DEAD THINGS COME ALIVE PART 2 SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE
Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15, using it to illustrate how believers can sometimes live as 'the living dead' - those who are spiritually alive in Christ but living as if they're still dead in sin. The pastor contrasts the son's negative reactions (self-condemnation, lowered expectations) with the father's loving response (running to meet him, restoring his position and authority). The message emphasizes God's unconditional love and desire to fully restore His children, regardless of their past mistakes.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your word, open our hearts and minds to understand Your incredible love for us. Help us to see ourselves as You see us - not as condemned sinners, but as Your beloved children. Guide our discussion and reveal the truths You want each person to receive today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Can you share a time when someone showed you unexpected forgiveness or grace when you felt you didn't deserve it?
Key Verses
Luke 15:20-22
2 Corinthians 5:21
Romans 8:33
Isaiah 61:10
Questions
This sermon focuses on the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15, using it to illustrate how believers can sometimes live as 'the living dead' - those who are spiritually alive in Christ but living as if they're still dead in sin. The pastor contrasts the son's negative reactions (self-condemnation, lowered expectations) with the father's loving response (running to meet him, restoring his position and authority). The message emphasizes God's unconditional love and desire to fully restore His children, regardless of their past mistakes.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your word, open our hearts and minds to understand Your incredible love for us. Help us to see ourselves as You see us - not as condemned sinners, but as Your beloved children. Guide our discussion and reveal the truths You want each person to receive today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Can you share a time when someone showed you unexpected forgiveness or grace when you felt you didn't deserve it?
Key Verses
Luke 15:20-22
2 Corinthians 5:21
Romans 8:33
Isaiah 61:10
Questions
- How do you typically respond when you've made a mistake or failed in some way - do you tend to run toward God or away from Him?
- What does it mean to be 'the living dead' as a Christian? How might this show up in our daily lives?
- In what ways do you sometimes lower your expectations of what God can/will do in your life?
- How does the father's response in the story differ from what the son expected? What does this teach us about God's character?
- What significance do you see in the three gifts the father gave his son (robe, ring, sandals)?
- How can we break free from the mindset of being 'unworthy' of God's love and acceptance?
- What role does our identity in Christ play in how we live our daily lives?
- How can we help others understand God's unconditional love and acceptance?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been living like 'the living dead' - perhaps through self-condemnation or believing you're unworthy of God's love. Each day, intentionally replace those thoughts with truth from Scripture about who God says you are in Christ. Write down these truths and speak them aloud daily.
Key Takeaways
God runs toward us in our failures, not away from us
Our identity in Christ is not based on our performance but on His finished work
God's response to our repentance is full restoration, not partial acceptance
We cannot have dominion over things we tolerate in our lives
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable - our mistakes don't change our identity in Him
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love that runs toward us even when we feel unworthy. Help us to fully embrace our identity as Your sons and daughters, walking in the authority and purpose You've given us. Remove any 'living dead' mindsets and replace them with the truth of who we are in You. May we live fully alive in Your grace and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This week, identify one area where you've been living like 'the living dead' - perhaps through self-condemnation or believing you're unworthy of God's love. Each day, intentionally replace those thoughts with truth from Scripture about who God says you are in Christ. Write down these truths and speak them aloud daily.
Key Takeaways
God runs toward us in our failures, not away from us
Our identity in Christ is not based on our performance but on His finished work
God's response to our repentance is full restoration, not partial acceptance
We cannot have dominion over things we tolerate in our lives
God's gifts and calling are irrevocable - our mistakes don't change our identity in Him
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love that runs toward us even when we feel unworthy. Help us to fully embrace our identity as Your sons and daughters, walking in the authority and purpose You've given us. Remove any 'living dead' mindsets and replace them with the truth of who we are in You. May we live fully alive in Your grace and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.