Judah: On Becoming a Submissive Soul
1 Peter 1:6-9, Genesis 1-2
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor
Right in the midst of our soulish control of life, God is still at work. But God loves us too much to allow us to remain there. So how do we move from soul based living to spirit based living?
I. Hunger Motivates
II. Curiosity and Confession Instigates
III. Result: Christ Revealed
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
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Richard said that “transformation is the whole point of our life in Christ.” How would you define the word transformation as part of the Christian life?
- If our life experiences shape us in big ways:
- what is one past experience that is positively shaping how you are living today?
- What about negatively?
- In reflection, are there ways that you wish you had responded differently to the negative moments?
- As way of homework, consider having each person complete a life map. Drawing a line across the paper, you can include “above the line” moments in life (ex. Being born, graduating, getting married, having a child etc. ) and “below the line moments” (ex. Parental addictions, divorce, health diagnosis, etc.) that define your life. Discuss the transformative presence of Christ throughout these different moments. The goal is to create space for people to take a long look at their personal narrative in order to see how Christ integrates with their story and how they are a part of his larger story.
- In what ways do you need transformation from God in a specific area of life?
- Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. How does this passage explain the process of transformation in the Christian life?
- The story of Judah from the book of Genesis displays an incredibly dysfunctional life in many ways. Yet he is transformed over time. What problems were present in Judah’s life?
- The hunger for food in the midst of famine motivated Judah and his family. What are you hungry for in this season? Do you feel a hunger for knowing God intimately?
- Genesis 42:21 shows Judah and his brothers confessing their wrongdoing. What does confession have to do with transformation?
- How can you seek Jesus in a specific way this week with the goal of being transformed by him?