The Way of the World and God’s Way

1. Comparing the World and God

Consider and discuss the following differences and results:

• What Isaiah says between God and people of the world? Isaiah 55:6-9.
• What Paul says between God’s people and the things of the world? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 1 John 2:15-17.
• Following the sinful nature’s desires and living under the control of the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:19-23.
• How Paul shares God’s Word with unbelievers and what he doesn’t do that others do? 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.

2. Reliance on God

Read Genesis 15:1-5. Compare Abram’s belief in God’s promise, Genesis 15:5 with his actions later as he together with Sarai became impatient with God and took things in their own hands allowing the culture of the world they lived in (where this was done) to influence them. Genesis 16:1-6.

Discuss the differences between Saul, 1 Samuel 15:10-26, and David, Acts 13:22.

Read Psalm 23. How many things can you find in this Psalm about David that showed he was indeed “a man after God’s heart?”

Just think of all we have when we say, “The Lord is my shepherd.”

1. Green pastures speaks of provision.
2. Still waters speaks of peace.
3. The restoring of my soul speaks of pardon.
4. Leading in the paths of righteousness speaks of providence.
5. His being with me in the dark valley speaks of presence.
6. His rod and staff speaks of preservation.
7. The table in the presence of my enemies speaks of protection.
8. The anointing of my head with oil and overflowing speaks of plenty.

Dwelling in the house of the Lord speaks of paradise.

Conclusion: David had not only a “theology” of God, he had a “testimony” about God.

For more see: http://www.nuggetsoftruth.com/a_study_of_psalm_23.htm

Discuss Galatians 6:7-8 and how this applies to Christians.

What can you learn from the above examples to help you follow and rely on God whole heartedly?

3. God’s Sovereignty

Though the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) working through the sinful nature of people does all he can to thwart God’s work read and discuss the following two examples of God’s sovereignty.

• Joseph: Genesis 50:15-21
• Christ: Acts 2:22-24, 36

How does God’s promise in Romans 8:28 assure you regardless of how circumstances look in your life?

4. Conclusion/Application

Discuss John’s comment from Sunday’s message:

Reliance on the world leads to barrenness, despair and defeat in the Christian’s walk. Reliance on the Lord results in fruitfulness, joy and victory.

How should believers share the gospel with unbelievers in light of what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:4?

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Bible Study God's Sovereignty