Beyond Sunday - Good In Tension Week 3

Beyond Sunday, Week of October 27, 2024
"Good In Tension" Week 3 

THOUGHTS:
Pastor Lacey made the point that one part of standing without compromising is to check our “input," that is what we watch, listen to, read, etc. Putting into our minds and hearts much of what the culture serves up would be like trying to operate a gasoline engine on diesel fuel. It gums up the works. Let’s review Lacey’s points and some related Scriptures.

• The overall theme of our current series is, “How do we stand firm in our faith and love others well?” That can be especially challenging with those who disagree with or oppose us. Jesus addressed that in Luke 6:32-35.
  • What do you think would happen if you went out of your way to be kind to someone who had hurt or offended you? How might that person be affected? How might you be changed, even if they were not?

• Standing firm in our faith without compromising requires vigilance. Compromise is so dangerous because of its subtlety, its apparent sweet reasonableness. Compromise does not require complete adoption of worldly ways or ideals, but it accommodates them. We would all reject the idea of abandoning Jesus for an idol, but compromise claims we can have the idol and still worship Jesus. 
  • Read: Deuteronomy 5:32, 6:4-7, Philippians 2:12-13, Psalm 119:2-3
  • What are some of the culture’s offerings—television, movies, music, social media, 24/7 news—that could represent compromise, or lead you to compromising your faith?
  • How much do you talk about God’s principles, with other believers; with non-believers? How does or would that help to “write” them upon your heart?

• Confronting without criticizing takes practice and finesse. Social media wars begin when everyone with access to a keyboard uses that platform to confront anyone who disagrees with them. Nothing is gained by such confrontations because the motives behind them are selfish. When confrontation is used to belittle, condemn, or take revenge on another, it is wrong. However, Christians are called to renounce error and proclaim truth, even when it feels confrontational to the hearers. When the confrontation is clothed in love and humility, it can accomplish much good.
  • Read: Matthew 5:11-12, 26:59-64, James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1
  • What is your natural first response when you are insulted or persecuted? How could you respond more like Jesus?
  • How would you apply the verses from James and Galatians above in a real-life situation?
  • Self-talk is very important, especially when we are confronting our own errors or shortcomings. How can you confront those in yourself without becoming self-critical or self-pitying?

• Lacey pointed out that God allows trials in our lives for His purposes. Even though He could save us from our trials, He often saves us through our trials. 
  • Read: Matthew 25:21, James 1:2-5
  • One sub-point here is that our obedience in small things can prepare us for bigger things. What are some small things in which you could be more obedient to God and His ways?
  • Describe a trial that you have survived and how you can see the good that came out of it.

• Surrendering to the trials that God allows into our lives without resigning—without losing or compromising our faith—may be one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian faith. 
  • Read: Job 13:15, Luke 18:1-8, Galatians 6:9
  • Why do you think God often makes us wait for answers to our prayers? What change might He be wanting to see in us?
  • Where might you be growing weary in doing good?
  • As Lacey pointed out Sunday, God is personal, powerful, and ever-present. He is our rescuer, worthy of our trust and complete submission. God alone deserves our exclusive allegiance. How do those truths help you with the two previous questions?

PRAY:
Praise God for who He is, for His grace and mercy. Thank Him for rescuing us through Jesus’s atoning work on the cross, and for the hope He gives us through His resurrection. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to stand firm and love others well.


NEXT STEPS:

• We are better together, and healing comes when we gather in a community of others who want to think and act like Jesus. If you are not already in a RHC Small Group, join one today by going to the website or the RHC App.
• If you have not yet completed Rock Hills’ Growth Track, learn more and sign up here.
• If you have completed Growth Track and are ready to serve, reach out to the church by calling (785) 775-0012, or email to info@myrockhillschurch.com, and you will be put in touch with the right people.