Control –– Breath Peace --- May 17, 2015
Scripture: John 20:19-23
Key Verses: John 20:19-23
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.”After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”
Summary: You can buy many things at the store, but joy, peace and forgiveness are found in God’s Spirit. Giving up control in our own lives and allowing God to have control leads to experiencing peace in your life. Joy is found in seeing God’s presence at work in your life and in the lives of people. Unforgiveness begins to control us, but forgiveness (which we experience through God’s Spirit) frees us.
Prayer Starter: Pastor Jacob asked people to pray the following prayer last week. Begin your time together by saying this prayer today: “Today, O God, when I feel out of control would you remind me that you are in control. And today, O God, when I feel that I am in control, would you gently remind me that I wasn’t made to be. I invite you to your rightful place as Lord over me. Amen.”
Discussion Starter: Where have you seen God this week? How does naming where you have seen God at work bring joy to your life?
Read and Discuss
Unless otherwise noted, scriptures have been researched and referenced based on the New International Version (NIV); however any translation is perfectly acceptable to use for discussion.
1. Read John 20:19-23 again. What did Jesus say to his closes followers when he appeared to them? What do these verses say about the Holy Spirit? What do you think this means? What is the connection between control and forgiveness or unforgiveness? How have you experience this in your own life or the lives of other people?
2. Read Psalm 73:23-26. What do these verses say about God’s Spirit present with us? One of these verses say that our heart and flesh may fail, but God is our strength forever. How does this help you to give God control of your life? How do these verses encourage you to give up control?
3. Read Acts 1:6-14. In these verses we hear the question: “Jesus, when will you restore the Kingdom of Israel.” What was Jesus’ response to this question? What does this response say about our control? What do these verses say about God’s power? How do we, as followers of Jesus, receive power? After Jesus ascended into the heavens, what did the disciples do? What role does prayer play in your own life as you give up control of your life and give control to God?
Pray/Respond: Pastor Jacob says that God’s Spirit gives us peace & joy. In Psalm 100:3-4 it says: “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” As a group, share the ways God has given the you peace and joy. Then, allow some time to share places or ways that people are not feeling peace or joy in their lives. Offer those as prayers up to God. End with a prayer where your group offers thanksgivings and shares their concerns with God.