Bgroup Lesson Oct 20
Big Idea: Being more aware of what is happening in the world today can be both a blessing and a curse. We are more connected globally and more in tune with the state of the world than we ever have been. We constantly hear stories on the news of the latest tragedy. Because of that we tend to feel the weight of the things happening not just around the world, but in our own local communities. Why does the world feel this way? What can we do to keep our eyes on Jesus and keep an eternal perspective in these uncertain days?
Key Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NLT) — You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
There are 2 spirits at work in the world today. One is the spirit of the Anitchrist. This is not one specific person, but a spirit that goes against Christ and wishes to stand in place of Christ. It is a spirit that works in opposition to God and would love nothing more than for us to doubt the reality of God and his presence in our lives. The spirit of the age works to convince people that they can achieve the result of a life with Christ like morality, goodness, true joy, and inner healing, but do so without Christ himself.
But the other spirit at work in the world is much more powerful. This is the Holy Spirit. He is constantly working to draw us closer to God and reveal Jesus to us. To combat the spirit of the antichrist, we confess that Jesus is Lord and are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Discussion Question: When was the day that you first confessed Jesus as the Lord of your life? Take a moment and celebrate the testimonies of salvation in the room.
Mankind is God’s greatest creation, but because sin entered the world, the hearts of man are corrupt. We may think that our lives are good and we are okay, but the Bible clearly states that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We see the results of sin in the heart of man every time injustice is done. Whether that is throughout history, or even in our local communities, people turn against each other. The Bible says that even when we hold unforgiveness in our hearts against our brothers and sisters it is the same as murder. We often look to political leaders and figures to solve the problems of the day, but the root of those problems are not governmental. It is a problem with the hearts of men.
The only way we can resolve the issue of sin in our hearts and the damage it can do is to ask God to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit in us. (Psalm 51:10) We can’t clean up our own hearts and minds. We must rely on God and the work of the cross to see transformation happen in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Discussion Question:
Christians have always been instructed to watch and pray. We don’t know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but one thing is for sure, he will come back. John 9:4 says “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” Even if it is not “the last days” these are still our own last days on earth. What will you do with them? And at the end of your life, will you be able to say that you are ready to meet Christ face to face? Romans 13:12-14 says “... so remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living… clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Discussion Question:
Pray with your group about keeping an eternal perspective when we hear or see the Global chaos and the work of the spirit of Anti Christ.