April 26, 2014
HOME GROUP QUESTIONS (Forth week in April)
As last Sunday was week two of the school holidays we again stayed away from Matthew’s gospel.
The topic Michael spoke on was,
‘WHY JESUS CHRIST, WHY HIS SACRIFICE?’
LET’S NOW REFLECT ON THIS.
When you hear the word SACRIFICE what thoughts or images come to mind?
Is there someone in particular you think of who you know?
With Anzac Day just gone, we were reminded of those men and women who sacrificed their lives. Still others never died but some sacrificed their health, some have mental and emotional scares as a result. Why were they prepared to give in such a huge way? What was their motive?
Let’s turn our thoughts to focus on people in the Bible who were willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others.
1. Read about Moses in Exodus 32: 31-32.
2. Read about Paul in Romans 9: 2-3.
3. Read about the greatest sacrifice of all Jesus, in Romans 5: 6-8.
4. Discuss in your group about Jesus sacrifice.
What was his motive?
Were there any things unique about Jesus in the giving of His life?
Consider the following….
· Who He was. John 1:1-5.
· The timing. Galatians 4:4.
· How He did it. John 1:9-11, 14, 16-18.
· What He did. 1John 4:9-10.
· The certainty of His death. Mark 14:32-34, Luke 22:41-44.
· The brutality of His death. Isaiah 53.
· The necessity in order to save mankind. John 11:49-52.
· The consequences if He never sacrificed his life. Romans 5:12, John 3:36b.
· He had a choice. John 10:17-18.
5. Read Hebrews 10:10.
· What was God’s will for Jesus sacrifice to do for us?
· For how long?
Read Hebrews 10: 19-25.
· Because of Jesus sacrifice of himself what has this enabled us to do? v.22a.
· What has happened to our guilty consciences? v. 22b.
What then does the writer of Hebrews encourage us to do and why?
· v. 23.
· v. 24.
Think of ways you can motivate your Christian brothers and sisters to acts of love and good works. Share with each other in your group.
What is one way, mentioned in v.25.
6. In Romans 12:1 what does Paul plead for God’s children to do?
How do you put this into practice in your everyday living? Read also Luke 9:23.
What is to be our motive to ‘give our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice?’ Romans 12:1.
7. Read Luke 7:36-50.
What did Jesus say to Simon the Pharisee? v. 47.
Michael finished his message with the challenging quote from the hymn ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’,
‘…. Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.’
Would you say that is the case with you? Share with others in your group your answer.