Dark Materials Week 4 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
God graciously provides us with vision that the devil wants to steal from us.
Introduction:
Click on the picture below to watch with your group:
Discussion Starter: Share with your group how you are interacting with God’s word lately. Are you on the churchwide Bible reading plan? Some other plan? Discuss.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: John 10:10, Proverbs 29:18, 2 Peter 1:19, James 1:19-25
Discussion Questions:
- In 2 Peter chapter 1, Peter talks about being an eyewitness of Jesus’s life and ministry, and even of seeing Him being transfigured (recorded in Matthew 17:2 / Mark 9:2). But then he adds a very interesting phrase in verse 19: “we have the prophetic word made more sure,” in reference to “the scripture” (that is, the Bible). Why would Peter regard some written words as “more sure” than his own memory?
- In the gospels, the devil tries to tempt Jesus (Matthew 4, Luke 4). Every time, though, Jesus counters the efforts of the devil with scripture. Why do you suppose this is Jesus’ technique? Jesus is God, so He could have just said something new, or just not even responded verbally. So why use Old Testament writings? And in response, why did the devil use scripture with Jesus?
- In James 1:19-25, James gives a pretty heavy warning about hearing what God has revealed, but not doing it. What connections does this passage have to what God revealed through Solomon in Proverbs 29:18?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read James 1:19-25 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore how God’s revelation in the Bible doesn’t just tell us what to do, but why.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Getting to know you: Jesus made His love for us clear: He knew all our flaws, but He still loves us each enough to die to forgive us (Romans 5:8). His love was a determining factor that drove all His choices in life. Do you have any thoughts or ideas that drive and guide and steer you on a daily basis? What are they, and where did they come from?
Getting to know them: Share and discuss how you’ve been able to keep your mind on Christ, no matter what the enemy tries to do. Perhaps even just share some good things that God has allowed in your life recently.
Getting to know Him: Jesus makes a pretty wild promise in John 14:21-23. Although there is a condition attached, Jesus said that He is willing to make Himself very clearly and directly known. Is there anything about Jesus (who is God in the flesh) that you would like to be made clear to you?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Right now, people are more than a little worried about disease, warfare, and natural disasters. Some of us have lost people we care about recently due to these things. If you are able, try to seek out and comfort those people who have been touched by such tragedy, and find what you can do to help them.
Engaging in Community/the World: This past week Middle TN was hit with a tornado that left in its wake death and destruction. Please join Faith Promise in prayer for the communities and families affected by the storms. Pray for a supernatural peace and comfort that surpasses all human understanding, that only God can provide. If you wish for your group to donate items or collect money to send to middle TN, please contact [email protected] or donate to FPC, earmarking it for Middle TN tornado relief. Currently, we are not collecting items, but the missions office can point you in the right direction as to who is collecting relief items.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Solomon was clear that where there is no vision, the people perish. Do you know any groups of people who are lacking the knowledge of what God has said and promised? People who are unaware of the deadly consequences of sin, or the overwhelming love of the Lord Jesus? Is there anywhere in your reach where you can bring the vision and hope of the gospel?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
