaypresent

everyoneperfectinChrist.

2Corinthians13:5

Examine

yourselves

to

see

whetheryouareinthefaith;

testyourselves.Doyounot

realizethatChristJesusisin

youunless,ofcourse,you

failthetest?

FramingQuestions

Haveyoueverfeltjudgedbysomeone? Whatwastheresult? IfthepersonwhojudgedyouwasaChristian,howdidthataffectyour

feelingstowardGodand/orthechurch?

Haveyoueverjudgedsomeone?Whatwereyourmotives?WhatDoesScriptureSay?(Head)

ReadMark10:1729aloudonceortwiceinyourcommunity. Whatisthemanaskingfor? IfJesushadnotspokenthetruthtothisman,hemighthavelivedhiswhole

lifeblindtothegripmoneyhadonhim.Whydoweneedtoencourageand

keepeachotheraccountable?

ReadColossians1:28,Hebrews3:13,and2Corinthians13:5.Whatdotheseversesaddtotheconversationaboutaccountability?


WhatdoyouthinkofJesusapproachtohelpingthismantogrow?IsJesusjudging

the

man,

or

just

telling

him

the

truth?

WhatdoyouthinkJesusmotiveswereintellingthismansomethingverydifficultforhimtohear?(seeespeciallyv.21)

WhydoyouthinkJesusletthemanwalkaway? Whatisthedifferencebetweenaccountabilityandjudgment? Haveyoueverfeltlikethemaninthestorysomeonepointedoutanarea

whereyouareinsin,butyoudidntwantadmititorgiveitup?What

happened?

HowDoesThisChangeMyLife?(Hands)

Howdoyoureactwhenpeopleexhort(orchallenge)youinthewayyoulive?Ifnooneeverdoes,whydoyouthinkthisis?

Areyoucomfortablelettingpeoplewalkawaywiththetruthofscripture,ordoyoufeellikeitisyourjobtoconvincethem? HowdoesHebrews 4:12speakintothis?(Note:"...spirituallove...willrathermeettheotherpersonwiththeclearWordofGodandbereadytoleavehimalonewiththiswordforalongtime,willingtoreleasehim

againinorderthatChristmaydealwithhim."DietrichBonhoffer,LifeTogether,oneofAmys

favoritebooksonChristiancommunity.)

DoyouevertrytoencourageandstretchfriendsintheirpursuitoffollowingChrist? Whyorwhynot?

Doyouhaveanyoneinyourlifethatyouasktokeepyouaccountable,oraskforhonestfeedbackfrom?

James4:11saysAnyonewhospeaksagainsthisbrotherorjudgeshimspeaksagainstthelawandjudgesit.Whenyoujudgethelaw,youarenot

keepingit,butsittinginjudgmentonit. Wearenottojudgeourbrothers,

butwearetoencourageeachothertowardChrist(Hebrews3:13)andstrive

afterrighteousnessasacommunity. Howcanwepracticeaccountability

ratherthanjudgmentinourcommunity?

StretchActivity

Thinkaboutifyouneedmoreaccountabilityinyourlifetohelpyougrow. Sharewith

thegroup(orasmallgroup)whatthismightlooklike. Itcouldbemoreconsistenttime

inscripture,joininganLTG,havingaprayerpartner,confessingsin,oranynumberof

things.

Details,Details

LeadershipRetreatthisweekendpleaseinvite

yourleadershipteam!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:11&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:11&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:11&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+13:5&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIVhttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:11&version=NIV


8/13

WEEK FOURJANUARY 25 - 3l

JESUS |RELATIONSHIP:FORGIVENESS AND HEALING

WhatstheBigIdea?

Weareabletoforgiveothers

becausewehavebeen

forgivensoprofoundlyand

fullybyGod. Butifwere

honest,we

have

questions

aboutwhetherwecandoit,

andifwedo,whatthateven

means.Itssometimesscary,

butitsnotoptional.

Truth:

Matthew18:213521

ThenPetercametoHim

andsaid,Lord,howoften

shallmybrothersinagainst

me,andIforgivehim?Upto

seventimes?22

Jesus

said

to

him,

I

do

not

saytoyou,uptoseven

times,butuptoseventy

timesseven.

...[Theking]saidtohim,

Youwickedservant!I

forgaveyouallthatdebt

becauseyoubeggedme.33

Shouldyounotalsohavehad

compassiononyourfellow

servant,justasIhadpityon

you?34

Andhismasterwas

angry,

and

delivered

him

to

thetorturersuntilheshould

payallthatwasduetohim.35

SoMyheavenlyFather

alsowilldotoyouifeachof

you,fromhisheart,doesnot

forgivehisbrotherhis

trespasses.

Matthew6:141514

Forifyouforgivemen

theirtrespasses,your

heavenlyFatherwillalso

forgive

you.

15

But

if

you

do

notforgivementheir

trespasses,neitherwillyour

Fatherforgiveyour

trespasses.

FramingQuestions

Oneoflifesrealitiesisthatpeoplewillhurtus.Knowingthat,howwouldyourateyourselfasaforgiver?

Isiteverokaytowithholdforgiveness?What

Does

Scripture

Say?

(Head)

ReadMatthew18:2135.ThenflipovertoMatthew6:1415.Fromthesepassages,whatmotivatesforgiveness?

HowdoesJesusdeathonthecrossrelatetoourforgiveness?1 Howdoesrepentancefactorintoforgiveness? ReadLuke17:34andLuke23:34.Howdotheseversesaddtoyourdiscussion

aboutrepentance?


Tomostpeople,forgivenessisaboutreconcilingarelationship.Isthisstatementtrue?

Canyouforgivewithoutreconciling?Ifso,whatsthedifference? Whathappensinyourheartwhenyouforgivesomeone?

Doesbitternesseverstopyoufromforgiving? Doesfearstopyoufromforgiving?(Fearofbeinghurtagain?Fearofbeinga

doormat?)

Isforgivenessaprocessorachoice?2HowDoesThisChangeMyLife?(Hands)

DoyouwalkfreelyintheforgivenessthatGodoffersus? HowcanrememberingGodsgracehelpuschoosetoforgive? Whatwillyoudotocounteractbitternessandresentment?

Whyshouldweaddressourlittlehurts?Whathappenswhenwedontinus,andinourcommunity?

How

should

we

address

our

deep

wounds?

Howcanweforgivewhilestillmakingwisedecisionsaboutthepeoplewechoosetospendourliveswith?

Haveyoueverbeeninasituationwhereyourdesiretoforgiveand/orreconcileisnotenoughtobringaboutarestoredrelationship?Whatshoulda

persondointhatkindofsituation?3

StretchActivity

Haveyourgrouptakesometimetopray,askingGodtosearchtheirhearts.Askthem

towritedownwhattheyfindonaslipofpaper.Leadthem:

WhereareyouholdingontoguiltaroundsomethingthatGodhasforgiven?Writeitdownonaslipofpaper.Choosetoreceivehisforgiveness,andasa

symbolof

that

[shred,

rip

up,

burn,

paint

over]

what

you

wrote.

Whereareyourefusingorstrugglingtoforgive?Writedownthatpersonssinonthepaper.AskGodtomoveyourhearttowardforgiveness,and

First,recognizethatforgivingissometimesaprocess Second,makethechoicetoforgivethem Asasymbolofthat,[shred,ripup,burn,paintover]whatyouwrote. Details,Details

AxisExperience:February5,2010,

7:30pminCafTwenty


9/13

EXTRA INFORMATION FOR WEEK FOUR:FORGIVENESS AND HEALING

1.AgreatopportunitytoclearlyexplaintheGospel!

Ifyourhubstrugglesatallanswertothisquestion,youllwanttobereadywithaclearexplanationof

theGospel.Ifyoufeelthespiritmovinginthis,makesureyougiveHimtimetowork.Slowdownand

havesomerealdiscussionaroundwhyweneedforgivenessandsalvation,andhowJesusdeathbrings

usanopportunitytobetransformed.

2.Forgivenessisachoiceandaprocess.

GuideyourconversationaroundA)howimportantitistomakethechoicetoforgiveandthenB)how

wemighthavetomakethatchoicerepeatedly,theremightbeadelayinouremotionscatchingupto

ourdecisions,andhowGodmayhavetodoworkinustohelpustoletgoofbitternessandtohealour

woundedness.

3.WillowCreekhasresourcesforreconcilingbrokenrelationships.

Foradditionalresources,contactWillowsconciliationhotlineat224.512.2087.


10/13

Jesus modeled healthy relationships that were fueledby (ratherthan in competition with) his love for God.

Mark 1:35-39Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,

Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a

solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his

companions went to look for him, and when they

found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking

for you!" Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere

elseto the nearby villagesso I can preach

there also. That is why I have come."39

So he

traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their

synagogues and driving out demons.

Exodus 20:3-4John 8:28-29

Luke 14:25

1 John 4:17

Axis Experience

Charlie Hall and iScatter

celebration:

January 8, 2010, 7:30pm

in Caf Twenty

Holiness points to God and love. But when pride consumes us, we

can become holier-than-thou.

:

John 4:5-2617

The woman answered and said, I have no

husband. Jesus said to her, You have well said, I

have no husband,18

for you have had five

husbands, and the one whom you now have is not

your husband; in that you spoke truly. 23

Butthe hour is coming, and now is, when the true

worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and

truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship

Him.24

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him

must worship in spirit and truth.

Luke 18:10-13

Ephesians 5:1-11

Romans 7:15-8:1

Check out the Axis blog at

www.generationaxisblog.

com for great content and

daily devotionals.
http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/


11/13

Have six people read these scriptures out loud:Mark1:35-39, Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, Luke

9:28, Mark 6:46.

These scriptures show Jesus persistent habit ofgetting alone with His Father. Why was this so

important to Him?

What does the word idolatry mean to you? What isan idol?

Read Exodus 20:3-4. How does this relate to Jesuspriorities in relationship?

Read John 8:28-29. How do you think Jesus lifeflowed out of his relationship with God?

Read Luke 14:25. What is your reaction to thispassage? What did Jesus mean by hate?

How do we love intensely, like Jesus commands inJohn 15:13, but also follow his command to hate all

those people in our lives?

Are there things or relationships that you are puttingbefore God?

At what point does a relationship become an idol?

What does the phrase holy man provoke in you?Have you known men or women who live up to that

phrase?

What does the phrase holier-than-thou provoke inyou? Without giving names or specifics, has your path

intersected with people who could be described this

way?

What does the word holy mean? Read John 4:5-26. Does this woman see Jesus as a holy

man?

Read Luke 18:10-13. This man clearly thinkshes holy.Is he? Why or why not?

What is the difference between being holy and beingholier-than-thou?

Read Ephesians 5:1-11. Why is it important to pursueholiness?

Does God expect perfect behavior from us? What doeshe expect?

Have you ever tried to either hide or avoid holiness? Have you ever pretended to be holier than you are? Is God more concerned with behavior or heart? Does

your life reflect your answer?


12/13

Many of us struggle with how we can hold our brothers and sisters

accountable, and still encourage them without judging. Jesus models how.

Mark 10:17-2921Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said

to him, One thing you lack: Go your way, sell

whatever you have and give to the poor, and you

will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up

the cross, and follow Me.22

But he was sad at

this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had

great possessions.

Colossians 1:28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching

everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present

everyone perfect in Christ.

Colossians 1:28Hebrews 3:13

2 Corinthians 13:5

Hebrews 4:12




daily devotionals.

We are able to forgive others because we have been forgiven so

profoundly and fully by God. But if were honest, we have questions.

:

Matthew 18:21-3521

Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how

often shall my brother sin against me, and I

forgive him? Up to seven times?22

Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to

seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matthew 6:14-1514

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your

heavenly Father will also forgive you.15

But if you

do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will

your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 17:3-4

Luke 23:34

Axis Experience:

February 5, 2010, 7:30pm

in Caf Twenty




daily devotionals.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIVhttp://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.generationaxisblog.com/http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4:12&version=NIV


13/13

Have you ever felt judged by someone? What wasthe result?

Have you ever judged someone? What were yourmotives?

Read Mark 10:17-29 aloud once or twice in yourcommunity.

What is the man asking for? Read Colossians 1:28, Hebrews 3:13, and 2Corinthians 13:5. What do these verses add to the

conversation about accountability?

What do you think Jesus motives were in telling thisman something very difficult for him to hear?

What is the difference between accountability andjudgment?

Are you comfortable letting people walk away withthe truth of scripture, or do you feel like it is your job

to convince them? How does Hebrews 4:12 speak

into this? Do you ever try to encourage and stretch friends in

their pursuit of following Christ? Why or why not?

Do you have anyone in your life that you ask to keepyou accountable, or ask for honest feedback from?

Read Matthew 18:21-35. Then flip over toMatthew 6:14-15. From these passages, what

motivates forgiveness?

How does Jesus death on the cross relate to ourforgiveness?

How does repentance factor into forgiveness? Read Luke 17:3-4 and Luke 23:34. How do these

verses add to your discussion about repentance?

To most people, forgiveness is about reconciling arelationship. Is this statement true?

Does bitterness or fear ever stop you fromforgiving?

Is forgiveness a process or a choice? Do you walk freely in the forgiveness that God

offers us?

How can remembering Gods grace help us chooseto forgive?

How can we forgive while still making wisedecisions about the people we choose to spend

our lives with?

What will you do to counteract bitterness andresentment?

**great night to talk LTGs

January 2010: Jesus | Relationship

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Transcript of January 2010: Jesus | Relationship