« Back to Beyond the Message

How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from May 15, 2022, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.

1. As Pastor411 comes to an end for this season, what was your favourite question? What question(s) would you still like more information about? Consider how you and your group could go deeper into that topic, or email your questions to mark@westmeadows.org and Pastor Mark will get back to you.

2. How can I discern God’s will for my life? If there is something to discern in your life now, or if you need to discern God’s will in the future, answer the following questions:

   1. What passions, giftings, abilities do you believe God has given to you?

   2. Who are the specific godly people who you trust to encourage you and call out where they see God’s presence and giftings?

   3. What are some examples of fruitfulness that you have experienced or could investigate?

   4. What step of faith could you take that would allow God to correct or confirm His direction for your life?

3. Obeying the Old Testament Laws.

   1. If you have ever read the first five books of the Bible (Genesis – Deuteronomy), what do you recall thinking or feeling as you read?

   2. Have someone in the group read Romans 7:7-25 out loud, while others make note of what this passage says the law is, and is not.

   3. When deciding which of the 613 Old Testament laws are still binding upon us today, does organizing them into the three categories (ceremonial, civil, moral) help?

4. Are there sins beyond God’s forgiveness?

   1. Read 1 Corinthians 5:12. Who is this letter and teaching given to? Why is it important to keep this context in mind?

   2. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. As you read the list of sins in v.9-10, do you feel yourself “ranking” these sins? If so, which one to you label as the worst? Why?

   3. Read Matthew 12:31. What is “blasphemy against the Spirit?” What does this verse tell us about how God views the sins on Paul’s list?

   4. These passages reveal that both faith and conduct matter. Read James 2:17-19. Why do Paul and James both put such an emphasis upon “showing your faith by your deeds?” (Hint: the sermon illustration about living out your marriage vows)

5. In what relationships should we not be “unequally yoked?”

   1. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14. What does it mean to be “unequally yoked?”

   2. Give some examples of relationships you currently have/ could have where it is OK to be unequally yoked. Why are these important relationships to have? What are the opportunities and limits to these relationships?

   3. Give some examples of relationships you currently have/ could have where it is NOT OK to not be unequally yoked. Why are these important relationships to have? What are the opportunities and limits to these relationships?

   Note: Recall the summary questions Pastor Mark ended this answer with. If needed, go to westmeadows.org/watch-and-listen if you need a reminder.