Follow-Up Study Guide To:

 

Same Old Challenges

Part 4 of 4 in the series “Brand New”                       

January 27, 2008                                                Pastor Scott Oldenburgh

 

READ HEBREWS 12:1-13

 

Ä     When it comes to running a race, what types of things might slow a runner down or cause a runner to get off course?

Ä     In your life experiences, what are some of the things that have served as obstacles in your journey?

Ä     Which obstacles have you overcome? How?

Ä     Which obstacles still give you the most resistance? Why?

 

READ ROMANS 7:14-25

 

Ä     How does our “desires” influence our behavior?

Ä     Have you ever really wanted something that you know you didn’t need or should have waited for?

Ä     What role did desire play in your decisions?

Ä     According to vs. 25, what is our hope for overcoming or changing our desires?

 

READ MATTHEW 19:16-26

 

Ä     What is the difference between knowing what is right and desiring to do what is right?

Ä     Which did this man experience?

Ä     The man showed some desire to follow God, but what was his obstacle?

Ä     Is having the right desire enough?

Ä     What role does “righteous desire” play in the discipleship process?

 

 

READ JAMES 1:19-27

 

Ä     What does the writer say about putting action with your desire and knowledge of the word?

Ä     How are actions a part of the discipleship process?

Ä     How do actions complete our righteous desires?

 

In the story of the woman caught in adultery from Sunday (John 8), Jesus instructs the woman to “leave” or “flee” her life of sin.

 

Ä     What do you think Jesus was expecting?

Ä     Was he commanding desire or action?

Ä     What do you think she would have needed to do to completely leave her former life?

Ä     In regards to obstacles you have faced, how have actions of changing environments or changing certain behaviors been a necessary part of the discipleship process?

 

READ ROMANS 12

 

Ä     What role does the body of Christ (the church) have in “your” discipleship process?

Ä     What should be expected from one another?

Ä     Is it possible to be a disciple without the benefit of the body? Is it wise?

Ä     How has your level of “connectedness” helped you or hindered you in the discipleship process?

 

Pray and ask God for a clear understanding of the obstacles that you face in the discipleship process. Ask God for wisdom to help you identify changed in certain environments or behaviors that might help you grow and mature. Ask God to help you find a connection or thank God for the connection you already have from the body of Christ. Ask God for the desire to make changes where necessary in your life and commit to him that you will follow through in the partnership of doing your part and staying connected to the body of Christ.