"What Do I Do?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

A lot of things are incredibly clear in the Bible. Other things aren’t quite as clear. Are there movies or TV shows that Christians shouldn’t watch? What holidays can we celebrate, and what customs can we practice? These are great questions! In situations like these, the Word of God doesn’t make a universal decision for every believer. Instead, it teaches us to make decisions that honor God. Here are three questions we can ask ourselves when we’re confused about what we should, or shouldn’t, do as Christians:

• Am I willing to let God teach me in this area?

• Will this issue become an obstacle or distraction in my walk with God?

• Am I putting others first, and am I willing to sacrifice my “freedoms” for others?

Genuine, sacrificial love guides these questions. If we’re focused on loving God and other people, then it’s difficult to make the wrong choice when it comes to issues that we don’t understand. We can navigate unclear issues when we’re guided by the clear standard of love.

Main Passages

“Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.”
- ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
- 1 Corinthians 8:6

9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
- 1 Corinthians 8:9

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. Have you ever wondered whether or not you should participate in something because of your beliefs? What did you wonder about, and what did you decide?

3. Have you ever judged someone else because of their beliefs regarding certain holidays or practices? How can you be more like Jesus and honor God?

Apply

1. Think through something you watch, celebrate, or practice using the three questions above. Are you honoring God with a clean heart and conscience?

"The Afterlife" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

What happens to us after our lives end on earth? Is there an afterlife? The Bible is clear: there is an afterlife, and there are only two options. We can either spend eternity with God or without Him. To spend eternity with God, the ultimate source of goodness, is to spend eternity surrounded by God’s goodness. There is an immediate destination for Christians when our lives end on earth: we will be with Christ in Heaven, but without our bodies. Christ will return to redeem this world one day. The earth will be repaired. Believers will receive new, glorified bodies. As Christians, the source of our confidence is unique because it comes from Christ. He came from eternity to earth, conquered sin and death, and rose again to prove we can trust Him!

Main Passages

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- 2 Timothy 4:6–8.

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
- Philippians 1:21–24.

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
- Isaiah 35:1-2

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. What influenced your thoughts and beliefs about the afterlife most growing up? What do you believe about the afterlife now?

3. How should your belief about the afterlife affect the way you live on earth now?

Apply

1. The only thing we can bring from earth into an eternity with God is people. Pray for someone you love who doesn’t know Christ. Consider reaching out to them to offer prayer, share Christ, or invite them to church.

"Angel and Demons" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you practically pursue God this past week?

Main Thought

The Bible tells us that two worlds exist: a realm that is visible, and the invisible realm. There are also two sources of spiritual power in the invisible realm. God is holy, all-powerful, and the source of light. Satan, a defeated foe, controls darkness and wants to keep us there in hopes that we’ll be separated from God for eternity. God has Angels and Satan has demons. Both have assignments and influence the natural realm by their actions in the invisible realm. God and His kingdom win in the end, but our experiences are personal and relevant as we experience them in the present. How can we get God’s agents, his angels, to act on our behalf? How can we defeat the demons that wish to torment and destroy us? Our greatest weapon is prayer! Angels are empowered by prayer and demons are empowered by prayer. We turn to our God, who turns His angels loose for us.

Main Passages

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
- Colossians 1:16-17

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
- Ephesians 6:12

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe in the invisible realm, where God and his angels - and even Satan and his demons - are active and moving? Does your belief impact your life and daily decisions?

2. Do you pray and ask God to move for you behind the scenes? Why or why not?

Apply

1. Think about some of the biggest battles in your personal life. Bring them to God in prayer and ask Him to move in your favor.