Deur’s Main Idea:
It’s our natural tendency to become comfortable and complacent with sin and disobedience in our lives. Like Thyatira, we need to take stock of what Jesus is pointing out in us and take steps to get rid of it.
Ice Breakers
Can you name some “false teachers” who have gained a following within Christianity at different points in history?
- What made them attractive?
- How were they exposed as a “false teacher”?
Thoughts on Sunday’s teaching…
Steve talked about the guilds that Thyatira were known for. Unions seem to be a modern day equivalent.
- What might be differences or similarities between guilds of the 1st century and modern day unions?
- Do we have any modern day organizations that would require Christians to compromise their beliefs by becoming members?
Jesus continued to talk about ‘deeds,’ making a big deal of our actions, both good and bad. Steve explained why that’s so important, because “true belief should lead to transformed behavior.”
- How do you think people are transformed and shaped more into the image of Jesus? How does that work?
- How (what process) have you been changed by? Tell about some of the most impacting habits, or activities, or experiences that have changed you.
Application
Jesus does not want us to get comfortable with our sins, he wants us to flee from them. But we don’t always recognize the sins in our lives.
- Why do you think we choose to get comfy with sin in our lives instead of getting ruthless with it, confessing it, and seeking Gods cleansing?
- What sins have you or someone you know and love tended to accommodate? (We’re not looking for a nebulous “they” whom we can throw under the bus. The goal is to humbly name some tendencies that we know we struggle with.)
Next Steps
Read together Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24.
- Take a few minutes to write down for yourself whatever God may bring to mind.
- If you feel lead, share it with the group so we can support you and pray with you.
- Either way, ask God to give you some practical steps to get rid of this sin you tend to keep stumbling into.
