Small Group Bible Study

Take Heart!
 - Week 
2

You Can't Change People...but He can

John 16:4-11
Discussion Guide
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For Christians facing opposition while on mission with Jesus, there is some very good news in this passage -- Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to show people in the world the things they need to repent of. Pro tip: never stop asking the Spirit to do the same for you.

READ

John 16:4-11a

4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling."

But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

• Why is it important that we remember often the words Jesus says?

• What role do you think the Holy Spirit has in bringing things to remembrance in order to obey and respond like Jesus would?

• Share a time when scripture was brought to mind and it brought about a change in you.

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin...

‍• In our culture sin is understood as a weaponized word and to deny someone rights to their own truth is oppression and abusive.

• What is your response to that? Agree or disagree?

• What does the Bible say that sin is? How is this different than from what the world says?

...and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.‍

• In your own words, what is righteousness?

• What is the purpose of biblical judgement? What does this reveal about our human tendency to be judgmental?

RESPONSE

1) Some of you need to admit | You've been trying to change on your own. What is one way you've been doing that?

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2) Some of you need to receive this encouragement | Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to navigate hard issues like sin and judgement and the pursuit of righteousness. In what ways can you celebrate this in your real life?

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3) Some of you need God to soften your heart | "Love the sinner, hate your sin." What sin can you identify and repent of today?

DNA CHALLENGE

Commit to joining our church family for 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting
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CHURCH WIDE FOCUS: "A Building and Breakthrough"

FAST FROM THIS — Wednesday skip a meal or two with us.

PRAY THROUGH THIS — For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

ASK FOR THIS — Political and racial unity.

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