TOOTH FAIRY
We are all created good in the image of God, but we all face a world filled with violence, animosity, and brokenness. Inevitably like losing baby teeth, at some point we lose our sense of innocence and wonder due to the evil around us and the darkness within us. We will explore how innocence can be restored so that we can live out the new life God intends for us.
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.) Describe a day when you discovered that something you had believed wasn’t true (ie. Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny).
2.) What stood out to you from the message?
3.) Read Psalm 82:3-4. When you think of following Jesus do the things in these verses come to mind, why or why not? How could you apply these two verses in your life today?
4.) Read Judges 6:11-40.
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?
Now make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
- what questions do you have?
- what do you think is going on in this story?
- what do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
Now make some applications (what’s my response)
- how do you respond to what you are reading?
- what is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
- who could be encouraged by this truth that you could share this with?
5.) God sees beyond the current human condition and desires to awaken our true purpose that was lost somewhere along the way. If God were sitting in front of you right now, who would He remind you that you are (in His eyes)? What might he say to you to “awake your true purpose”? If you are a parent do you see and speak to the gifts/talents/blind spots and opportunities for your children?
6.) In Judges 6:16 in response to Gideon saying he isn’t capable of rescuing anyone because he is from a weak family and is the weakest in his family, God tells him, “I will be with you…“. Where in your life right now are you trying to carry things alone that God never intended for you to do alone? What would it look like to you invite God to be with you?
7.) Gideon’s obstacle was believing about himself what God said was true and overcoming his fear. What is an obstacle in your life right now that is holding you back from stepping into something you sense God has for you? Who do you have in your life that speaks into your places of fear and struggle? If you are a parent how do you do this for your kids?
DIGGING DEEPER
1.) Often times what holds us back from living powerfully with God in our lives is our past. If you find yourself stuck in life right now, consider signing up for the Your Story Matters class at North or South campus. – gatewaychurch.com/connect
2.) If you don’t have anyone around you cheering you on in your faith, consider joining a group this fall – gatewaychurch.com/groups
3.) If you have gone through a hardship this past year or noticed a habit or way of relating that you know isn’t bringing life, consider joining a Restore class (marriage, personal boundaries, grief, divorce, etc) – gatewaychurch.com/restore