Date: July 28, 2024
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 12:12-17, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Samuel 30:6

Facilitator Questions:
Theme:  Be strong in the Lord
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Read Hebrews 12:12-17. What things does the author exhort the Hebrews to do?
• What does it mean to fall short of the grace of God? How is God’s active grace essential for strength? How do you not fall short of God’s grace?
• Paul says in Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Then he describes putting on the whole armor of God. What do the parts of the armor have to do with accessing God’s almighty power?
• Why did the author warn the Hebrews about Esau’s ungodliness? What lesson is there for us?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• Who is a role model for you of someone who is spiritually strong? What do you respect or want to imitate in that person?
• 1 Samuel 30:6 gives the example of David, the man after God’s own heart. “And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him… but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” How do you strengthen yourself in the Lord your God when you are in trouble? How is that different from drawing on your own strength?
• Read Ephesians 6:10-12. Do you tend to be more or less aware that we fight not only against our own flesh but also against evil powers? How can this awareness help you become stronger and fight evil more effectively?
• As we have studied Hebrews 12 for the past several weeks, what has the Holy Spirit been revealing to you about your own spiritual condition and need for reinforcement? How has He been encouraging and warning you through the Word?
• How much is reading, hearing and studying the Word of God a regular part of your spiritual exercise to become strong? If it isn’t, why not?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Praise God for His almighty power and absolute perfection.
• Thank Him for His willingness to impart His power and goodness to His people through His Word and His Spirit.
• Confess your need for more of Him, and pray for Him to have His way in your heart.
• Pray that the Body of Christ will be strengthened to stand for righteousness and to withstand evil.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Read, meditate on and memorize Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”