AWAKEN – Week 2
Last week, Pastor Josh gave us three questions as a tool when facing difficulties.
- What does my faith look like expressed in my situation? A person asked themselves how their faith becomes active in the midst of the trial they are facing.
- What does God’s love look like expressed in my situation? The sober mind is thinking through the lens of love. Not impatience…not about winning…but love toward others.
- What does hope in the gospel look like in my situation?
The gospel is summed up in the work of the Cross. The blood of Jesus changes everything. I find hope there, because everything that was broken is changeable there.
How did you do? How did they play out?
Read Eph 5:8-20: After Josh’s message, did you take time to pray the prayer that he presented to us, “God bring conviction into my heart where I’ve allowed sin and darkness remains?” What is the “why” behind this prayer?
***For Leaders – This is the “why” – God wants to use those things that were once dark to become a light. Vs 13- “everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” That is something we resist in our natures which leads us to the question below.
How does shame prevent verses 13-14 come to fruition?
***For Leaders – Shame lies to us by saying, “Pledge allegiance to me or you will suffer greatly If you expose to the light what is hidden in your life.” That is the lie of shame. Most of us want the broken places of our life to bright light to someone else, but the transition to light elicits the voice of shame and we are susceptible to listening to it. Shame loses its power over our lives once the light shines on it as God wants your story to become light! We want these areas to receive light so it changes someone else’s life. Don’t become embarrassed about what God has done for you.
Read verses 15-16: Pastor Josh said the awakened wisely make the most of every opportunity and then he personally shared, “The sheer number of times the Lord has said to me, ‘shut up’. There is a wise path for this moment, and you need to take it.” ***The awakened heart says it WANTS to make the wise choice.
How would your life look differently if you asked, “God, what is the wise thing to say in this moment? How can I make it kingdom rich?”
***For Leaders – Don’t live unwisely because the days are evil. There is a wisdom from God in all situations that surpasses common understanding. Most of us are one phrase away from making someone’s day or making our own day! God has a desired will for you by changing the trajectory of your thinking as he has a deep love for every person, including you. If you can tap into His heart and desire for you and those in your sphere of influence, you can speak wisdom and truth that will propel those around you in a kingdom direction.
Staying “awake” is virtually impossible without the three disciplines below playing out in our lives. 1) Time in God’s Word 2) Prayer 3) Worship. Which of these three disciplines that Josh challenged us to do daily is the most difficult for you? Why do you think that is?
Read Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What do you intend to do between meetings to address the spiritual discipline in which you are most weak?