connect group questions

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CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS National faith or fear

INTRO: This week’s teaching explored the difficult, even tragic choice which the majority of Israelites made to not trust God’s promise to give them victories, by faith, in possessing the land He promised them. It is important to be clear on what Scripture is teaching in Numbers 13-14. In every age, God grants someone “righteousness” simply by faith, by believing that God redeems us and makes us His own children when we trust in a sacrifice provided for us to cover, or forgive, all our sin. Yet beyond being in God’s family by faith, there are additional promises of reward and blessing that come by trusting and obeying God, even though it is challenging. It is this second matter – trusting and obeying God for full reward and blessing – which our teaching took up this week.

Begin with Your HEART How would you illustrate the disappointment that can result when someone doesn’t take full advantage of the blessings of a free gift? For example, what happens when… • a Division-One athlete on full scholarship neglects to go to class? • a below-the-poverty-line individual who wins a huge lottery prize loses everything on a Las Vegas weekend? • The recipient of a heart-transplant refuses to eat healthy and exercise? • [Your illustration: __________________________] What is tragic about these situations?

In the WORD There are a number of Scriptural examples [beyond Israel in Numbers 13-14] where great opportunity from God is squandered. Explore the following. Identify [a] what the opportunity was, [b] why or how was it spurned, and [c] what was lost. [a] Adam and Eve -compare Genesis 2:18-25 with Genesis 3:1-18 [b] Cain [Genesis 4:1-12] [c] Moses [Numbers 20:2-13] [d] David [2 Samuel 12:1-15] [e] Demas [Paul’s trusted companion? Compare Col 4:14, Philemon 1:24 with 2 Timothy 4:10] [f] Esau [Hebrews 12:15-17] If our “salvation” cannot be lost [because eternal life is a grace gift from God, apart from any of our works or obedience], what are the things which CAN BE LOST because we fail to believe and obey?

My LIFE - our MISSION While the reality of losing the blessing of God is often not taught from the Scriptures by some today, this week’s message and the examples above underscore an important reality. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God. The one who comes to God must believe He exists and that He rewards the one who diligently seeks Him.” Beyond our salvation, there are blessings that only come when we continue to trust God and obey Him…even when it is challenging. Is your life being “defined” by the relationships you have in Christ with others. Are you spiritually sharpening those in your group? Are they challenging and sharpening you? Pray together about not being afraid to trust God for the new horizons of blessings from Him…by seeking him each day [Let God make your day!] and trusting Him for more!