Week 3: Finally to the Nitty Gritty

We finally get to start talking about our "respectable sins" this week! Isn't it exciting? :) I have not read chapters 7 and 10 yet, but looking at the topics, ungodliness and unthankfulness, I know the fun is just beginning! I have no doubt that this is the beginning of new self-revelation, conviction...and hopefully freedom, too!

In all seriousness, I pray that this is the beginning of us getting to the "root" of some of the sins we struggle with. I continue to think about what it really means to be a person who makes a difference, and I think these sins we consider the "little ones" can often make so much difference in how we relate to other people. Wouldn't it make a difference if we made being grateful contagious instead of complaining? Or if we mentioned the great decisions people around us have made instead of criticizing them behind their backs? The list could go on and on...

Key Verse:
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness...Be filled with the Spirit, ...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:18, 20

Study Questions:

1. How is the definition of ungodliness in teh quotation on page 35 different from what you thought ungodliness meant? What does Romans 1:18 reveal about this sin?
2. Do you agree or disagree that ungodliness is "apt to be the root cause of our other sins" and that each of us is guilty of this sin?
3. Read James 4:13-15. For what expression of ungodliness did James, through the Holy Spirit, condemn those people?
4. What does Paul's summary prayer (Colossians 1:9-10) reveal about our responsibility to God? About our "typical," human-centered prayers for ourselves, friends and family members?
5. During biblical times, leprosy devastated many lives. The Mosaic Law required that a leper continually cry out, "unclean, unclean" while walking along the road (Lev. 13:45). In light of this, what is poignant about Jesus' experience between Samaria and Galilee? (See Luke 17:11-19.)
6. Read Romans 6:6,17 and Ephesians 2:1-5. What is a person's spiritual condition without God? What has God done for every believer?
7. According to Acts 17:24-25, why should we express heartfelt gratitude to God?
8. According to the promises of Romans 8:28-29, 38-39, why should we give thanks by faith even when a situation is disappointing or difficult?

More soon! I hope we can get some good discussion going now that we're getting a little further into the material!

Hugs,

Beth