NOVEMBER 13
ATTACKS ON WHO I AM
Evil, the world, and our own brokenness constantly claw at our identity. All pulling us to create a foundation of self-image on everything but God. These schemes and patterns are nothing new. When in doubt we can trust who God says we are.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What stood out to you from the message?
2. Read Genesis 3:1-7. What schemes does the serpent use to tempt Eve? How do you notice the enemy operating by the same methods in your own life?
3. We were made to worship God and reflect Him in the world, but if we’re not worshiping and reflecting Him, then we are worshiping and reflecting something else in creation. This is called idolatry.
▪ Are there things in your life (even good things) that have your worship? How are you seeing yourself reflecting those things in your life instead of God?
▪ What schemes might the enemy be using to keep you from putting these things in their rightful place?
4. Read Colossians 3:1-11.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
5. Read Colossians 3:12-17. Along with the rest of Colossians from above, note the differences between walking in your old or “earthly” nature and putting on the “new self” that is being “renewed after the image of its creator”.
▪ In what ways are you allowing your old nature form you and what aspects of your new self can you put on instead? What steps can you take to do that?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Genesis 3:1-7 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Colossians 3:1-11 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
TAKE A NEXT STEP
1. Consider working through the Bible Project Bible Study on the Image of God: https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/image-of-god/
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids learn about who Esther was, and how she became queen.
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- Name a few different kinds of work people do behind the scenes.
- Can you think of some ways God works behind the scenes for us?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
Philippians 2:13 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: For it is God who works in you…Phil. 2:13
Elem: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.: Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will learn about how Mordecai and Haman became bitter rivals.