Pastor Jadner Lugo: Orange City
1. If you’ve already placed your faith in Jesus, what was it like during your first few months as a Christian?
2. Did you find it easy or difficult to continue sinning the way you did before you knew Jesus? Why or why not?
3. What does it look like in your life to willingly let go of what is earthly in order to gain what is heavenly?
4. Of all the things listed in Colossians 3:5-10, which do you struggle with letting go of the most?
5. In Colossians 3:12-17, which do you struggle with the most?
6. Of all the commands in Colossians 3:18-25, which do you find the hardest to apply in your own life?
7. How can you as a group help encourage each other to grow in Christ-likeness?
Pastor Tim Bulleman: Deltona
Preparing for War
1. Pastor Tim shared three weeks ago that we must rest and spend time drawing close to the Lord. This week, he shared that part of the reason for rest is to prepare for the battle against sin. Can you share a time when you drew close to the Lord, and He prepared you before a battle?
2. Read Mathew 4:1-6. Not even Jesus, the Son of God, was exempt from temptation. What does that say about temptation in your life? What are some strategies that God provides for battling temptation?
3. Read Genesis 3:1-5 and then Genesis 2:5-17. Eve’s response demonstrates that she believed the lie that God isn’t good and He isn’t personal. She believed the enemy’s distortion that God is not a loving Father, but a restrictive dictator. Can you share a time when you were deceived about God’s character and nature?
4. Think of a time you've been tempted during moments of weakness. How did the enemy’s attack appeal to what you felt you needed in the moment?
5. When temptation comes, we need to pause and consider the outcome of our decision by looking downstream (where it will lead and the consequences). We need to evaluate what’s causing us to engage the temptation by looking upstream (where the temptation is coming from). How can stopping to consider both the downstream and upstream help you overcome temptation?