Unit 1
The Myth of Complexity
Begin Session
Opening Remarks
Announcements
Opening Prayer
This is the only Unit that includes an extra day. In the Introduction you went through Day 1. Begin today’s session with the Review of Day 2.
Review Day 2: God Is Able
Overview:
Day 2 presented the two different perspectives on where the dark side of human nature comes from. All people believe one perspective or the other. The choices people make are determined by what they believe. Your belief about God influences how you resolve the difficulties in your life.
Points To Emphasize:
- God is the Creator of all things.
- The Bible is our guidebook.
- We are born with sinful hearts.
Share:
Have 1 or 2 people share a most meaningful thought and how they applied it.
Bonus Material: Illustration – “The Baseball Team”
Use the following illustration to support the principle presented on page 7: "God does not bring Scripture to mind that has never been studied or memorized."
When preparing for games, a baseball team practices every day all the skills that they will need. They pitch, catch, run, and bat over and over so that when the pressure of the game is on they don't have to think about what is required, they just do it. So it is with scripture memorization. We memorize so that when we are in the pressure of the moment we are able to pull from a well-practiced reservoir of truth to apply wisdom and make a decision.
Bonus Material: Activity – Memorization Cards
To help your group members memorize scripture, you may want to provide them with note card sets. Go to an office supply store and purchase spiral bound note card sets (one for each group member). The sets are available in 3x5 or 4x6 and come bound in cards of 50. The spiral bound format is helpful in keeping the cards together and protected so that they can be reviewed over and over each week. They are also easy to carry in the car or briefcase and can be easily propped up anywhere for quick study. Cards can also be used long after this study ends.
Review Day 3: The Spirit's Life Is the Best Life!
Overview:
On Day 3 we read the story of a young couple who had lost two children and a business relationship within the same year. They had come to Dr. Brandt for some help at a conference. We are to forgive others whether they ask for forgiveness or not. If we do not, we are nursing a grudge and do not really understand the grace that was shown to us by God when He forgave us. This forgiveness is possible when the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives.
Points To Emphasize:
- Nursing a grudge hurts no one but you. You are a slave to the person you hate.
- To be filled by the Spirit means to be controlled by the Spirit.
Share:
Have 1 or 2 people share a most meaningful thought and how they applied it.
Bonus Material: Illustration – “Who Is In Control?”
Use the following illustration to help explain the idea of being filled, or controlled, by the Spirit. Put an empty chair in front of the group before you begin.
Imagine that your life is represented by a chair that we will call the "throne” of your life. Who is sitting on the throne and in control? There are really only two options to choose from: Either your sinful nature is in control or the Holy Spirit is in control.
The differences between each nature are described in Galatians 5:19-23: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (NIV).
The influence of the sinful nature or the Holy Spirit is easily seen by those around us.
Review Day 4: God's Cleansing Power
Overview:
Here we heard the story of Joe and Martha and their rebellious son, Mike. This story is a common example of what is going on in many homes today. Unfortunately, many parents are being trained by their children and their children’s attitudes. If a child gets what he wants, he rewards the parents with a good attitude. If he does not get what he wants, he punishes them with a bad attitude. Joe and Martha’s story is a great example of how to get parents back in the leadership position in the home.
Points To Emphasize:
- In Joe and Martha’s situation, the home has been a training center, but the son has been the trainer training his parents in the way he wants them to go.
- Do not underestimate the cleansing power available when anyone approaches God as a repentant sinner.
Share:
Have 1 or 2 people share a most meaningful thought and how they applied it.
Review Day 5 (Part 1): A Listener with an Open Heart
Overview:
Here is another story of a rebellious child. Duke’s parents are a great example of people who learned to trust the Lord, stay unified as a couple, and did whatever was necessary to save their son and enforce righteousness.
Points To Emphasize:
- Whatever parents decide to do about a rebellious child, they need to be like-minded.
- Trust the Lord with your rebellious children, and do not be afraid of losing them. When they are in rebellion, they are already lost; this is your opportunity to win them back.
- Depend on God to direct your paths as parents, and do whatever is necessary to enforce righteousness.
Share:
Have 1 or 2 people share a most meaningful thought and how they applied it.
Review Day 5 (Part 2): Give Simplicity a Chance
Overview:
In today’s section we were reminded that it doesn't matter how many years a problem between two people has existed. If you accept the responsibility for your part in the conflict by confessing to God, and do your part to repair the relationship, you can have a changed heart and experience God’s peace.
Points to Emphasize:
- A person will not have peace until they repent to God and apologize to the other person for their bad attitude.
- Many people are just a repentant prayer away from a changed heart.
Share:
Have 1 or 2 people share a most meaningful thought and how they applied it.
Conclude Session
Wrap-Up
Closing Prayer / Prayer Partners
