Week One - Uncover
Why did Natha say we can't change on our own?
Because it's God who changes people.
How did Natha describe bad things in this week?
We weren't necessarily doing huge terrible things, but we were just in the bad habit of doing pointless things like timewasting or filling our head with distractions.
What does it mean to be adopted as sons or daughters?
Our identity is no longer "slave to sin" but "sons & daughters of God."
What was the title of each of the four weeks?
Uncover, Rebuild, Fill up, Set Sail
"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Jesus
What did Natha mean when he said to look horizontally for changes, rather than vertically?
More Bible reading and prayer is always good, but sometimes the solution is to reshape how our horizontal relationships and habits in the world look first. Basically, we look horizontally to make space.
Jesus used the image of an empty, clean house that is put in order. In your own words, tell me - why is it important not to leave the house that way?
Because while the initial emptiness feels fresh, something has to take up the space, otherwise it ends up worse than before.
According to Natha, what was the clue to the puzzle?
The Holy Spirit, that unlocks our spirit.
What is the full definition of repentance?
To seek forgiveness, and also change/head the other direction.
"With a donkey's jawbone I have made donkeys of them..."
Samson
What was the image or metaphor Natha used to explain why we don't see God?
If you want to see the stars when in the city, you can't because of all the lights and noise around you that block your view. To see them, you need to actually separate from the city.
How did Natha use chocolate to explain how habits work?
Cues - you see chocolate and brain says, "eat it."
Routines - you eat the chocolate
Rewards - the good taste of chocolate
Looking at the whole lesson of this week, what would make it legalism vs. holiness?
Legalism = doing all these things to become holy
Holiness = doing all these things because God has already made us holy through Jesus.
Because of the state of the church overall, what did Natha say were the three possible options moving forward, and which should we choose?
2. Sit back and say "God's got this."
3. Repentance
"These people are not drunk, as you suppose! It's only nine in the morning!"
Peter
What is a hedonist?
What were the 5 pillars for success in filling our hearts with new habits?
Spiritual, Sport, Social, Snack, Sleep
What is sanctification?
What is justification? (or to be justified).
Sanctification - the process of becoming more and more like Jesus over time.
Justification - being made right before God. Basically, we're able to stand before God as though we've never sinned. (Happens immediately when we accept Jesus).
Why does the church have to be unified to save the lost?
Because nobody wants to join a church that doesn't set the example of Jesus. If we don't look different than the world, how is that going to bring people to this new life in Jesus?
"Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Joseph
What did Natha say was impossible in the presence of God?
To see God and not be amazed and transformed.
How did Natha break down: "empty, swept, and put in order"?
Empty = separation from evil
Swept = a thorough job, spotless
Put in Order = new, healthy habits created
Why is there still struggle and temptation even after we're adopted as sons and daughters of God? And how do you conquer that struggle?
The spirit is redeemed, but the body (or flesh) isn't. It's been in charge your whole life, and still wants to be. But, as we're led by the spirit, the flesh submits to our spirit that has been unlocked by God.
Our spirit commands, and the body must follow.
Why did Natha say (overall) that the church is in bad condition? (Gimme 5 reasons).
Weakness, massive separations, addictions everywhere, false teachers, a super high rate of divorce.
Overall, the church seems to be struggling with a lot of the same things as the world.
"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them."
Zechariah (father of John the Baptist)