Knockoff Gods

[expand title=”Autonomy”]
10.January.2021
Romans 1:25

What is an idol? What are some examples of good things that make awful gods? Is there something in your own life (other than God) that holds such a controlling position, that if an objective person looked at the way you use your time, attention, energy, and money, it would be obvious what your idol is?
What is autonomy? (Consider the word origin: “autos” = self, “nomos” = law). What are some specific areas where you struggle with the desire to rule your own life rather than acknowledging that God is in control?
Read Genesis 3:1-5. What was the specific way the devil tempted Eve? In what ways are you tempted to “be like God”?
What are some specific ways you can push back against the temptation toward autonomy? Is there a way for you to sacrificially serve others? Is there sin to confess? An attitude to cultivate? A Scripture passage to remember? Consider Philippians 2:1-11 and John 13:1-17.
Our topic for next weekend is money. Take some time this week to consider your own mindset toward money in preparation for the teaching next weekend.

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[expand title=”Money”]
17.January.2021
Matthew 6:19-24

How can you determine if something is a “treasure” in your life? Based on that standard, what do you treasure? Is it something tangible or intangible? Is it something you already have, or something you hope to attain?
What does it mean to “store up treasures for yourself,” either on earth or in heaven? Does your life tend to focus more on earthly treasures or heavenly ones?
Are you generous? What is it about the human condition that prevents us from sharing with our neighbor? Why is it difficult for you personally to choose generosity?
In Matthew 6:22-24 Jesus describes our eyes as either being “healthy” or “diseased.” How does money/wealth obscure our “vision?” How can we know whether or not we have “healthy eyes”?
Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money. Are you aware of any area in your life where you’ve placed wealth/possessions ahead of God? Discuss with your Life Group some healthy Biblical principles or practices (i.e. generosity, self restraint) you can implement in your lives that counteract the temptation to idolize money or possessions.

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[expand title=”Comfort”]
24.January.2021
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Describe some of your favorite “things of this world.” What are some of the activities, foods, gadgets, movies, etc. that you really enjoy?
What is comfort? Why is comfort such an appealing idol? How can you tell that your own personal comfort has become an idol in your life?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 1 John 2:1, and John 14:16-17. How is biblical comfort different from earthly comfort? How specifically does our “God of all comfort” bring comfort to us in the midst of our affliction and suffering?
Who are some people who have been a comfort in your life? What opportunities have you had to bring comfort to others?
What are specific steps we can take to “kill” the idol of comfort in our lives?
Read Revelation 21:1-4. How will our eternal reality differ from our earthly one? Take some time to imagine what it will be like to live eternally in God’s presence in a place where there is no sin, suffering, or death.

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[expand title=”Occupation”]
31.January.2021
Colossians 3:22-24

If your occupation is the principal business of your life, what is your occupation? How did you end up in your current occupation? Do you enjoy it? How do you think others perceive you when they find out what your occupation is?
Read Colossians 3:22-24. Are you a people-pleaser? How would it change the way you carry out your occupation if your primary focus was pleasing the Lord rather than pleasing others? Why would this be difficult?
How much anxiety does your occupation cause in your life? Read Matthew 6:25-34. What are the promises found in this passage of Scripture? Do you tend to be anxious about your basic needs, or do you trust that God will provide for you?
Read Genesis 2:15. Were you aware that God created us to work? What is an example of work that you truly enjoy?
Do you struggle with rest? Why? What changes do you need to consider when it comes to your work/rest rhythm?

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