Three Freedoms in Grace

“Freedom” is one of the sweetest and richest words in the English language.

It can be used to describe certain inalienable rights in our nation. It can be the day a teenager gets a driver’s license or a family finally pays off their debts. “Freedom” has even inspired a surprising number of advertisements for everything from denim to Dodge cars!

The language of freedom saturates Scripture as well, and as we will see in our reading of Acts 15-16 this week, God’s grace brings three unexpected freedoms unique to life in his Kingdom.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

DATE: February 05, 2017 // Jerusalem:  Three Freedoms in Grace

Scripture: Acts 15:36-16:24

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes
Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
The language of freedom saturates Scripture, and as we see in our reading of Acts 15-16 this week, God’s grace brings three unexpected freedoms, unique to life in His Kingdom: freedom to fail, to let down appearances, and to be truly free.

THE MAIN THOUGHT  Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.

You are free; through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture  (What is the story saying?): What kept compelling Paul to move on to the next place/people group? (I Timothy 1:15) What do we see them do when doors are closed? What measure of herself did Lydia want the men to use? (16:15)
Mirror (Where am I in the story?): In my failed relationships or endeavors, where do I see God’s grace? What is my prayer when doors close for me? How does Lydia inspire me to let down appearances? Even if I know the right answers, is there a darkness that attempts to suffocate God’s grace in my life?
Window  (How does the story change how I see those around me?):  Our response to the gospel is one of trust. If we trust the gospel, how does it affect the way we see and extend grace to others?

BE IT – Practice
Change UP // Exercise 10 minutes
Read Acts 13:38-39 and John 8:36 together. Ask God to show you areas where you’re struggling with sin. Hear God’s word of freedom to you in this moment. His goodness overwhelms our failures; the power of His name brings wholeness
Change IN // Group Activity 15 minutes
Have each person identify with one of the freedoms Jon spoke about: freedom to fail, to let down appearances, or to be truly free. Pray with each other to step more fully into them. Jon talked about accountability as an antidote to anonymity in our struggle with sin. Use this time to come clean with each other, confessing struggles and encouraging one another in the grace of God.
Change OUT //Life Application Assignment 5 minutes
Follow up on last week’s assignment. Where are you choosing to bring the freedom of Jesus to those around you? This week use Galatians 5:13 as inspiration as you plan how to serve one another.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.