LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH ADULT SMALL GROUPS

Transcription

1 LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH ADULT SMALL GROUPS

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE STUDY 3 I. ISLAM 5 II. MORMONISM 9 III. EASTERN MYSTICISM 14 IV. NEW AGE 18 IV. HINDUISM 22 2 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist CHurch

3 ABOUT THIS STUDY This study guide is based off of our Sunday morning series, Coexist. All of the questions you ll need for your small group time are found here. If you happen to miss a Sunday morning throughout the series, you can find the podcast here: Each week, you ll notice the following sections: MAIN POINT We have tried to summarize where we are headed for the week. Don t feel like you have to read this section out loud for your group. This is just a brief overview. INTRODUCTION This is your chance to start thinking about the concept your group will be discussing this week. These questions will connect to the week s study, but sometimes only loosely. The goal here is to get your group s minds working and their mouths moving. Don t spend too long here, even though you might be tempted to. Make sure you move on to the next section after no more than 10 minutes. UNDERSTANDING This section comprises the meat of your time together. Here is where you ll be wrestling through the Scriptures that build the foundation you ll need for your time together. Be sure to continually connect people back to the Scriptures, and don t just share your individual opinions. Opinions are great, but we want people to encounter the Truth found in the Bible. This section should dominate the majority of your group s time together each week. Don t feel like you have to answer each and every question. Be sure to look over the list of questions each week before you arrive at small group and fill in your own answers. Highlight the ones you feel are most important, and will prove most effective for your group. If you ve got time, answer them all together. If you begin to run out of time, only ask the ones you feel are best for your specific group. APPLICATION Though some application points have been discussed by the time you reach this section, no doubt there s still work to do. Be sure you hit on this section each week with your group. Let your group wrap their minds around how the truths discussed can apply to their daily life through thought and practice. PRAY Always close in prayer. This is a good time of building community as you carry each other s burdens to God together. 3 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist CHurch

4 FOLLOW UP As the group leader, remember to connect with your group members intentionally throughout the week. Remember their prayer requests, and ask them how things are going. Remember what they shared, and follow up with them. Or grab a cup of coffee together and share more extended time to get to know them better. In this section, we ll give you practical tips on how to do this effectively. This study has the potential to strengthen, equip, and encourage you and your small group in your faith walk. We encourage you to take advantage of this time spent in community with others to grow in your knowledge of who God is and who He wants you to be. Long Hollow Baptist Church Adult Small Groups Team 4 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist CHurch

5 LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH COEXIST ISLAM RELIGION SUMMARY Islam is the world s second most populous religion with roughly 1.8 billion adherents. It was founded by the prophet Muhammed (born A.D. 570) in Mecca, a city in Arabia, around A.D Muhammed had given up the idolatrous paganism of his culture to believe in only one God. Around age forty he began to have visions, which he recounted to others who wrote them down. These revelations, were compiled in the Qur an, which is the Muslim holy book on which the religion is based. In Islam, Jesus was a good man and a prophet, but not God. Those who believe that Jesus is God are considered unbelievers. MAIN POINT The Bible teaches us that Jesus is God. Because He is, we can know everything we need to know about God by looking to Jesus. INTRODUCTION As your group time begins, use this section to help get the conversation going. Have you ever lived in or traveled to a primarily Muslim country? Where was it? What was your impression of that country or culture? Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. Why do you think it is growing so rapidly? What is appealing about this religion? What are some of the ways you have seen the perception of Islam change in the last 10 to 15 years? Like Christians, Muslims believe in only one God and that all people have sinned. The major dividing line between the two faiths is in the person of Jesus Christ. Muslims deny the Trinity; in fact, a Muslim would likely think Christians believe in three gods and not one because of their faith in the triune nature of God. When it comes to Jesus, Muslims believe there was indeed a historical person named Jesus, but that He was merely one of many prophets of which Muhammad remains the greatest. Contrary to this, the Bible teaches us that Jesus is God. Because He is, we can know everything we need to know about God by looking to Jesus. UNDERSTANDING Unpack the biblical text to discover what Scripture says or means about a particular topic. One of the most confusing parts of Christianity to a Muslim is the idea of the Trinity. Do you ever find the Trinity to be a confusing concept? 5 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

6 How would you explain the Trinity to someone from another faith? Christians believe that Jesus, one of the members of the Trinity, is fully God and fully man at the same time. Why is it important in Christianity to believe that Jesus is God? Can you think of any places in the Bible that teach the divinity of Jesus? The belief in the divinity of Jesus is incredibly important in Christianity. It s what separates the Leader of our religion from any other religion. Though some might argue that the early Christians did not believe Jesus to be God, we will see in our study that this belief has been central since the very beginning of Christianity. > HAVE VOLUNTEERS READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES. John 1:1 John 8:58 John 10:30 John 20:28 One of the primary reasons John wrote the Book of John was to show that Jesus is God. To John and the early disciples, this fact was of the utmost importance; in fact, it was and is essential to what we believe as Christians. Why does the fact that Jesus is God matter? Why is it essential that someone believe in Jesus divinity in order to be a Christian? What would some of the implications be if Jesus were not fully God? The implications for us are enormous if we do not believe in the divinity of Jesus. Because Jesus claims to be God, if He is not God, then He is a mad man. That means every word from the mouth of Jesus can be trusted only if Jesus was and is God. If, on the other hand, we believe what Jesus says about Himself, it means that we can know everything we need to know about God by looking to Jesus. > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 14:1-11. What does Jesus mean in referring to Himself as the Way? Truth? Life? How would these truths have encouraged His disciples at that moment? How might Jesus claim at the end of verse 7 been received by faithful Jews during Jesus day? Why? As staggering as Jesus claim to be the exclusive way to the Father was, His statement you do know Him and have seen Him must have been even more staggering to the disciples. The Jews taught that no one had seen God at any time (see John 1:18); the Greeks claimed that God was invisible. Jesus asserted that if anyone knew Him and 6 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

7 saw Him, that person had known God and seen God. What do you think Jesus meant by the phrase, I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? How do these verses speak to the Islamic idea of Jesus? What evidence do we have that Jesus words are true? Philip and the disciples were called to believe Jesus as well as to believe in Him. The grounds of belief are twofold: first is Jesus declaration, and second is the evidence of Jesus power. There is a call to recognize the miracles as signs pointing to Jesus deity. Believers have ample reason to be confident in Christ because His words reveal God s truth and His works reveal God s power. APPLICATION Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives. Based on today s study, how would you respond to someone who believes Jesus is a great teacher but not truly God? Is there anywhere else other than Jesus you are looking in order to know God? What is one way you can fix your eyes on Jesus alone as the fullness of God in bodily form? How does your worship need to change in order to more fully reflect Jesus divinity? PRAY As you close in prayer, thank God for coming down to our level in the person of Jesus Christ. Confess that Jesus is God, and ask Him to help you worship Him in the manner He deserves. FOLLOW UP Midway through this week, send a follow-up to your group with some or all of the following information: Questions to consider as they continue to reflect on what they learned this week: Have you been more aware of people s perceptions of Jesus this week? How? How has your attitude toward Jesus changed after digging more deeply into His divinity? A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering. The challenge to memorize John 1:1. 7 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

8 COMMENTARY JOHN 1:1-2 1:1-2. The central focus of this verse is eternality. Like His Heavenly Father, Jesus always was and therefore existed at the beginning of time. It is interesting that John should call Jesus the Word rather than some other name to introduce his book interesting, but not surprising since the Jews often referred to God in such terminology. The doctrine at stake here is the deity of Christ. Jesus is God, and John wanted to make that point immediately. In fact, this prologue (vv. 1-18) begins and ends with a strong statement of this doctrine. The term Word (logos) would have been familiar to the Greeks as well. Their understanding centered on ultimate reason or the rationale of the universe rather than the personal God revealed to Abraham and his descendents. John claimed that the God of creation, the ultimate mind of the universe, had taken on human form; He had become incarnate. JOHN 14: :6. In response to a question from Thomas, Jesus stated that He was the way and the truth and the life. Jesus did not claim to be one of many ways. Jesus is the way. He not only taught the way, demonstrated the way, and provided the way, He Himself is the way the only way. The way is not a philosophy or a principle, but a Person. Jesus is the truth. The expression emphasizes Jesus utter dependability and also the saving truth of the gospel. Jesus is the single reliable source of redemptive revelation. Apart from Him there is no means of knowing God. Jesus also is the life. No real life exists apart from Him. Jesus claimed that individuals are dead without Him. He is the Source and Giver of life and the Conqueror of death. Through Jesus, the very life of God is available to us abundant, everlasting life. 14:7. Jesus words if you know me refer to the disciples limited comprehension. Of course, they had known Him well enough to leave their homes and livelihoods to follow Him. Jesus was not saying their knowledge of Him was not real. Rather, He was saying their knowledge did not go deep enough. They had not fully comprehended that Jesus was the only and absolute way to the Father. They needed to come to a fuller knowledge of Jesus and His significance. As staggering as Jesus claim to be the exclusive way to the Father was, His statement you do know Him and have seen Him must have been even more staggering to the disciples. The Jews taught that no one had seen God at any time; the Greeks claimed that God was invisible. Jesus asserted that if anyone knew Him and saw Him, that person had known God and seen God. This reality gives believers confidence and a deep assurance that trusting Jesus is all that is necessary to ensure a place in the Father s house. 14:8-9. Philip wanted an immediate display of the Father s glory. His request reveals that He had not grasped Jesus words recorded in verse 7. Perhaps Philip desired the kind of revelation of Himself that God occasionally gave in the Old Testament. Jesus response to Philip reflects an element of sadness and a measure of rebuke. Although Philip had heard Jesus teach and had witnessed His miraculous power for such a long time, he had failed to grasp the unity between Jesus the Son and God the Father. In light of all that the disciples had seen throughout Jesus ministry, how could Philip say, Show us the Father? As believers, we need to be continually growing in our knowledge of Christ. Is our knowledge of Jesus what it should be in light of the length of time we have been following Him? 14:10. Jesus question to Philip expected a yes answer. The essential unity between Jesus and the Father was so evident that Philip should have recognized that the words and works of the Son were the words and works of the Father. Father and Son are one in nature and essence. The word living points to a permanent relationship. 14:11. In this context the verb believe involves intellectual content as well as personal relationship. Philip and the disciples were called to believe Jesus as well as to believe in Him. Observe the two grounds of belief. First is Jesus declaration and second is the evidence of Jesus power. The phrase believe because of the works themselves is a call to recognize the miracles as signs pointing to Jesus deity. Believers have ample reason to be confident in Christ because His words reveal God s truth and His works reveal God s power. 8 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

9 LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH COEXIST MORMONISM RELIGION SUMMARY Joseph Smith ( ) was the founder of Mormonism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1830 near Rochester, NY. With more than 12 million followers and over 50,000 missionaries in more 200 countries, Mormonism is one the largest and fastest growing religious movements of the 21st century. Smith had a series of visions from in which he claimed to have been told by God that all other denominations were wrong and that he was to correct nearly 2000 years of supposed errors in the Bible. Mormons believe Jesus was the firstborn spirit child of the Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother. He is our elder brother. His brother is Lucifer. MAIN POINT God has given us all we need to know for life and salvation in the Bible. The Bible is God s Word to us, and no further revelation is necessary. INTRODUCTION As your group time begins, use this section to help get the conversation going. Do you have or have you had any Mormon friends? What was your relationship with that person like? Have you ever discussed the question of whether or not Mormons are Christians with that person? What did you learn from that conversation? What are some of the ways you know of that Mormonism differs from Christianity? One of the most difficult parts of Mormonism is that Mormons generally consider themselves to be Christians. A closer look at their beliefs, however, shows us some key differences. For example, Mormons believe that God, as we know Him, was once a man, and that all men can eventually become like God. They believe that Jesus is not eternal, but the child of the Heavenly Father and heavenly mother. All of these teachings are based, though, in maybe the most fundamental difference between Mormons and Christians: Christians believe the Bible alone is God s Word, and no further revelation is necessary. UNDERSTANDING Unpack the biblical text to discover what Scripture says or means about a particular topic. Joseph Smith founded Mormonism based on a series of visions he claimed he had, including one in which an angel led him to discover the book of Mormon. What is an appropriate Christian response to these claims? What do Christians believe about divine inspiration? Why is that an important question to answer? 9 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

10 One of the primary reasons Christianity differs from Mormonism is wound up in the issue of divine inspiration. Christians believe that the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God. In fact, the Bible even warns us against departing from the message we have heard. > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ GALATIANS 1:6-9. How do you think the Galatian believers felt when they read this section? How would you respond if someone was astonished that you had drifted in your faith? Why did Paul hate false gospels? What makes them so dangerous? How do these verses speak to some of the differences between Mormonism and Christianity? Paul was absolutely committed to what he knew to be true, so much so that he warned the Galatians that if he himself or even an angel from heaven contradicted the message they had heard, then they should be eternally condemned. The language in this verse is very strong Paul literally said they should go to hell. The twisting of the truth of the gospel, no matter minor it might seem, has disastrous consequences. As Christians, though, God has been gracious enough to give us His Word so that we can recognize these false gospels when they come our way. > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 2 TIMOTHY 3: Verse 16 teaches us that all Scripture is God-breathed. What does this imply? Why is the divine inspiration of Scripture important? What would change if you didn t believe Scripture was divinely inspired? What words in these verses emphasize the importance of studying Scripture? In what areas of your life has Scripture proven profitable? How? Have you noticed a change in these areas when you haven t been actively studying God s Word? What does Scripture equip us to do? How does this work? The Bible is a guide that teaches us how to grow in our faith and how to live as disciples. It will keep us from error and show us the revelation of God. But we must believe in the Bible s unique inspiration and authority in order to see those things happen. The writer of Hebrews also affirmed the power of God s Word to make Him known and shape the behavior of His people. 10 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

11 > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 4: What similarities do you see in this passage and the passage from 2 Timothy 3? What does God s Word have the power to do in our lives, according to this passage? How have you seen this to be true in your life? The living God speaks His living Word. God s Word is not confined to a distant past but comes to us now with freshness, power, and clarity. God s Word judges the ideas and thoughts of the heart. It reaches into the center of a person s being and correctly perceives motives and intentions. The Bible is the only book that can do this; God has given us all we need to know for life and salvation in the Bible. The Bible is God s Word to us, and no further revelation is necessary. APPLICATION Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives. Does your commitment to reading, studying, and memorizing the Word show you believe it to be uniquely inspired by God? What needs to change in your schedule in order for it to be so? How would you respond, based on today s study, to someone who claimed that the Bible isn t the only holy book that points people to God? What can our group do to hold each other accountable to being more deeply rooted in the teaching, studying, and memorizing of Scripture? PRAY Thank God for not leaving us without a word from Him. Thank Him for giving us the Bible so that we might know Him. Pray that we would be people of the Book, those who love and are committed to the reading, understanding, and obedience to the words of Scripture. FOLLOW UP Midway through this week, send a follow-up to your group with some or all of the following information: Questions to consider as they continue to reflect on what they learned this week: How have you changed your schedule to make room for the Word this week? What specific verse or verses have you read this week that the Lord spoke to you through? A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering. The challenge to memorize Galatians 1:8. 11 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

12 COMMENTARY GALATIANS 1:6-9 1:6. When Paul described himself as astonished, he used a word that could indicate irritation as well as surprise. Paul was shocked to learn that the Galatians were turning to another gospel which was in reality no gospel at all. To describe what the Galatians had done in returning to legalism, Paul used the word translated deserting, a strong Greek term with a root meaning to transplant or to change. The verb was employed to describe those who changed political allegiance from one country to another. In other words, Paul was accusing the Galatians of being spiritual turncoats or traitors. The form of the Greek verb indicates the Galatians were in the process of deserting the true gospel but had not yet completely done so. Moreover, their desertion was occurring quickly. Though we do not know exactly how much time had passed since Paul had been with the Galatians, the apostle probably wrote this letter shortly after he returned from his first missionary journey and prior to the meeting of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). Therefore, probably only months had elapsed rather than years since Paul s visit to Galatia. 1:7. Paul never specifically identified by name those whom he referred to as some people, nor did he address them directly. Judging by the false teachings that Paul refuted, we can surmise that they were Judaizers (JOO day ighz uhrs) strict Jews who professed to be Christians. These false teachers had infiltrated the Galatian churches soon after Paul and Barnabas had left the area. Paul brought two charges against them. First, they were throwing the Galatians into confusion. In other words, they were agitators stirring up trouble. The Greek verb translated to throw into confusion conveys the idea of agitating to the point of causing perplexity and fear. The cause of this agitation involved Paul s second charge. The false teachers intent (they were trying) was to pervert the gospel of Christ. They were taking the genuine gospel and twisting it into something completely different. Instead of accepting that salvation is received solely by grace through faith in Christ, these people wanted to add requirements of the law such as circumcision. We are not sure why the Galatians were so easily swayed by the false teachers. Why did these recent converts fail to stand up for the gospel? Since most of the Galatian believers had a Gentile background with exposure to locally popular mystery religions, perhaps the false idea that they could achieve a more elevated spiritual status by adhering to certain laws and rites appealed to them. Furthermore, as new Christians, they were not yet deeply established in the Christian faith. Whatever the reason, the different gospel (v. 6) had just enough truth to seem acceptable to these new Christians. The false teachers still focused on Christ in their messages, but only as a supplement to the law. 1:8-9. Paul s concern was the integrity of the gospel, that is, the unchangeable message of who Jesus Christ is and what He did to bring us salvation. Using the strongest language possible, Paul declared a curse on anyone, including himself, who might proclaim a counterfeit gospel. Why Paul chose to refer to an angel from heaven is not clear. In their attempts to enhance their legalistic demands, perhaps the Galatian agitators had cited the role of angels in delivering the law (Gal. 4:19; see Deut. 33:2). Perhaps the kind of angelic worship Paul confronted at Colossae was included in the false teachers message to the Galatians. Whatever the reason, Paul unleashed one of the harshest statements in the New Testament, a pronouncement that is difficult to imagine in our age of tolerance. 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in the truth of the gospel which he had learned and firmly believed. The term continue carries with it the idea of holding onto or remaining true to what has been revealed. Paul s encouragement to remain strong in what he had learned was based on the veracity of Timothy s teachers. Likewise, those who taught Timothy appealed to the sacred Scriptures for their doctrine. It was the Scriptures which grounded Timothy in the spiritual wisdom necessary to fend off the false teachers. Salvation here refers to sanctification becoming more like Christ. Paul reminded Timothy that the Scriptures guide believers on how to believe, grow, and serve the Christian community. 12 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

13 Paul identified several ways the Bible is useful or profitable for believers. Teaching refers to the Bible as the basis of sound doctrine. Because of the prominence of heresy among his readers, Paul emphasized the importance of sound teaching. Reproof may refer to both exposing the errors of false teachers (doctrinal) and also showing someone the error of his or her ways (personal). Either way, the Bible shows us our wrongs and leads us to forgiveness and peace. Correction suggests that God s Word helps people restore their doctrine or practice to a right state they had forfeited. Training in righteousness means the Scriptures act as a disciplinarian that leads people to a holy lifestyle. If Timothy would nurture his life in the Scriptures, he would be complete and equipped for every good work. He would be both prepared and qualified for every task God assigned him. The Greek word rendered competent (v. 17) has the sense of being capable, proficient, or able to meet all the demands placed upon a person. In the Bible it carries the force of a person who, through diligent study of Scripture, has progressed spiritually to being able not only to discern the will of God but also to abide in it consistently. As a result, the complete Christian is fully engaged, either as layperson or leader, in serving God. Whatever God calls complete Christians to do, they are ready to follow God s commands because of their dedication to the study of the Word and their obedience to God s teaching. HEBREWS 4:12-13 In the larger context of this passage (3:7 4:13), the writer is warning against neglecting God s word by failing to obey Him. He used the example of the exodus generation of Israelites. They refused to believe and obey God and therefore not were not permitted to enter the promised land (3:18; 4:6). We must be faithful to hear and obey God s word. The consequence of disobeying God s word is judgment. In the Greek text living is the first word in verse 12, making it emphatic. The living God speaks His living Word. God s Word is not confined to a distant past but comes to us now with freshness, power, and clarity. That Word is effective or energetic, powerful. His Word causes things to happen. Additionally, the Word of God is active, an emphasis virtually identical in meaning with the term living. God s Word is not something we passively hear and then ignore. It actively works in our lives, changes us, and sends us into action. What did the writer mean by God s Word being a sharp two-edged sword that pierces into the depths of people s beings? One view is that he meant the Word s thoroughness. The living Word permeates every aspect of a person s being. It affects the whole person. A second view is that the sharp sword penetrates and divides the whole person similar to the way a surgeon s scalpel lays bare the organs inside a person. This view emphasizes judgment. God s Word judges the ideas and thoughts of the heart. It reaches into the center of a person s being and correctly perceives motives and intentions. In light of verses 12-13, the latter interpretation seems to be the writer s meaning. He well may have meant that God s Word lay bare in the Hebrew believers any faithlessness, disobedience, and indifference or complacency in advancing toward spiritual maturity. The activity of God s Word is an extension of the activity of God Himself. The Word of God exposes our innermost thoughts and intentions. The Greek word translated exposed literally means to grip the neck, to bend the neck back to make bare the throat. We get the English nouns trachea and tracheotomy from the Greek verb. The term was used of wrestlers who seized opponents necks and bent their heads back, exposing their throats. Basically, the word means to lay bare to view. It conveys the idea of uncovering something. Here the term emphasizes that God s sovereign power brings a person s whole being into full view in God s eyes. Those who dare to examine their lives in the light of God s Word discover their true moral and spiritual condition. 13 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

14 LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH COEXIST EASTERN MYSTICISM RELIGION SUMMARY Eastern mysticism is largely characterized by the search for peace and enlightenment by looking inward. Two of the most prominent eastern religions are Buddhism and Taoism. Buddhism began as a movement within Hinduism through the efforts of Siddhartha Guatama (born in 563 BC) who was dissatisfied with Hinduism s answers to life s problems. While sitting under a fig tree one day, he found the answers to life s problems through enlightenment. Later, he was called Buddha ( Enlightened One ). Life is about realizing this same kind of enlightenment, known as Nirvana. Similarly, Taoism sees the point of life is to live at peace with all things. This is accomplished through a life of moderation and through focusing the body and mind and even the breath. MAIN POINT Truth and salvation cannot be found inside us because we are inherently sinful. Because we are, our only hope to know true truth and life must come from outside of ourselves. INTRODUCTION As your group time begins, use this section to help get the conversation going. What are some areas of our culture where you see influences of Eastern religions right now? Why do you think these kind of attitudes or characteristics are so appealing? Can you see any similarities between Christian belief and the description above? What are some of the main differences? At a surface level, there is much to admire about an eastern religious way of life. Many times people with this belief system are very focused and disciplined in mind as well as body. They seem to live a peace with themselves and the world around them. Perhaps these are some of the reasons why these characteristics have made their way into western culture, even in people who wouldn t call themselves Buddhists or Taoists. But one of the main differences between Christianity and these eastern religions is the way in which they view humanity. Because Christians believe everyone is broken by sin, truth and salvation cannot be found inside us no matter how hard we look. UNDERSTANDING Unpack the biblical text to discover what Scripture says or means about a particular topic. Eastern religions emphasize inner peace that can be obtained through discipline and meditation. Where do you see similar virtues and practices emphasized in Christianity? What are some of the main differences between the Christian practice of these things and those of the eastern religions? 14 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

15 > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JEREMIAH 17:9. How does this verse help us see what s wrong with looking inward for peace and truth? When have you seen the deceitfulness of your own heart? When has your heart lied to you? These eastern religions have a much higher view of the current state of humanity than does Christianity. In fact, every other world religion looks at humanity and sees the potential of what they might achieve; Christianity alone looks at humanity and sees the depth of our need. In other words, you might say that Christianity cuts the knees before it lifts the soul. Paul helps us see the true nature of humanity in Ephesians 2. > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 2:1-3. What attributes of humanity do you see in this passage? How do you think a person with an eastern religious mind-set would respond to this passage? Why is it hard to use those terms to talk about our natures? Why is it good to use those terms to talk about our natures? It can be hard to talk about ourselves as fallen and wicked. It can feel excessively negative, and it certainly doesn t build our self-esteem. However, by using these terms to understand our human nature, we gain a greater understanding of the great mercy and grace of God. > HAVE ANOTHER VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 2:4-7. After reading verses 1-3 how do you feel when you read the words But... God in verse 4? What would the world be like without those words? With the wonderful words But...God, Paul turned from diagnosing our spiritual death to describing our new life in Christ. He began by piling up three overlapping terms that describe the divine basis for our salvation. We owe everything to God s character. What attributes of God do you see in this passage? Why does Paul highlight the mercy of God as one of those attributes? God s mercy is His tenderhearted, loving compassion toward the needy. What might be most amazing about this mercy is that many of us, like those in the eastern religious mind-set, don t even realize we need it. God s grace is displayed through showing undeserved favor toward all who have sinned against Him. He didn t lend us a hand as we moved to help ourselves He rescued us in our utter helplessness. > HAVE A FINAL VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 2:8-10. Salvation is not just from something, it is unto something as well. How would these good works be different than those someone from an eastern religious mind-set might accomplish? 15 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

16 Grace makes all the difference. When we recognize our true nature as dead and hopeless rather than only needing to be enlightened, we recognize the greatness of the gospel. It s only when we see the badness of our situation that we can truly appreciate the goodness of God s work. Fueled by His goodness, we do good not to attain something for ourselves but because of what God has done on our behalf. APPLICATION Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives. How would you begin a conversation with someone who believes in the goodness of humanity based on our study today? How does it change your own perspective to remember our true state of need? Is there anything specifically that needs to change in your own understanding of the nature of truth and humanity? How does knowing that you can t trust your own heart change the way you approach the Bible? PRAY Thank God that He has not left us on our own to try and discover life and truth, but instead has revealed it to us through Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you be ever more grateful for the gospel as you understand more and more the desperate nature of humanity. FOLLOW UP Midway through this week, send a follow-up to your group with some or all of the following information: Questions to consider as they continue to reflect on what they learned this week: Where have you searched for truth this week? Have you seen the true nature of the human heart on display this week? Where? A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering. The challenge to memorize Ephesians 2:4. 16 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

17 COMMENTARY EPHESIANS 2:1-10 2:1 People are not willing to be found (saved) until they know they are lost. Paul reminded his readers of the awfulness of sin that results in every person being lost, separated from God. As long as they are still unbelievers, sinners are in fact best described as dead people. The terms translated trespasses and sins are similar in meaning. The first term means falling from a known path, that is, actively breaking a boundary or rule. The second means falling short of a required standard. Both refer to the universal human failure to do what is right, either actively or passively. 2:2-3 Another way to describe the helplessness of sinners is to think of it in terms of a lifestyle, step by step, headed in the wrong direction. No person can blame the world or the devil for their sinning. We have only ourselves to blame. It was our fleshly desires that we indulged. It was the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts that have been the source of our disobedience to God. God s righteous judgment against sin is settled. In our sinful nature, we all deserved eternal condemnation. We were born into this fallen condition. Without God s grace, all human beings are spiritually helpless and hopeless. We need salvation because of what sin has done to us. 2:4-5 Paul turned from diagnosing our spiritual death to describing our new life in Christ. He began by piling up three overlapping terms that describe the divine basis for our salvation. We owe everything to God s character. First, notice the reference to God s mercy. Mercy is the disposition to act compassionately in response to the plight of someone in need. Second, notice the reference to God s love, His sacrificial concern. Paul stressed the abundance of God s love just as he had noted the abundance of His mercy: it was great. The third term Paul used to express the basis of salvation in God s character is grace. Grace is similar to mercy and love but with a special distinction. The emphasis in the term grace is a person s showing undeserved favor toward someone who has sinned against that person. The first benefit of receiving salvation by grace is that God made us alive. When Christ was raised from the dead, God saw all believers as united with Him. 2:6-7 The second benefit of receiving God s salvation by grace through faith is that God raised us up. Thus when Jesus visibly ascended from earth to heaven, God saw believers as being spiritually united with Him in His ascension. We are now citizens of heaven (see Phil. 3:20). We no longer have to live as those bound to the sinful world, the flesh, and the Devil. Our true identity is in the heavens. The third benefit of salvation Paul named is that God seated us. After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God (see Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 12:2). He is there now, and God considers believers already to be sharing Christ s eternal victory. 2:8-9 It s too often typical for us humans to suppose that our actions can help earn our eternal life. Paul wrote that this is never true. But then he went on to explain the role that good works have in the life of those who are saved. Trusting wholly in God s provision is the opposite of trusting in one s own contribution to salvation. The whole of our redemption past, present, and future is God s gift, by His initiative. For this reason, no one can boast about a personal contribution to salvation. Heaven will be filled with the praises of Christ s glory and His works. No human display of works can compare to the riches of God s grace toward those who once were dead in their sins but now are alive with Christ. 2:10 One of the goals of salvation for us is the fruit of Christlike character and of good deeds. In eternity past God prepared ahead of time that His redeemed people would do these good works as evidence of His grace. Here is His power not only in giving us new life but also in helping us to walk in good works throughout this life and into eternity. We cannot do anything to earn salvation. Yet God means for us who have received salvation to produce good works. If we have been given new life, raised with Christ, and seated with Him, we will certainly do good works as evidence that we have received this great salvation. 17 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

18 LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH COEXIST NEW AGE RELIGION SUMMARY New Age is an umbrella term used for a group of religious philosophies that began to rise in popularity in the early 1960 s. Largely a western phenomenon, these religions find their roots in eastern mysticism and advocate a movement toward a heightened spiritual consciousness that will result in harmony and enlightenment through the elimination of poverty, racism, sexism, and war, among other things. Though diverse in practice, some of the over-arching characteristics include a search for personal fulfillment, a rejection of absolute truth, and belief in the inner goodness of humanity. MAIN POINT The true center of the universe is Jesus Christ. It s only when we lose ourselves in Him that we truly find ourselves. INTRODUCTION As your group time begins, use this section to help get the conversation going. Given the description above, which elements of New Age philosophy are most visible in the culture around you right now? Do you think Christians see this kind of philosophy as contrary to Christian belief? Why or why not? What are some ways Christians might easily talk themselves into believing in New Age elements? There is no virtue as highly touted in our culture right now as the virtue of tolerance. We, like never before, prize tolerance and acceptance of lifestyle, belief, or lack thereof. This stems from a rejection of absolute truth in favor of believing, as many New Age philosophies do, that all truth is relevant to a person at a given moment in time. If you dig a little deeper, though, you find that the thing sitting square at the center of this kind of philosophy is the self. Indeed, truth only becomes true when an individual wants it to be true. But the Bible teaches all of us that we are not the center of the universe Jesus is. Until we lose ourselves in Him we will never truly find ourselves. UNDERSTANDING Unpack the biblical text to discover what Scripture says or means about a particular topic. New Age philosophy emphasizes self-betterment and fulfillment. Is that necessarily a bad thing? Why or why not? Why can that philosophy become dangerous? 18 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

19 There is certainly nothing wrong with developing a skill or pursuing education; it s wrong, however, to think that this kind of development is where true life lies. Paul encountered a group of false teachers in Colossae who loved philosophy, but had a lower regard for Jesus. Similar to the New Age belief in the self, these false teachers looked inward for enlightenment instead of acknowledging the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ in the universe. In a world of competing religious perspectives, Paul wanted the believers in Colossae to embrace a radical concept. He wanted them to see Jesus as God and as supreme over all creation, both in the physical and spiritual realms. > HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ COLOSSIANS 1: Looking at Colossians 1:15-20, what phrases clarify Jesus true identity? How do these verses speak to Jesus centrality in and supremacy over creation? In what ways is Jesus the Image of the invisible God? How do these verses contradict the new age emphasis on personal fulfillment? Whereas New Age looks to the individual as the center of the universe, Christianity sees Jesus as the Author and Sustainer of all life as we know it. In 1:18-20, Paul stressed Christ s lordship over the church, His body His people who actively extend His ministry in the world. The preexistent Lord over the universe is also the church s Head the Source of the body s life, who governs it and gives it unity. In what sense is Jesus Head of the church? What does the church look like when Jesus is the Head? What does it look like when He is not? Why might even the church be vulnerable to new age philosophy? What are some ways we can make sure that we see Jesus as the Head of the church instead of individuals like ourselves? Just as the physical body cannot function without the head, the church cannot function without Christ, its spiritual Head. The church receives its mandate from Christ and Him alone, though this mandate is detailed for us in His Word as revealed to Christ s apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20; 3:5). The fact that Jesus is at the center makes His death for us all the more amazing. > HAVE A FINAL VOLUNTEER READ COLOSSIANS 1: Paul went on to encourage believers to remain grounded, remembering what God delivered them from (vv ). People once hostile to God are now redeemed and in Jesus family. As if that s not enough, we re also seen as holy, faultless, and blameless before God because of Jesus righteousness that s attributed to us. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to the gospel. Why was it important for Paul to remind the Colossian believers of their past? How does reflecting on who you were before Christ impact your relationship with Him today? 19 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

20 What does it look like for you to remain grounded and steadfast in your faith? What are some practical ways you can live in such a way that displays the centrality of Jesus in all things? Our lives should be grounded on the supreme foundation of Jesus, and our faith should be fixed on Him too. When even our small decisions are not based on our personal desire but rather in obedience to Jesus we show that we truly believe in His supremacy. When we see Jesus like this and lose our lives in His greatness, we finally find out who we truly are. APPLICATION Help your group identify how the truths from the Scripture passage apply directly to their lives. Why does losing your life in Jesus actually lead to finding your true life? Why can t you find your true life any other way? In what area of your life are you trying to hold onto your own self-fulfillment instead of losing yourself in Jesus? How would you begin a conversation with someone from a New Age perspective? Why that way? PRAY As you close in prayer, acknowledge the greatness of Jesus. Tell Him that He is the Author and Sustainer of all life, and ask Him to help you and your group see His greatness in such a way that you lose yourselves in Him. FOLLOW UP Midway through this week, send a follow-up to your group with some or all of the following information: Questions to consider as they continue to reflect on what they learned this week: What specific opportunities have you had this week to deny yourself? How did you respond? How have you been tempted this week to seek personal fulfillment instead of giving yourself fully to Jesus? A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering. The challenge to memorize Colossians 1: COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church

21 COMMENTARY COLOSSIANS 1: :15. Paul employed a hymn to emphasize Christ s sovereignty. The apostle may have composed it, or he may have quoted a hymn Christians used in worship. Heretical teachers in Colossae contended Christ was merely one of many powers between people and God. In 1:15-17, Paul refuted their teaching by presenting Christ as Lord of the universe. Paul asserted that Christ is the image of the invisible God. The Greek term rendered image conveys the idea of a perfect representation (exact likeness). In Matthew 22:20, Jesus used the word of a ruler s image or likeness stamped on a coin. Because God is Spirit (see John 4:24), the human eye cannot see Him. He has made Himself known perfectly in Christ. The phrase the firstborn over all creation does not indicate that Christ was the first created being. In the Old Testament, the firstborn son occupied a position of honor, privilege, and supremacy; he was first in priority. Here, the term expresses Christ s preexistent Deity. 1: Christ is Lord over creation, for by Him everything was created. Christ is vastly superior to all created powers. He was the Agent of creation; all things were created through Him. Creation was God s idea; Christ implemented the process. Christ also is creation s goal. For Him literally is unto Him. Creation moves toward Him and His purpose for it. The phrase before all things emphasizes Christ s preexistence. He was the Agent of creation, and He also maintains it in the sense of giving it stability. Christ sustains creation and gives it harmony. 1:18. In 1:18-20, Paul stressed Christ s lordship over the church, His body His people who actively extend His ministry in the world. The preexistent Lord over the universe is also the church s Head the Source of the body s life, who governs it and gives it unity. The word beginning stresses Christ s priority in time and power. In addition, He is the Originator of life in God s kingdom new life made possible by grace. The phrase firstborn from the dead refers to Christ s resurrection as the revelation of the new quality of life He gives: resurrection life that extends beyond death. Christ s victory over death proved that He has first place in everything. 1: The term fullness could mean full measure of Deity, meaning that Christ is fully God. God s purpose is that through Christ He may reconcile everything to Himself. Everything includes humans and the universe (see Rom. 8:19-23). The word reconcile has the sense of restoring a relationship, of creating unity. Christ alone (through His sacrificial death) was God s chosen way of bringing about reconciliation. God made peace possible through Christ s blood His death on the cross. The phrase things on earth or things in heaven refers to the whole universe, material and spiritual. 1: The Colossian believers salvation demonstrated God s purpose to reconcile everything to Himself (1:20). Once, their evil actions wicked lifestyles showed they were alienated from God. Their former works issued from the sphere of evil in which they lived. Outside God s rule of grace, they had been hostile to Him in mind. That is, in their mind-set or disposition, they were opposed to God His enemies. The phrase but now stresses the sharp contrast between the believers former condition and their current relationship with God. Christ had made possible their being reconciled to God. In Christ s voluntary suffering and death for others, God made salvation available to all who would place their faith in Christ. God s purpose in offering reconciliation through Christ s death was to make believers holy, faultless, and blameless before God. 1:23. Paul stressed believers responsibility to remain faithful as people reconciled to God through Jesus death. Paul fully expected the Colossian Christians to remain in the faith that is, their commitment to Christ. They were not to move away from the gospel they had heard to embrace the false teachings being presented to them. Paul emphasized the genuineness of the gospel the Colossian believers had heard and accepted. It was the same good news being proclaimed across the Roman Empire. It was the good news the risen Christ had commissioned Paul to preach as His servant. 21 COEXIST Long Hollow Baptist Church