Group Notes | October 2

Unfinished: Sin Stops
October 2, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Someone once said that of the number of choices adults make each day, almost every one is done either for the good of others, or for the good of yourself. Can you think of an example from this week, and which category did the choice fall into?

Today we continue the series, “Unfinished,” looking at the wise counsel in Paul’s admonitions to make choices that will bring peace and joy through Jesus Christ, not choosing the temporal pleasures of sin such as the world is making today. We can either make a choice to stop sin dead in its tracks and pursue serving and trusting God, or continue a path that becomes a totally self-centered life.

Read Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Discuss:

Sin will keep you from the presence and the power of God

  1. As you listened to verses 2-4 read, what in particular struck you as being a clear picture of society today? Those verses reflect persons who are making their choices for the good of whom?
  2. More than likely everyone thought of someone in your own family who fell into one of these categories. What can you do for them immediately?

Self-deception doesn’t make things better

  1. Verse 5a spoke of those who have a “form of godliness, but deny its power.” Sadly, many consider the pleasures of sin to be worth more than a life lived for Jesus Christ, but consider “going forward” to pray a prayer as evidence they are saved. Paul reminds us that being religious is not the same as living a righteous life. Read Matthew 7:16, 17: how can you know someone is saved?
  2. According to Barna research, most people believe they are going to heaven, even though they live like the world. What does Romans 6:23 tell you? How does this reflect these verses?

Turn away!

  1. Why does verse 5b tell you to turn away from being companions of those who say they don’t need God (paraphrase, 5a), and those listed in 6-9?
  2. If you are to stop sin in your life so that you can become a “vessel fit for His use” what is the first step you must take (hint: 1 John 1:9)?
  3. Hebrews11:6 gives you the second step of faith in finishing the task God has given; what is it?
  4. Often it is only after a trial that you can look back and see how God brought you through. Psalm 73:26 tells you to look to God for your strength. Why?

Close:

Paul made it very clear that being religious does not fulfil the law of Christ. As he lists the society found in the days when men are each doing “what is right in their own eyes,” (Proverbs 21:2), it sounds like our world today. Did you not identify so many of the people you rub shoulders with daily, as he listed those who are in effect saying, “God, leave me alone!”? He concludes this section by reminding Timothy—and you—to not be companions with them, as they will lead you away from the truth. The only way you can stop the sin in your life is to be vigilant about your lifestyle. Keep a short account with God, confessing sins as they occur and turning from them, being diligent to study the Scriptures so you can apply them to your life, and being dependent upon God for the strength each day to see that He alone is the one on the throne of your heart. As you begin this new week, pray for the others in your group that all would trust Him for the grace and power to live each day.

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:22: “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy, Chapter 3:1-9

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