Hazmat (Week 2)
This week we continue our series on the toxicity of sin and learn about how Christ’s work on the Cross has set us free from the prison of sin.
1. Lent begins this Wednesday, February 14. This season is traditionally a time to simplify, slow down, and evaluate the things in our life we can do without. Some also consider starting a consistent practice of prayer or something else that helps fix our minds on God. Our current Hazmat series and our last series (Under The Influence) fit well this with season. (See below for an additional devotional on Lent.)
Talk about your experience or history with Lent. Are you “practicing” Lent this year? If so, how?
2. Read Romans 6:15-19.
What do you think about the idea that we are all slaves to something or someone? What are your thoughts about being a “slave to righteousness”?
3. Read Romans 7:19-25 in the NIV.
In what areas are you, like Paul, vulnerable to the “prison of sin”? In other words, what are some examples in your life of ‘what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do?
4. Now, read the same passage here in the Message translation.
Does reading this version of the passage help clarify what Paul is saying? What do you understand about this passage?
5. Read Romans 8:1-4.
What are the implications to you personally that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”?
6.Do you truly feel set free from sin, or do you struggle to feel free given the very real presence of sin in our world?
7. Read Hebrews 12:1-2.
What does it mean to you that God is the “author” or “pioneer” of our faith? What about “perfector?” How do these things give you hope?
8. Talk about what it means for you to “fix your eyes” on Jesus.
Lent: A Season of Rest and Return
A Reflection by Chuck DeGroat
As a pastor, one of my favorite services to participate in was the Ash Wednesday service. "You are dust, and to dust you shall return," I'd whisper, as I imposed an ashen cross on the forehead.
You are dust.
Years ago, I thought that was synonymous with you are bad. But, what if it meant something more like You are of the earth.
You are humus. That's latin for earth, soil, ground. On Ash Wednesday, what I was really whispering was, "Be humbled. Return to the ground of your being. You weren't meant to fly ten feet above it, exhausting yourself."
Read more here…
(*Video available after Sunday services)
