DEAD THINGS COME ALIVE PART 1 SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE
This sermon, part of a series called 'Dead Things Come Alive,' focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance to Christian faith. The pastor emphasizes that believing in the physical resurrection of Jesus is not optional but essential to Christianity. He discusses various theories that attempt to disprove the resurrection and explains why they fail. The sermon also explores the concept of being spiritually dead before accepting Christ and the importance of maintaining both relationship and fellowship with God through repentance.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the power of resurrection in our lives. Help us to be honest with ourselves about areas where we need Your transforming power. Guide our discussion and help us to grow closer to You through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's something you once thought was 'dead' or hopeless in your life that eventually came back to life or worked out better than expected?
Key Verses
John 11:25-26
Ephesians 2:1-5
Revelation 3:1-3
Acts 3:19
Romans 8:11
Questions
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the power of resurrection in our lives. Help us to be honest with ourselves about areas where we need Your transforming power. Guide our discussion and help us to grow closer to You through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's something you once thought was 'dead' or hopeless in your life that eventually came back to life or worked out better than expected?
Key Verses
John 11:25-26
Ephesians 2:1-5
Revelation 3:1-3
Acts 3:19
Romans 8:11
Questions
- What does it mean to be 'spiritually dead,' and how is that different from being 'alive in Christ'?
- How would you explain the importance of Jesus' resurrection to someone who doesn't believe?
- What's the difference between having a relationship with God and having fellowship with God?
- Why is repentance described as a 'maintenance move' in our walk with God?
- How can someone tell if they're just 'going through the motions' of Christianity versus truly being alive in Christ?
- What are some ways people try to 'walk the fence' between godly and ungodly living?
- How does addiction relate to spiritual death, and what role does Christ play in breaking addictions?
- What does it mean to be 'made in the image of God' and how should that affect our daily lives?
- How would you define the difference between simply existing and truly living in God's Spirit?
Life Application
This week, identify one area in your life where you've been 'walking the fence' between godly and ungodly living. Make a specific plan to move away from that 'edge' and toward complete obedience to God. Write down your plan and share it with a trusted friend or family member who can help hold you accountable.
Key Takeaways
The physical resurrection of Jesus is essential to Christian faith and distinguishes Christianity from other religions.
We can maintain our relationship with God while temporarily breaking fellowship through sin
Repentance is necessary for restoring fellowship with God and experiencing spiritual refreshing
Living close to the 'edge' of sin makes us vulnerable to falling away from God
True life in Christ requires dying to self and allowing God to fully control our lives
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection power that brings dead things to life. Help us to walk away from anything that leads to spiritual death and embrace the abundant life You offer. Give us the courage to repent where needed and the strength to live fully surrendered to You. May we not just have a relationship with You, but enjoy deep fellowship through obedience to Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This week, identify one area in your life where you've been 'walking the fence' between godly and ungodly living. Make a specific plan to move away from that 'edge' and toward complete obedience to God. Write down your plan and share it with a trusted friend or family member who can help hold you accountable.
Key Takeaways
The physical resurrection of Jesus is essential to Christian faith and distinguishes Christianity from other religions.
We can maintain our relationship with God while temporarily breaking fellowship through sin
Repentance is necessary for restoring fellowship with God and experiencing spiritual refreshing
Living close to the 'edge' of sin makes us vulnerable to falling away from God
True life in Christ requires dying to self and allowing God to fully control our lives
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection power that brings dead things to life. Help us to walk away from anything that leads to spiritual death and embrace the abundant life You offer. Give us the courage to repent where needed and the strength to live fully surrendered to You. May we not just have a relationship with You, but enjoy deep fellowship through obedience to Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.