Discussion Questions


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DISCUSSION GUIDE

Week 2 • Dec. 1/2, 2012 • He Gave (Bob Merritt)

INTRODUCTION In our world today, it is difficult to truly grasp what love is. The word itself is used loosely within our society. As broken people, we are fortunate to have more than 1-2 relationships in life that come close to being unconditional. God sets the bar beyond our reach in showing us unconditional love. We all desire to receive it, but most of us do a poor job of extending it to others when we are the victim. As you dig deeper, let these questions and scriptures guide your discussion about what God’s love means for us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Bob talked about the doll that John Ortberg’s sister had growing up. Take turns sharing with your group an example from your life about something that wasn’t lovable on the surface, but that you had an unending love for despite the flaws on the outside. 2. Why might so many people think, “Why wouldn’t God forgive me? I’m not that bad”? What is the driving factor that leads many people to think that they are good enough to not need forgiveness? 3. Bob answered the previous question by explaining that people with this mindset typically struggle to understand the depth of their sin, or total depravity, as theologians would call it. Read Isaiah 64:6. This scripture goes so far as to describe our traits and works as unclean and impure. How does viewing our good qualities through this perspective help you better understand the depth of our sinful nature? 4. What emotion(s) does Romans 5:7-8 and the idea that Christ paid the penalty for your sin (substitutionary atonement) evoke within you? How do you think God wants you to respond and act on those feelings and emotions? 5. Jesus says that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Who do you struggle to love as you love yourself? It might be a family member, co-worker or friend. Share with the group the name of one person that you need God to soften your heart toward, so that you can obey this challenging commandment.

THINK ABOUT IT When we take the time to look at the depth of God’s love for us, demonstrated through Christ and his work through the cross, we should be humbled. In response, we need to strive to love others as Christ loves us. Talk about how you can pray for, encourage and challenge each other to soften your heart toward the person you named in question 5.

COMMIT TO MEMORY “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

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