November 21, 2015
This week’s study is titled….
Discuss in your group what it means to ‘submit’ in a general sense. What are some other words which could be used?
1. ‘Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing’. John 15:5b.
Read Romans 7:15-25.
How many times is the phrase, ‘I want to’ mentioned?
What causes us to not do what we want to?
What is the problem Paul is communicating here?
Can you relate to Romans 7:24, if so how? Share your thoughts with your group.
Read Romans 8:1-17.
Who is the answer to our problem and why or how?
What is Paul saying is the role of the Holy Spirit?
What do we need to do and how do we do it?
Write down 2 or 3 key phrases Paul mentions which are vital in order for us to experience the victory over our sinful nature that God intends for us.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Jesus’ Example.
What was Jesus’ goal while he was here on earth? Read Hebrews 10:7.
What did Paul say Jesus did when he left heaven and came to earth according to Philippians 2:6-7?
Look at the following verses and write down the essence of how Jesus lived and ministered.
· John 4:34………………………………………………………………………………..
· John 5:19………………………………………………………………………………..
· John 8:28-29……………………………………………………………………………….
· John 12:50………………………………………………………………………………….
· John 14:10………………………………………………………………………………….
What did Jesus say as he neared the end of His time here on earth? John 17:4, 19:30.
3. The Cost of Discipleship.
We have just looked as Jesus perfect example as a human being of living in (as is the title of this study) ‘Total Submission to God’ His Father.
What do the following verses tell us?
· Philippians 2:5……………………………………………………………………………..
· 1 Peter 4:1-3………………………………………………………………………………..
· 1 Peter 2:21-25…………………………………………………………………………….
How do we do this?
· 1 Peter 3:15a……………………………………………………………………………….
· Luke 14:26-27………………………………………………………………………………
Discuss the following in your group…..
“To take up the cross meant to take one’s own cross to the place of crucifixion. Many Galileans had been killed that way by the Romans-and Jesus would face it as well. With this word picture, Christ presented a clear and challenging description of the Christian life. Being His disciple means putting aside selfish desires, shouldering one’s “cross” every day, and following Him. It is simple yet so demanding. For the original Twelve, this meant literal suffering and death. For believers today, it means understanding that we belong to Him and that we live to serve His purposes. Consider this: Do you see your relationship with God primarily in terms of what’s in it for you (which is considerable) or in terms of what you can do for Him? Are you willing to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him? Anything less is not discipleship: it is merely superficial lip service.” *
How does this apply to you? Do you daily totally submit all areas of your life to God?
Are there any areas you need to make changes? Share your response with your group.
Finish with a time of prayer seeking God’s help to make any changes He has brought to your attention.
*Taken from ‘Life Application Study Bible’.