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Cover
Photo: Larry Foster
ISBN 978-1-58119-053-3
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About the Author
Dr. Mike Chapman is Pastor Emeritus of City Church of Chattanooga, Tennessee. City Church is known as a thriving, innovative, and cutting-edge church. Pastor Chapman came to City Church after serving as pastor in Fremont, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii. A native South Carolinian, Dr. Chapman received his bachelor of arts in Biblical Education from Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee), his master of theology from Luther Rice Seminary (Lithonia, Georgia), and his doctor of ministry from North American Biblical Seminary (Buffalo, New York).
Mike served on the Living Free Board of Directors and the Living Free Advisory Council. He is known as a gifted communicator and visionary. He is the author of Authentic Living in an Artificial World published by Living Free, Inc.
About the Small Group Editor
Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee is the founder and President Emeritus of Living Free, Inc. He is the author of Understanding the Times and several small group studies published by Living Free, Inc. Under the direction and guidance of Dr. Lee, Living Free, Inc. produced Living Free—a high impact, video-based training. This training helps churches develop Christ-centered small groups that deal with the contemporary problems that people face today.
Dr. Lee is the founder and honorary chairman of Project 714 and the National Center for Youth Issues. He also founded an inner-city ministry called Ark Ministries that reached 600 to 700 young people weekly. He started the Chattanooga Adult & Teen Challenge and served as its president for three years. Jimmy served as Nashville Teen Challenge executive director during its formative years.
Jimmy has served as pastor, area youth director and hospital chaplain. He has earned a master of divinity and doctor or ministry from Luther Rice Seminary. In 1983, he was awarded the “Service to Mankind Award” presented by the Highland Sertoma Club in Hixson, Tennessee.
Preface
The Christian life is a passionate life. As we read the scriptures, we come to understand that passionate spirituality is an identifying mark of true Christian discipleship. Jesus spoke of the tragedy of love growing cold in the last days (Matthew 24:12). Paul said we should keep ourselves “fueled and aflame” (Romans 12:11 MSG). The church at Ephesus eventually walked away from the passion of first love (Revelation 2:4), and the church at Laodicea had all the material trappings of success but was firmly confronted by Christ for their lukewarm condition. Their spirituality was stale and stagnant (Revelation 3:16).
Of course, passionate spirituality is the desire of every true follower of Christ. Yet life has a way of slowly separating us from God. Someone once said, “Life is a wild goose chase without the goose!” Today we find ourselves caught in the tug-of-war between our agenda and God’s desires. There is so much more to distract us from the pathway of intimacy with God. We are overloaded with e-mails, cell phones, and hours on the freeway. We have bosses to please, kids to shuttle, and new gadgets to try out.
Then there are those even more subtle distractions—the innocuous amusements we pursue in an effort to revitalize our numb souls—golf courses, cineplexes, shopping malls. But none of these can truly replenish a depleted spirit.
The Psalmist said, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2 NLT). This is passion! Paul said, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him” (Philippians 3:8-9 NLT). This is passion!
As you and your small group walk together through this study, may you discover new pathways of worship. May you together draw near to the God, who is passionate about His relationship with you.
—Mike Chapman
Getting Started
GROUP SIZE
We suggest that each A Passionate Pursuit of God group have two group leaders (facilitators) and a maximum of 12 participants. Having more than 12 may prevent some from being a part of much-needed discussion.
PREPARATION TIME
The facilitator’s material is written in an almost word-for-word dialogue. However, it is hoped that as you come to know and understand the concepts presented, you will be able to “personalize” each session to better fit your own style. Highlight the points you want to emphasize and make notes for yourself.
Your group is unique—so adapt questions to members’ needs and situations. Be sensitive to each person who is in your group.
Keep in mind that the answers provided for the discussion questions are there only as a tool to assist you and may not be the only “right” answers to the questions being asked.
Become thoroughly familiar with the four elements of each session:
• Introduction
• Self-Awareness
• Spiritual Awareness
• Application
You will find more detail about these on the following page.
The facilitators should meet prior to each session to pray and make final plans. They should also meet briefly after each session to discuss what happened during the meeting and go over any follow-up that may be needed.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD GROUP MEMBER HANDOUT
At the beginning of each session, the A Passionate Pursuit of God Group Member Handout should be distributed to each group member. Facilitators should be thoroughly familiar with the material before the first meeting.
You may want to provide a handout at each session for the next lesson so each participant can be prepared for the next session. Through the readings and other exercises in the group member handout, group members can come to each session better prepared for meaningful discussion.
CORRELATION BETWEEN FACILITATOR’S GUIDE AND GROUP MEMBER HANDOUT
FACILITATOR’S GUIDE
This guide is designed to lead the group through the four-phase small group format. The facilitator’s responsibility is to start the discussion, give it direction, and thereafter simply keep the discussion personal and on track.
There are tips and pointers for the facilitator noted in the gray text boxes. The facilitator will prayerfully present select questions because there are usually more questions than time permits.
Although the text is presented in the Group Member’s Handout, in some cases, it may not be word-forword as in the Facilitator’s Guide. For example, the Introductions are different in the two guides. The Facilitator’s Guide is directed toward the opening prayer and the sharing question; whereas, the Group Member’s Handout focuses on being welcomed to the group.
GROUP MEMBER’S HANDOUT
This guide is designed to be done as homework, preparing the participant for meaningful ministry during the small group session. Although the general text is the same as Self-Awareness, Spiritual Awareness, and Application in the Facilitator’s Guide, concentration should be on the group process during the actual group experience.
It is good for the participant to have the group member handout for each group session; however, the participant should be more attentive to the group process rather than trying to find text in the Group Member’s Handout. Each group member should bring a Bible for meaningful study and application of God’s Word for daily living.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Facilitator’s Guide is designed to lead the group process through A Passionate Pursuit of God. The Group Member’s Handout will prepare the participant for the group meeting.
The Group Member’s Handout is provided in the back section of the Facilitator’s Guide. You have permission to reproduce the handout for your local church and/or outreach.
Suggested Group Format
The group format for each session consists of four elements: Introduction, Self-Awareness, Spiritual Awareness, and Application. There is a reason for each phase. The facilitators should always plan each session with this format in mind.
PART I INTRODUCTION (8 minutes)
Begin with prayer. The facilitator may pray or may ask one of the group members to lead in prayer. After the prayer, a sharing question helps put the group at ease and makes the members more comfortable in being a part of the discussion. The lead facilitator should respond to the sharing question first, followed by the co-facilitator. This helps the group members to feel safer in participating in the exercise. No one should take more than one minute in response to the sharing question. Also, no other questions should be asked at this time so the process will not be lengthened.
This is not the time for detailed conversation, so ask the members of the group to keep their comments brief. If a person is obviously in pain during the exercise, the facilitator should interrupt the sharing and pray for the person in pain. After prayer, the exercise may resume.
PART II SELF-AWARENESS (12 minutes)
After the sharing question, the facilitator will lead the group into the Self-Awareness phase. Self-Awareness is a time to discuss the practical issues involved in A Passionate Pursuit of God. It is important to stay on the subject matter. This is a time to focus on needs and healing, not to have a “martyr” or “pity party.”
It is suggested in Self-Awareness that the facilitators ask the group members to share as they wish rather than going around the circle as in the Introduction phase. This is because people are at various comfort levels, and they should not feel pressured to self-disclose if they are uncomfortable. As the group continues to meet, members will feel more and more comfortable in being a part of the discussion.
Remember, prayer is always in order. If a group member is hurting during this phase, stop and pray. One of the facilitators may lead in prayer or ask another group member to pray. This says to the group members that each one is important and that you care about each individual.
PART III SPIRITUAL AWARENESS (13 minutes)
After the Self-Awareness phase, the facilitator will lead the group into the bible study time. Having briefly explained the topic, the facilitator should assign scriptures listed in the Facilitator’s Guide to group members. When each scripture is called by the facilitator, the group member should read the verse(s). After the verses are read, give time for discussion.
PART IV APPLICATION (12 minutes)
This part is actually a continuation of Part III. Ask for volunteers to share their reflections on the question. The facilitators should emphasize the importance of the group members’ applying biblical principles to their lives. Help begins with right thinking. The Bible says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Obedience to the Word should follow with right behavior. Right feelings will follow right thinking and right behavior.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Living on the Fringe
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for each person in the group. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this session and the sessions that follow.
Sharing Question
Welcome to this group—A Passionate Pursuit of God. I would like to begin this first session by having each of us in the group introduce himself/herself. I will start by telling you my name is _______________.
The purpose of this exercise is to help group members move toward being more comfortable in sharing with the group. Ask each one to introduce himself/herself, beginning with yourself and your co-facilitator.
SELF-AWARENESS
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today, there seems to be more to distract us from the pursuit of intimacy with our Heavenly Father than ever before. We often find ourselves turning between our agenda and His desires. Guarding the inner fire—the passion for Christ—a great challenge of the twentyfirst century.
Intimacy with God is a love relationship, a communication and a communing with God that flows mutually from God’s heart to man and from man to the heart of God. It is where the heart meets God.
How would you describe your level of intimacy with God?
Personal response.
Are distractions interfering with your pursuit of intimacy with Him? Describe.
Personal response.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
Worship is the doorway to all other holy passions. It is the fountainhead of our serving. In Genesis 22:119, Abraham faced the challenge of sacrificing his son in order to be obedient to God. In verse 5, Abraham instructs his servants to “stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there.”
Abraham said to his servant that he was going to worship.
What can we learn about worship based on Abraham’s words and actions?
Worship is having a heart that delights in obeying God even when obedience calls for sacrifice. Worship is a heart that steadfastly obeys even in the face of deepest sorrow.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Worship is shaped by two attitudes: reverence and intimacy. We see this in these three definitions.
• Hebrew—shacha—“to fall down as before royalty”
• Hebrew—sharath—“to focus on”
• Greek—proskuneo—“kiss the hand”
Worship is not a one-sided relationship—God has a passion for you. He is seeking you.
God is passionate about His relationship with you.
What word does Exodus 34:14 contain that describes this passion for His people?
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Why might God use this word?
Personal response.
He desires you with such unquenchable desire that He became a seed in a woman’s womb, the smallest entity of life, to rescue us from our sin!
The very familiar scripture, John 3:16, shows His passion for us. What does this verse say about God’s desire for a relationship for His people?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
APPLICATION
God is pursuing us, so what hinders us from pursuing Him that we might have the intimacy we so long for? Ezekiel 44:11-14 sheds light on our distractions. Let’s read it.
Ask a group member to read Ezekiel 44:11-14.
Ezekiel 44:11-14
They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple . . . and stand before the people and serve them. But because they served them in the presence of their idols, . . . I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin. . . . They are not to come near to serve me as priests.
Some of the Levities were not allowed to go into the Holy of Holies (a place of intimacy with God) where only priests could go.
Why did they have to remain in the outer courts?
Because they were serving the people in the presence of idols thereby encouraging the people to worship false gods.
In the outer court they could do duties of the Temple (v14) but without intimacy with God. In today’s language it may sound like this—I can serve on committees, maybe even teach Sunday school, but without intimacy with God because of idols.
An idol is anything that consistently distracts us from God. An idol is what we look to as the source of our security and significance. An idol is a God-substitute.
In what ways can we view the house of worship as existing for people rather than for God?
By our selfishness to please ourselves, only thinking about how to get our needs met versus being the house of worship to worship God.
When we worship God, He meets our needs. The focus must be on Him, not us.
Write a prayer to God admitting idols that are distractions in your life. Also ask for His forgiveness and help to be a true worshiper of God.
Ask for volunteers to read their prayer to the group. If the prayers are not prepared, give the group two or three minutes to prepare their prayer.
CLOSING PRAYER
Summarize the prayers with a final prayer of thanking God for His faithfulness to us.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 2: Ezekiel 44.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Moving Into God’s Inner Circle
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for showing in His Holy Word that we can move into His inner circle. Pray that each person will experience the fulfillment of living in His presence.
Sharing Question
In one sentence, paraphrase our theme verse —
James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Examples: When I respond, He responds. When I seek intimacy with Him, He will be there. When I show up, He shows up, etc.
SELF-AWARENESS
God is always previous. We would never seek Him if He were not seeking us. It is His call that creates our longing. His yearning for us stirs up our longing for Him in response.
His call to us brings us to a very important threshold. Will we cross it? Will we enter into a spiritual dimension that can only be described as the inner circle?
As we discussed in the last session, the presence of idols often distracts us from being in the inner circle with God.
Have you had an opportunity to deal with something that was distracting you from God this week? Describe.
Example: There was in interruption in my prayer and devotion time. I chose not to give in to the distraction.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
Let’s look at Mary and Martha’s story in Luke 10:39-42.
Ask a group member to read the passage.
Luke 10:39-42
Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her” (MSG).
We often find ourselves in the middle of a tug-of-war.
What are the two pulls in this passage?
Pulled one way by duties—pulled another way by devotion.
There was no quiet center from which Martha was working. It was not the “many things.” It was that “many things” did not revolve around the “one thing.”
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Now we will look at the privilege of the inner court. Let’s read Ezekiel 44:15-18.
Ask a group member to read Ezekiel 44:15-18.
Ezekiel 44:15-18
But the priests, who are Levities . . . who faithfully carried out the duties of my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me . . . They alone are to . . . come near my table to minister before me . . . When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court . . . They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
What were they to wear when they entered the inner court?
“Linen clothes”
What were they told not to wear?
“Woolen garments”
Discuss the differences in the fabrics.
Why do you think there is a distinction made?
Personal response.
The outer court was noisy, chaotic, busy, even bloody. The joy for the priest was to move into the inner court.
How do we remove the wool and put on the linen?
• We celebrate God’s grace. Revelation 19:8 says, “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her (the Bride of Christ) to wear.”
In the verses prior to verse 8, what is the constant theme?
Celebration—praising God.
• We detox our mind and spirit. Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
What does stillness in God’s presence help us understand?
That God is in control. We learn not to “sweat things” when we realize God is in control.
APPLICATION
Then how do we cross the threshold into God’s inner circle? Let’s look at John 4:23.
John 4:23
The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
Worship in truth is with integrity.
How is God dealing with you and the issues of integrity?
Examples: Staying obedient to His word; keeping my word; walking the walk, not just talking the talk; staying accountable to other believers.
Worship in spirit is having a divine connection. First, a divine connection with Him; and second, in life situations. Galatians 5:25-26 shows us how to have divine connections.
In these verses, what are the three ways that work together?
1. Live by the Spirit.
2. Keep in step with the Spirit.
3. Maintain your integrity in life situations by not becoming “conceited, provoking and envying” others.
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank God that we can worship Him in spirit and in truth. Thank Him for being our God who is near to us.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 3: Ephesians 5 and Acts 2
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Rekindling the Fire of Worship
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for each person present and their interest in a passionate pursuit of God. Ask God for His wisdom and insight for this group.
Sharing Question
Briefly describe a time when a scripture verse or passage just “leaped off the page” to help you. We refer to these as “Scripture explosions.”
Personal response.
SELF-AWARENESS
Our ultimate ministry is the worship and adoration of God. Down through the centuries, this has been “the heart of our call.”
In a culture where results are praised and achievement is prized, we must once again discover that man’s chief end cannot be measured by worldly standards. But how do we keep worship as our highest priority? How do we keep the passion for God’s presence from waning?
What steps can you take to keep worship as your highest priority?
By maintaining a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, reading His Word, and fellowshipping with other believers.
In this session we will look at four realizations to help you keep your fire for worship.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
Worship reflects the image of God in us. We were created in His image. We have the capacity to love, to thank, to adore. We were designed to worship.
We came from the womb pre-wired for worship. We are internally equipped for connectivity with God. It is in worship that we discover the mystery of our own being.
Colossians 1:16 sums it all up. What does this verse say?
“For by him all things were created . . . all things were created by him and for him.”
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
ALLOW
MINUTES
We are other dimensional beings. We perceive heaven in directional terms; we need to perceive heaven in dimensional terms. In 2 Kings 6:8-22, Elisha and his servant were permitted to see the angels that encircled them. Verse 17 reads, “ ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” They were there all the time, just in another dimension. When we are saved, we move from one-dimensionality to bi-dimensionality. Although all believers will be together one day in heaven, one can experience the heavenly realm now through worship.
Read Ephesians 2:4-7. What do these verses teach us about where we now live with Christ?
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (v6).
In worship we are not alone. Hebrews 12:1, 22-23 (which is referring to the heroes of faith in Chapter 11) describes those who surround us. Who are they?
“We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” (v1).
“You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven” (vv22-23).
Worship is the key to experiencing a deepening knowledge of God.
In Psalm 22:3, how is God described?
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (KJV).
Praise is a declaration of who God is. Worship is an encounter with who God is. God makes Himself known to worshipping people.
In worship, we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. We interact with the choreography of the Spirit.
APPLICATION
Worship is a reenactment of the resurrection. There is a unique manifestation of the risen Christ when His church worships in spirit and in truth.
There is a direct connection between being filled with the Spirit and worship in Ephesians 5:18-19. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”
What is the connection?
“Be filled with the Spirit” in verse 18 is followed by worship in verse 19. Worship is a natural response to being filled with the Spirit.
Romans 8:10-11 describes the power of the Spirit available in the believer’s life. How does realizing this truth lead you to a desire to worship?
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (v11).
Acts 2 records the Holy Spirit’s coming on the Day of Pentecost. One hundred and twenty were filled with the Spirit, and Peter followed with a powerful message.
Read Acts 2:22-36. What truth does Peter emphasize in his message?
The resurrection of Christ.
Why would he choose this truth?
Personal response.
How would you describe your own Spirit-filled life?
Personal response.
What impact does being filled with the Spirit have on your life?
Personal response.
To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank you for visiting us in a special way. We are grateful for your presence in our lives.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 4: Take time to read and reflect on 2 Timothy 2 and 2 Peter 1.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Listening for the Voice of God
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for the group members who have been faithful in coming and allowing God to work in their lives. Ask for His guidance and wisdom as we approach this subject.
Sharing Question
Describe the most unique or effective voice you have ever heard.
Examples:Minister, TV personality, newsperson, actor, etc.
SELF-AWARENESS
There is an interesting passage in Psalm 81:8-14: “Hear [listen], O my people, and I will warn you—if you would but listen to me . . . But my people would not listen to me . . . If my people would but listen to me” (vv 8, 11, 13).
In these seven verses God is lamenting the fact that no one is listening. You can almost feel the sadness in God’s heart as He speaks these words. He pleads with His people, “Please listen to me!”
There is no possibility of intimacy with God without communication. When we pray, we talk to God. When we listen, God can talk to us. It seems we often listen better to the devil than to God.
Describe a time in your life when you were certain God was speaking to you.
Personal response.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
God speaks to us. John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice.”
In this verse, what is the response of those who listen to His voice?
They follow Him.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
The ability to hear God’s voice is one of the most valuable spiritual disciplines we must learn. Let’s look at ways God speaks to us.
• God speaks through the Bible.
This is the logos of God—the authoritative, infallible, inerrant, eternal Word of God that is forever settled in heaven. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed.”
In light of this verse, what is it useful for?
“For teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
The Scripture was produced by an encounter with the living God according to 2 Peter 1:20-21, let’s read it. Why were the prophets able to speak the Scriptures from God?
Because the Holy Spirit prompted the prophets to speak.
• God speaks to us directly.
This is a rhema—a spoken word, subjectively delivered to you personally.
Faith comes to us when we hear the personal word.
Read Romans 10:17. From where does faith come?
“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.”
• God often speaks to us in “scripture explosions.”
This is when a verse literally jumps off the page and speaks to us.
• Who can hear God’s voice?
We must have ears to hear. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, 3:1 describes types of hearers. “The man without the Spirit (the natural man) does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. . . The spiritual man makes judgments about all things. . . Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly (carnal)—mere infants in Christ.”
What are the three types of hearers in this passage and their ability to hear God’s voice ?
1. The natural man has no ears to hear (2:14).
2. The spiritual man has ears to hear (2:15).
3. The carnal man has ears but no hearing (3:1).
APPLICATION
Active listening is the spiritual discipline of meditation. It is important to prepare ourselves to actively listen to God. Hebrews 10:22 shows us how to prepare ourselves to hear from God. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
What are four aspects in this passage that will prepare us to actively listen?
1. Sincere heart.
2 Full assurance of faith.
3. Hearts cleansed from a guilty conscience (freedom from guilt).
4. Body washed with pure water (inner cleansing for godly living).
Habakkuk 2:1-2 provides the process of active listening. “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets.’ ”
There are three principles in this passage that can help us be ongoing, active listeners: (1) close yourself in with God, (2) look and listen for God, and (3) write it down.
How are you doing with these three principles? Which is easiest? Which is most difficult?
Personal response.
How can I be sure it was God? You can know God’s voice by:
• The Approach—God comes openly. The enemy sneaks in causing fear, anxiety, and guilt.
• The Relevance—This is usually a confirmation that God has already spoken to you. You will understand.
• The Content—Always lines up with the Scripture and builds faith.
• The Results—More love, more power, mind will not be fragmented.
Do you have areas in your life where God is speaking to you? How does it line up with these four points?
Personal response.
It is always good to confirm God’s voice through the protection of spiritual authority. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
CLOSING PRAYER
Ask God to provide each person with the hunger to be an active listener to God Himself. May God grant each person the wisdom to work under spiritual authority in discerning the voice of God.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 5: Psalm 93-100.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Enjoying the Freedom of God
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for each person present. Thank Him for their passionate pursuit of God. Ask Him to guide the group.
Sharing Question
Describe some of the things you can praise God for since you got out of bed this morning.
Examples: A bed in which to sleep, a house in which to live, food to eat, transportation, etc.
SELF-AWARENESS
We live in a culture of complaining. We are conditioned to be complainers—as the old saying goes—“always seeing the glass half empty.” We look for ways to get things off our chests. Talk shows are flooded with callers eager to share their displeasure about something. Complaining seems harmless. Sometimes it even seems therapeutic. However, complaining inevitably leads to impatience which reinforces negative attitudes and can lead to a self-focused life.
Paul writes to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Is there a situation in your life now or in the past where the Lord is convicting or has convicted you about changing your complaining to praising Him? Describe.
Personal response.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
Psalm 100 is the climax of a series of Jubilee Psalms that starts with Psalm 93. In it God invites us to praise rather than complain. These psalms are an affirmation of the sovereignty of God.
Psalm 100:1 and 5 states, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. . . . For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Describe one area of your life where you have seen God’s faithfulness over and over again.
Personal response.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
ALLOW
God calls us to be praisers. He is still on the throne and desires our praise.
• There are blessings of praise.
MINUTES 13
In Philippians 4:4-13, we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything . . . and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . . I can do everything through him who gives me the strength.”
Why do you think Paul repeats himself by saying, “I will say it again: Rejoice!”?
To emphasize the importance of rejoicing.
It is interesting to note that this letter was written from a prison cell. No complaining from Paul, just praise.
• Praise opens us up to wisdom.
Thanksgiving is recognition of what God has done. Praise is linked to who God is. It moves you into God’s court where there is a divine change of perspective. For example, thanksgiving says, “Lord, I thank you for healing me five years ago.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are the Healer.”
What comes to your mind first when you think of thanksgiving—recognition of what God has done or praise for who God is?
Personal response.
• Praise opens us up to faith.
When you fan the flame of praise, how do you think it affects your faith?
It fans the flame of faith.
• Praise opens us up to freedom.
Even at our weakest point, we need to praise the Lord. Paul was imprisoned, but he was spiritually free. Are there areas of difficulties in your life where you need to praise the Lord in spite of the circumstances? Describe.
Personal response.
APPLICATION
The Bible speaks about postures of praise and worship. God is worthy of an enthusiastic response. What postures of praise do the following passages describe?
Psalm 47:1-2
“Clap your hands.”
Psalm 134:2
“Lift your hands.”
Psalm 95:6
“Bow down . . . kneel before the Lord.”
Psalm 149:3
“Praise his name with dancing.”
It is noteworthy that the Bible describes praise in physical terms. Praise is your public display of affection to God.
One should not fall into thinking that worship is simply a corporate activity. In its essence, it is personal and private. It is not a performance before men but devotion toward God. The postures of praise can and should be practiced in one’s private devotional life. Here you are free to fully express your praise to God without the inhibitions of self-consciousness or concern about affecting the worship of others.
What postures do you assume in your times of praise?
Personal response.
If one does not practice any of the postures of praise, it does not mean he/she is less of a Christian. We must respect others who may not worship the Lord as we do. However, you may find a freedom you never had before when you publically display your affection for God. Praise may not change your situation, but it will change you.
CLOSING PRAYER
Ask each group member to join in verbal praise one-by-one. Then you close with the final praise to God.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 6: Ephesians 6. ALLOW
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Understanding the Synergy of Worship and Warfare
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Thank God for each person present. Thank Him for their faithfulness and response to the group.
Sharing Question
Briefly describe a spiritual struggle you have experienced and won.
Personal response.
SELF-AWARENESS
The New Testament was written against a background of spiritual warfare. The early Christians knew their walk with Christ was a walk through a battlefield. You cannot read the New Testament without seeing this backdrop of warfare. You hear Paul saying things like “be a good soldier” and “fight the fight of faith.” We hear the Bible refer to the devil as our adversary.
Praise can make the enemy ineffective and neutralize his power. A picture of this is the Old Testament passage in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat knew he was outnumbered by a massive army. He chose to stand with his eyes on God. He recognized his powerlessness aside from God. There are two very important points in this passage. First, the Spirit of the Lord said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v15).
Second, “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him . . . as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise,” the invaders were defeated (vv 21-22).
Have you ever had an experience similar to this?
Please describe.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 describes the type of spiritual warfare we face.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world . . . they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
What is the difference between worldly and spiritual warfare? What kind of power is available to the believer?
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Let’s explore the synergy between worship and effective spiritual warfare.
Paul writes, “This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it is all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet’’ (Ephesians 6:12-13 MSG).
• Worship sensitizes us to the presence of the kingdom of God.
The kingdom of God is the rule of Christ. Worship helps us surrender to Christ’s authority.
Psalm 22:3 describes the Holy One’s position. What is it?
“You are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.”
The footnote in the NIV says, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Our praise brings to reality the establishment of God’s kingdom in that place or situation. Praise brings the authority of God. Adoration prepares us to yield to God’s authority.
• Worship is an essential part of our preparation for spiritual battle. Worship builds faith in our hearts. Worship brings a proper perspective.
Why do you think our vision of God must loom larger than the size of our difficulties?
Because “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Remember Jehoshaphat.
Describe a situation in your life where your vision of God helped you through difficulties.
Personal response.
APPLICATION
ALLOW MINUTES 12
Worship distracts the enemy and frustrates his purpose. Let’s keep him distracted and frustrated.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 gives us a detailed description of Lucifer: “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty . . . Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones . . . till wickedness was found in you . . . you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God.”
He got so close to God that he wanted worship for himself and was expelled from heaven. God is grooming a replacement for him—the church (John 4:23; Ephesians 3:10).
Let’s read Psalm 149:5-9. “Let the saints rejoice . . . May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edge sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints.”
In what ways can you improve your praise life?
Examples: By praising the Lord daily, praising Him during difficult situations
As Satan tries to carry out his schemes, he begins to hear the praises of believer after believer, congregation after congregation; and he becomes distracted and frustrated!
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank the Lord for reminding us that the battle is not ours but God’s. Thank Him that we can stand still and see His delivering power.
Group Member Bible Reading for Session 7: 2 Samuel 6 and John 4.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Embracing the Mission of Worship
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
INTRODUCTION
Opening Prayer
Invite the group to do the opening prayer. Ask the Lord to use this last session of A Passionate Pursuit of God as a special time with the Lord.
Sharing Question
Which one of the past lessons—Living on the Fringe, Moving Into God’s Inner Circle, Rekindling the Fire of Worship, Listening for the Voice of God, Enjoying the Freedom of God, Understanding the Synergy of Worship and Warfare, or Embracing the Mission of Worship—has been the most meaningful to you? Describe why in one sentence.
Personal response.
SELF-AWARENESS
Sometimes there are moments in worship services that cause us to scratch our head and think, “Is this God working, or is this just a show?” There are even times in worship services where we see things that seem inappropriate for the time. Yet at the same time we do not want to quench the Holy Spirit and what He may be doing.
Describe a time (without using names of people or places) that you saw what appeared to be unusual but it was God at work.
Personal response.
Let’s look at ways we can worship in spirit and in truth.
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS LEAD-IN
We want to have a godly influence on unbelievers and new believers yet not quench the Holy Spirit in His movement and direction. 1 Corinthians 14:40 offers good counsel.
What does it say?
“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
ALLOW MINUTES 13
In 2 Samuel 6, there is an interesting story of a conversation between King David and his wife, Michal, following the joyous return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Here’s the gist of their “argument.”
Michal: How wonderfully the king has distinguished himself today—exposing himself to the eyes of the servants’ maids like some burlesque street dancer!
David: In GOD’S presence I’ll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over GOD’S people . . . Oh yes, I’ll dance to GOD’S glory—more recklessly even than this! And as far as I’m concerned . . . I’ll gladly look like a fool . . . but among these maids you’re so worried about, I’ll be honored to no end! (2 Samuel 6:20-22 MSG).
Michal was wrong, but David was not faultless in this. Perhaps the whole confrontation was not just about Michal’s arrogance. Maybe it was also about David’s failure to build bridges of understanding.
What sticks in your mind about David’s attitude in this passage?
Examples: spiritual pride, selfishness, demeaning Michal, no respect for her
• Worship and the Word must go together.
The key to effective worship is balance. This does not mean trying to exert some kind of external control. Balance should be the result of our attempt to apply the counsel of the Word of God.
In a previous session we looked at Psalm 149:6. What is the balance of praise and the sword (God’s Word) in this passage?
“May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.”
Remember—God’s Word is referred to as a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
How does John 4:24 describe the balance between worship and the Word?
“Worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”
The Spirit and the truth run like parallel railroad tracks on which the train of worship must run. When worship is separated from truth, when it is just an experience, when it is just an emotional outflow or routine not connected to truth, the experience becomes the barometer of spirituality.
• There are four foundational biblical truths that must shape our understanding of worship.
1. The Character of God Without knowledge of God’s character, worship is noise without substance.
2. Christ’s Leadership Without His lordship, worship will be misguided intentions and zeal.
3. The Covenant of Grace If we do not understand God’s grace, then worship becomes another effort to work to an emotional climax.
4. The Biblical Vision of the Church As a church, our worship should flow together. As a corporate body, we worship Him together.
APPLICATION
Worship and witness go together. The God whom we passionately worship is passionate about lost humanity.
Read Luke 19:10, what is the purpose of the Son of Man?
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Lost people matter to God.
Worship must be God-centered and seeker sensitive.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
God is not glorified when we show no sensitivity to the sincere seekers among us.
Two goals we seek to accomplish in our mission of worship services:
1. Serve God with our praise.
2. Serve people with His sufficiency.
In a nutshell, what is worship that pleases God?
Worship that pleases God attracts the lost and does not confuse or repel them.
Corporate worship can either make unbelievers say, “You’re nuts,” and leave as fast as they can or can make them fall on their face and say, “God is truly among you.”
CLOSING PRAYER
Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for teaching us from His Word. Thank Him for each person who participated in this group.
Group Member Guides
Reproducible Handouts
These handouts may be reproduced for use within your congregation only.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Living on the Fringe
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Welcome to our group—A Passionate Pursuit of God. We thank God for you.
SELF-AWARENESS
Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today, there seems to be more to distract us from the pursuit of intimacy with our Heavenly Father than ever before. We often find ourselves turning between our agenda and His desires. Guarding the inner fire—the passion for Christ—a great challenge of the twenty-first century.
Intimacy with God is a love relationship, a communication and a communing with God that flows mutually from God’s heart to man and from man to the heart of God. It is where the heart meets God.
How would you describe your level of intimacy with God?
Are distractions interfering with your pursuit of intimacy with Him? Describe.
This series is designed to challenge each of us to renew our heart as a worshipper. Worship is the doorway to all other holy passions. It is the fountainhead of our serving. In Genesis 22:1-19, Abraham faced the challenge of sacrificing his son in order to be obedient to God. In verse 5, Abraham instructs his servants to “stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there.”
Abraham said to his servant that he was going to worship.
What can we learn about worship based on Abraham’s words and actions?
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
Worship is shaped by two attitudes: reverence and intimacy. We see this in these three definitions.
• Hebrew—shacha—“to fall down as before royalty”
• Hebrew—sharath—“to focus on”
• Greek—proskuneo—“kiss the hand”
Worship is not a one-sided relationship—God has a passion for you. He is seeking you.
God is passionate about His relationship with you.
What word does Exodus 34:14 contain that describes this passion for His people?
Why might God use this word?
He desires you with such unquenchable desire that He became a seed in a woman’s womb, the smallest entity of life, to rescue us from our sin!
The very familiar scripture, John 3:16, shows His passion for us. What does this verse say about God’s desire for a relationship for His people?
APPLICATION
God is pursuing us, so what hinders us from pursuing him that we might have the intimacy we so long for? Ezekiel 44:11-14 sheds light on our distractions. Let’s read it.
Ezekiel 44:11-14
They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple . . . and stand before the people and serve them. But because they served them in the presence of their idols, . . . I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin. . . . They are not to come near to serve me as priests.
Some of the Levities were not allowed to go into the Holy of Holies (a place of intimacy with God) where only priests could go.
Why did they have to remain in the outer courts?
In the outer court they could do duties of the Temple (v14) but without intimacy with God. In today’s language it may sound like this—I can serve on committees, maybe even teach Sunday school, but without intimacy with God because of idols.
An idol is anything that consistently distracts us from God. An idol is what we look to as the source of our security and significance. An idol is a God-substitute.
In what ways can we view the house of worship as existing for people rather than for God?
Write a prayer to God admitting idols that are distractions in your life. Also ask for His forgiveness and help to be a true worshiper of God.
Preparation for Session 2
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Ezekiel 44.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Moving Into God’s Inner Circle
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Welcome to our Passionate Pursuit of God group. We are glad you have joined us.
SELF-AWARENESS
God is always previous. We would never seek Him if He were not seeking us. It is His call that creates our longing. His yearning for us stirs up our longing for Him in response.
His call to us brings us to a very important threshold. Will we cross it? Will we enter into a spiritual dimension that can only be described as the inner circle?
As we discussed in the last session, the presence of idols often distracts us from being in the inner circle with God.
Have you had an opportunity to deal with something that was distracting you from God this week? Describe.
Let’s look at Mary and Martha’s story in Luke 10:39-42. Luke 10:39-42
Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her” (MSG).
We often find ourselves in the middle of a tug-of-war. What are the two pulls in this passage?
There was no quiet center from which Martha was working. It was not the “many things.” It was that “many things” did not revolve around the “one thing.”
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
Now we will look at the privilege of the inner court. Let’s read Ezekiel 44:15-18.
Ezekiel 44:15-18
But the priests, who are Levities . . . who faithfully carried out the duties of my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand
before me . . . They alone are to . . . come near my table to minister before me . . . . When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court . . . They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
What were they to wear when they entered the inner court?
What were they told not to wear?
Discuss the differences in the fabrics.
Why do you think there is a distinction made?
The outer court was noisy, chaotic, busy, even bloody. The joy for the priest was to move into the inner court. How do we remove the wool and put on the linen?
• We celebrate God’s grace. Revelation 19:8 says, “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her (the Bride of Christ) to wear.”
In the verses prior to verse 8, what is the constant theme?
• We detox our mind and spirit. Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
What does stillness in God’s presence help us understand?
APPLICATION
Then how do we cross the threshold into God’s inner circle? Let’s look at John 4:23.
John 4:23
The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
Worship in truth is with integrity. How is God dealing with you and the issues of integrity?
Worship in spirit is having a divine connection. First, a divine connection with Him; and second, in life situations. Galatians 5:25-26 shows us how to have divine connections. In these verses, what are the three ways that work together?
Preparation for Session 3
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation & prayer. Read Ephesians 5 & Acts 2.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Rekindling the Fire of Worship
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Thanks for your involvement. May we rekindle the fire of worship in our hearts.
SELF-AWARENESS
Our ultimate ministry is the worship and adoration of God. Down through the centuries, this has been “the heart of our call.”
In a culture where results are praised and achievement is prized, we must once again discover that man’s chief end cannot be measured by worldly standards. But how do we keep worship as our highest priority? How do we keep the passion for God’s presence from waning?
What steps can you take to keep worship as your highest priority?
In this session we will look at four realizations to help you keep your fire for worship. Worship reflects the image of God in us. We were created in His image. We have the capacity to love, to thank, to adore. We were designed to worship.
We came from the womb pre-wired for worship. We are internally equipped for connectivity with God. It is in worship that we discover the mystery of our own being.
Colossians 1:16 sums it all up. What does this verse say?
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
We are other dimensional beings. We perceive heaven in directional terms; we need to perceive heaven in dimensional terms. In 2 Kings 6:8-22, Elisha and his servant were permitted to see the angels that encircled them. Verse 17 reads:
“O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
They were there all the time, just in another dimension. When we are saved, we move from onedimensionality to being bi-dimensionality. Although all believers will be together one day in heaven, one can experience the heavenly realm now through worship.
Read Ephesians 2:4-7. What do these verses teach us about where we now live with Christ?
In worship we are not alone. Hebrews 12:1, 22-23 (which is referring to the heroes of faith in Chapter 11) describes those who surround us. Who are they?
Worship is the key to experiencing a deepening knowledge of God. In Psalm 22:3, how is God described?
Praise is a declaration of who God is. Worship is an encounter with who God is. God makes Himself known to worshipping people.
In worship, we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. We interact with the choreography of the Spirit.
APPLICATION
Worship is a reenactment of the resurrection. There is a unique manifestation of the risen Christ when His church worships in spirit and in truth.
There is a direct connection between being filled with the Spirit and worship in Ephesians 5:18-19. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.
What is the connection?
Romans 8:10-11 describes the power of the Spirit available in the believer’s life. How does realizing this truth lead you to a desire to worship?
Acts 2 records the Holy Spirit’s coming on the Day of Pentecost. One hundred and twenty were filled with the Spirit, and Peter followed with a powerful message. Read Acts 2:22-36. What truth does Peter emphasize in his message?
Why would he choose this truth?
How would you describe your own Spirit-filled life?
What impact does being filled with the Spirit have on your life?
To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit.
Preparation for Session 4
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read 2 Timothy 2 and 2 Peter 1.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Listening for the Voice of God
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Welcome to this session. May our hearts be open to listen for the voice of God.
SELF-AWARENESS
There is an interesting passage in Psalm 81:8-14: Hear [listen], O my people, and I will warn you—if you would but listen to me . . . But my people would not listen to me . . . If my people would but listen to me (vv 8, 11, 13).
In these seven verses God is lamenting the fact that no one is listening. You can almost feel the sadness in God’s heart as He speaks these words. He pleads with His people, “Please listen to me!”
There is no possibility of intimacy with God without communication. When we pray, we talk to God. When we listen, God can talk to us. It seems we often listen better to the devil than to God.
Describe a time in your life when you were certain God was speaking to you.
God speaks to us. John 10:27 says, “My sheep listen to my voice.” In this verse, what is the response of those who listen to His voice?
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
The ability to hear God’s voice is one of the most valuable spiritual disciplines we must learn. Let’s look at ways God speaks to us.
• God speaks through the Bible.
This is the logos of God—the authoritative, infallible, inerrant, eternal Word of God that is forever settled in heaven. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed.”
In light of this verse, what is it useful for?
The Scripture was produced by an encounter with the living God according to 2 Peter 1:20-21.
Why were the prophets able to speak the Scriptures from God?
• God speaks to us directly.
This is a rhema—a spoken word, subjectively delivered to you personally.
Faith comes to us when we hear the personal word. According to Rom. 10:17, from where does faith come?
• God often speaks to us in “scripture explosions.”
This is when a verse literally jumps off the page and speaks to us.
• Who can hear God’s voice?
We must have ears to hear. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, 3:1 describes types of hearers. “The man without the Spirit (the natural man) does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. . . The spiritual man makes judgments about all things. . . Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly (carnal)—mere infants in Christ.”
What are the three types of hearers in this passage and their ability to hear God’s voice?
APPLICATION
Active listening is the spiritual discipline of meditation. It is important to prepare ourselves to actively listen to God. Hebrews 10:22 shows us how to prepare ourselves to hear from God.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
What are four aspects in this passage that will prepare us to actively listen?
Habakkuk 2:1-2 provides the process of active listening.
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: ”Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets.”
There are three principles in this passage that can help us be ongoing, active listeners: (1) close yourself in with God, (2) look and listen for God, and (3) write it down. How are you doing with these three principles? Which is easiest? Which is most difficult?
How can I be sure it was God? You can know God’s voice by:
• The Approach—God comes openly. The enemy sneaks in causing fear, anxiety, and guilt.
• The Relevance—This is usually a confirmation that God has already spoken to you. You will understand.
• The Content—Always lines up with the Scripture and builds faith.
• The Results—More love, more power, mind will not be fragmented.
Do you have areas in your life where God is speaking to you? How does it line up with these four points?
It is always good to confirm God’s voice through the protection of spiritual authority. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
Preparation for Session 5
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Psalm 93-100.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Enjoying the Freedom of God
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Welcome to this session. We have freedom in Christ. May we learn to enjoy this great gift.
SELF-AWARENESS
We live in a culture of complaining. We are conditioned to be complainers—as the old saying goes— “always seeing the glass half empty.” We look for ways to get things off our chests. Talk shows are flooded with callers eager to share their displeasure about something. Complaining seems harmless. Sometimes it even seems therapeutic. However, complaining inevitably leads to impatience which reinforces negative attitudes and can lead to a self-focused life.
Paul writes to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Is there a situation in your life now or in the past where the Lord is convicting or has convicted you about changing your complaining to praising Him? Describe.
Psalm 100 is the climax of a series of Jubilee Psalms that starts with Psalm 93. In it God invites us to praise rather than complain. These psalms are an affirmation of the sovereignty of God. Psalm 100:1 and 5 states,
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. . . . For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Describe one area of your life where you have seen God’s faithfulness over and over again.
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
God calls us to be praisers. He is still on the throne and desires our praise.
• There are blessings of praise.
In Philippians 4:4-13, we read, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything . . . and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus . . . I can do everything through him who gives me the strength. Why do you think Paul repeats himself by saying, “I will say it again: Rejoice!”?
It is interesting to note that this letter was written from a prison cell. No complaining from Paul, just praise.
• Praise opens us up to wisdom.
Thanksgiving is recognition of what God has done. Praise is linked to who God is. It moves you into God’s court where there is a divine change of perspective. For example, thanksgiving says, “Lord, I thank you for healing me five years ago.” Praise says, “Lord, thank you because you are the Healer.”
What comes to your mind first when you think of thanksgiving—recognition of what God has done or praise for who God is?
• Praise opens us up to faith.
When you fan the flame of praise, how do you think it affects your faith?
• Praise opens us up to freedom.
• Even at our weakest point, we need to praise the Lord. Paul was imprisoned, but he was spiritually free.
Are there areas of difficulties in your life where you need to praise the Lord in spite of the circumstances? Describe.
APPLICATION
The Bible speaks about postures of praise and worship. God is worthy of an enthusiastic response. What postures of praise do the following passages describe? Psalm 47:1-2
134:2
95:6
149:3
It is noteworthy that the Bible describes praise in physical terms. Praise is your public display of affection to God.
One should not fall into thinking that worship is simply a corporate activity. In its essence, it is personal and private. It is not a performance before men but devotion toward God. The postures of praise can and should be practiced in one’s private devotional life. Here you are free to fully express your praise to God without the inhibitions of self-consciousness or concern about affecting the worship of others.
What postures do you assume in your times of praise?
If one does not practice any of the postures of praise, it does not mean he/she is less of a Christian. We must respect others who may not worship the Lord as we do. However, you may find a freedom you never had before when you publically display your affection for God. Praise may not change your situation, but it will change you.
Preparation for Session 6
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Ephesians 6.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Understanding the Synergy of Worship and Warfare
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Again, welcome to this session. May our understanding be deepened concerning worship and spiritual warfare.
SELF-AWARENESS
The New Testament was written against a background of spiritual warfare. The early Christians knew their walk with Christ was a walk through a battlefield. You cannot read the New Testament without seeing this backdrop of warfare. You hear Paul saying things like “be a good soldier” and “fight the fight of faith.” We hear the Bible refer to the devil as our adversary.
Praise can make the enemy ineffective and neutralize his power. A picture of this is the Old Testament passage in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat knew he was outnumbered by a massive army. He chose to stand with his eyes on God. He recognized his powerlessness aside from God. There are two very important points in this passage. First, the Spirit of the Lord said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . for the battle is not yours but God’s” (v15).
Second, “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him . . . as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise,” the invaders were defeated (vv 21-22).
Have you ever had an experience similar to this?
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 describes the type of spiritual warfare we face. What is the difference between worldly and spiritual warfare?
What kind of power is available to the believer?
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
Let’s explore the synergy between worship and effective spiritual warfare. Paul writes in Eph 6:12-13 MSG, This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it is all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet’’
• Worship sensitizes us to the presence of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is the rule of Christ. Worship helps us surrender to Christ’s authority.
Psalm 22:3 describes the Holy One’s position. What is it?
The footnote in the NIV says, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Our praise brings to reality the establishment of God’s kingdom in that place or situation. Praise brings the authority of God. Adoration prepares us to yield to God’s authority.
• Worship is an essential part of our preparation for spiritual battle. Worship builds faith in our hearts. Worship brings a proper perspective.
Why do you think our vision of God must loom larger than the size of our difficulties?
Describe a situation in your life where your vision of God helped you through difficulties.
APPLICATION
Worship distracts the enemy and frustrates his purpose. Let’s keep him distracted and frustrated.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 gives us a detailed description of Lucifer:
You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty . . . . Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones . . . till wickedness was found in you . . . . You sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God.
He got so close to God that he wanted worship for himself and was expelled from heaven. God is grooming a replacement for him—the church (John 4:23; Ephesians 3:10).
Let’s read Psalm 149:5-9.
Let the saints rejoice . . . May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edge sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints.
In what ways can you improve your praise life?
As Satan tries to carry out his schemes, he begins to hear the praises of believer after believer, congregation after congregation; and he becomes distracted and frustrated!
Preparation for Session 7
Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read 2 Samuel 6 and John 4.
A PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF GOD
Embracing the Mission of Worship
Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8)
WELCOME
Thanks for being a part of this group. May we embrace the mission of worship.
SELF-AWARENESS
Sometimes there are moments in worship services that cause us to scratch our head and think, “Is this God working or is this just a show?” There are even times in worship services where we see things that seem inappropriate for the time. Yet at the same time we do not want to quench the Holy Spirit and what He may be doing.
Describe a time (without using names of people or places) that you saw what appeared to be unusual but it was God at work.
Let’s look at ways we can worship in spirit and in truth. We want to have a godly influence on unbelievers and new believers yet not quench the Holy Sprit in His movement and direction. 1 Corinthians 14:40 offers good counsel. What does it say?
SPIRITUAL-AWARENESS
In 2 Samuel 6, there is an interesting story of a conversation between King David and his wife, Michal, following the joyous return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Here’s the gist of their “argument.”
Michal: How wonderfully the king has distinguished himself today—exposing himself to the eyes of the servants’ maids like some burlesque street dancer!
David: In GOD’S presence I’ll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over GOD’S people . . . Oh yes, I’ll dance to GOD’S glory—more recklessly even than this! And as far as I’m concerned . . . I’ll gladly look like a fool . . . but among these maids you’re so worried about, I’ll be honored to no end! (2 Samuel 6:20-22, MSG).
Michal was wrong, but David was not faultless in this. Perhaps the whole confrontation was not just about Michal’s arrogance. Maybe it was also about David’s failure to build bridges of understanding. What sticks in your mind about David’s attitude in this passage?
• Worship and the Word must go together.
The key to effective worship is balance. This does not mean trying to exert some kind of external control. Balance should be the result of our attempt to apply the counsel of the Word of God.
In a previous session we looked at Psalm 149:6. What is the balance of praise and the sword (God’s Word) in this passage?
How does John 4:24 describe the balance between worship and the Word?
The Spirit and the truth run like parallel railroad tracks on which the train of worship must run. When worship is separated from truth, when it is just an experience, when it is just an emotional outflow or routine not connected to truth, the experience becomes the barometer of spirituality.
• There are four foundational biblical truths that must shape our understanding of worship.
1. The Character of God Without knowledge of God’s character, worship is noise without substance.
2. Christ’s Leadership Without His lordship, worship will be misguided intentions and zeal.
3. The Covenant of Grace If we do not understand God’s grace, then worship becomes another effort to work to an emotional climax.
4. The Biblical Vision of the Church As a church, our worship should flow together. As a corporate body, we worship Him together.
APPLICATION
Worship and witness go together. The God whom we passionately worship is passionate about lost humanity. Read Luke 19:10, what is the purpose of the Son of Man?
Lost people matter to God. Worship must be God-centered and seeker sensitive. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” God is not glorified when we show no sensitivity to the sincere seekers among us.
Two goals we seek to accomplish in our mission of worship services:
1. Serve God with our praise.
2. Serve people with His sufficiency.
In a nutshell, what is worship that pleases God?
Corporate worship can either make unbelievers say, “You’re nuts,” and leave as fast as they can or can make them fall on their face and say, “God is truly among you.”
The Plan of Salvation
Is there any good reason why you cannot receive Jesus Christ right now?
How to receive Christ:
1. Admit your need (that you are a sinner).
2. Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (receive Him as Savior and Lord).
What to Pray
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins.
I am willing to turn from my sins.
I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal savior.
I am willing, by God’s strength, to follow and obey Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life.
Date
Signature
The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
• When we receive Christ, we are born into the family of God through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who lives within every believer. This process is called regeneration or the new birth.
• Share your decision to receive Christ with another person.
• Connect to a local church.
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
