The Resurrection of The Lord Jesus: The Reality & It’s Significance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-17; Romans 6:12-14) Dr. Dan Dorianii

                                                     The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
                                                        The Reality & Its Significance
                                                        1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14-17
                                                                 Romans 6:12-16
                                                               Dr. Dan Doriani
Sermon Questions:


1) Jesus had to rise from the dead. What did this prove? He had to endure death, betrayal and the resurrection.

2) Referring back to the 1 Corinthians 15 passage and Romans 6, what does Scripture say about the resurrection? How is it described?

3) Jesus appeared in His physical body after His resurrection. Why is the fact that His physical body was raised important?

4) The facts of the resurrection have great implications for us as believers. The reign of death has ended! So that when Christ died, we died with Him and that when He rose, we rose with Him. How does that reality impact you now presently? And looking ahead to eternity?

5) Because of the resurrection of Christ, therefore our bodies become “weapons of righteousness” for God. (See Romans 6: 12-16) Do we think of our hands, feet, tongue, etc as “weapons” for the Lord?

6) How do we need to think about sleep, exercise, sex, eating and drinking in light of these gospel truths?  the sermon we heard Dan talk about the “umbles” in our life? (Sometimes our bodies grumble, fumble, mumble, stumble). What areas of our life can we ask the Holy Spirit to help us be better “weapons of righteousness?” How does Paul say about these in Romans?

7) What does the truth of Christ’s resurrection mean for our future bodies?

Matthew 21:1-17 “The Purpose of Power” Ryan Laughlin

                                                       Sermon Discussion Questions

1) After reading through the passage and hearing the sermon, what else did Jesus do in relation to His triumphal entry? How did Jesus handle/steward His power that He possesses?


2) Why was cleansing the temple a priority for Jesus? What was at the heart of his anger/actions?

3) Sermon quote: “Power is a resource that we don’t talk about enough. Are we aware of the sphere of influence that God has given each one of us?” Discuss the sphere of influence in your own life.


4) How do we make room for God when stewarding our gift of power?

5) How do we make room for others when stewarding our gift of power?

6) When we think about power, do we think of serving? “Servanthood is the purpose of power.” Jesus layer aside His power that He may go to the cross to serve us and to empower us with His forgiveness and righteousness. How do we live in light of this truth? Should this truth change how we see ourselves and others?

The Old Testament reading this week was from Zechariah 9:9-17.

Numbers 21:4-9 “Look & Live” Ryan Laughlin

       



                                           Sermon Discussion Questions:
                                                   Numbers 21:4-9

1) After reading through Numbers, some may come to the conclusion that God has dealt harshly with His people. However, a better conclusion would be this is a “long extended meditation to get what we ask for.” How do you view your assessment of the book of Numbers thus far?

2) In verse 5, the people of Israel are complaining about the food, yet again. What is at the root of that complaint? What are they ultimately saying about God in that complaint?

3. A) We heard about the Greek word “acedia”, meaning, “without care” or “deadness of the soul”. How were the Israelites expressing this in chapter 21? How did God respond to them?

3. B) Sometimes we don’t see the good things we have in front of us. How do we recognize this in our lives and how do we battle not being content?

4) Quote from the sermon:“We need to learn that the Lord leads us to the wilderness not to die, but to live!” Unpack that quote a little more. First reactions to this quote. Were those words life-giving? Or were they hard to digest? Where in our own lives are NOT believing that truth about God. What examples do we have of Jesus being our “wilderness expert” that we really need?

5) The Israelites were wanting to go back to Egypt. In doing so, they had forgotten the oppression, slavery, etc of what God had rescued them from by bringing them to the desert. They had also forgotten why God had freed them. Look back on Exodus 5:1, 6:1-9, 7:16, 8:1, 9:1, 9:13. God didn’t just free the Israelites from slavery, but for a purpose. What does Exodus say that purpose was?

6) Sanctification is not introspection but looking outside of ourselves. Just as the Israelites had to look upon the bronzed statue, we must look at Christ who was raised up on our behalf. In what ways this week can you ask the Lord to help you look to Christ instead of your own strength, power, guilt, etc.

“Confidence Collapse” Numbers 20:2-13 Greg Meyer

        

                                                    Sermon Discussion Questions

1) Quote from the sermon: “Leaders are not exempt from needing God’s grace/help in their lives.” Do we realize that in our lives? (That we need just as much grace today as the day that we became believers?) Are we quick to give the leaders in our lives that space to ask for help? Or do we put them on pedestals?

2) This was the 2nd generation of Israelites traveling to the Promised Land. They had seen God provide for them over and over previously. How does God respond to their collapse of confidence?

3) What did God command Moses to do in in verses 6-9? Ultimately, what was God wanting Moses and the Israelites to remember about Himself?

4) Where in our own lives have we faced “confidence collapse” in God? What is the underlying cause of that collapse? How can we respond to that doubt? How can we change those moments when we start to doubt into moments of opportunities to exercise our faith instead of collapsing?

“We need to remember that God responds with paternal love and moves towards us to make a way for relationship and we see that evidenced in Christ.” (Sermon quote)

Application:

5) Ask yourself, “What needs am I feeling parched for in my life?” Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you trust Him in those areas. 

Sermon Discussion Questions: Numbers 17: “Real Flower Power”

       
                                                             Numbers 17



 Sermon/Outline Questions:

1) Following up from the previous chapter (16), we see the Israelites questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron and even wanted to go back to Egypt. In chapter 17, what do we see God doing in response to the people’s rebellion?

2) God gave the Israelites a sign on Aaron’s rod. What did that sign communicate? What did that sign demonstrate?

3) Aaron was God’s chosen mediator/priest for the people of Israel because one was needed. In what ways do we put the “me” back in mediator? Do we behave as if it our own goodness that earns God’s favor? What would not trusting in our own goodness look like in our daily lives?

4) As Christians in the 21st Century what sign do we have that shows God’s power, grace, mercy, etc? How does Christ’s resurrection “act as deterrent” in your life? The resurrection has ongoing implications in our lives. Can you reflect on specific moments when it has acted as a “deterrent”?

5) A quote from the sermon: “Grace changes us from grumblers to givers.” There was a shift in the Israelites attitude/posture toward the Lord at the end of  chapter 17. How were the Israelites instructed to give and live differently as a response to God’s grace? (Looking ahead to chapters 18 & 19)

Sermon Discussion Question: Numbers 16: “Being Consumed” (Chris Smith)

     Text review:

1) In a nutshell, what is this chapter in Numbers about?

2) Who are Korah, Dothan and Abiram? What charge do they bring against Moses?

3) What is Moses’ response to Korah and his followers?

4) What does Moses instruct Korah and his followers to do and why?

From the sermon:

1) What did Chris say was at the heart/root of Koran’s claim?

2) Do you remember a time in your life where you were not living out of gratitude? Reflect back on that time for a minute. How did NOT living out of gratitude impact your relationship with others, yourself and with God?

3) God mercifully provided a way for atonement. What did that atonement system look like in Numbers? (Hint: Aaron) Who do we look to now as our High Priest? Do we see Jesus as our High Priest in our lives?

Numbers 7-10: At the Head and Heart of the Trail (Feb. 17, 2019)

1. Why was it so important that the Israelites carry the Tabernacle into the wilderness with them? 

2. In chapter 7, the tribal chiefs bring their offerings for the dedication of the altar. 

• Why is it significant that they each bring the same items? 
• What is significant about the items they bring? 
• If they aren't commanded to offer these gifts, why do they do it? 
• Consider their actions in light of Puritan pastor, Richard Baxter's words about giving: “You lose no great advantage for heaven by becoming poor -- in pursuing one’s way, the lighter you travel, the better.” How does this challenge our own view of our wealth? 

3. In 7:89, God met with Moses in a specific place. Where was it? Why are these details important to our understanding of Who God is? (Cross-reference: Psalm 99:1-5)

4. In chapter 9, God reiterated the instruction to keep the Passover. Given that the Israelites are only one year removed from the events of the Passover in Egypt, why is this instruction necessary? What does this say about our own need to be reminded to 'feast before the Lord?'

5. In 9:15-22, we learn how God led the people in the wilderness with the glory cloud. Do you sometimes long for that kind of divine guidance? Give an example. Why does this form of guidance seem so compelling to us? How does God lead us now? Share with the group what you need God's guidance for today -- and pray with and for one another that He would graciously give it AND that you would follow!