2/16 - 2/20 Life Group Questions
^ Click “Note” ^ Remember to write down some short notes for each of the questions below before heading to life group.
1.
Share 1 thing that stood out to you about Sunday's Message. (1 minute max please) Also press play button in image above to watch or listen to Sundays message if you missed it or just to refresh your memory. (Each Individual)
2. The Ripple Effect
Genesis 27:41
41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”
Obadiah 1:10
10 “(Edom/Esau) Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever.
How much damage can one broken relationship really do? On Sunday Pastor Gary told us that the broken relationship between Jacob & Esau caused death and destruction and division that spanned for over 1200 years. Eventually one broken relationship led to deceit, robbery, murder, the fall of nations, and God’s wrath. Pastor Gary asked us to look at the ripple effects our “ancestors” broken relationships have had on us, and how our broken relationships may have ripple effects in the lives of our “future generations”.
Ancestor to You: Think of someone else’s broken relationship and how that has impacted you in a negative way? (Each Individual)
You to Future: Think of one broken relationship in your life that is, or will in the future, impact someone you love or care about in a negative way? (Each Individual)
3. National Sin
Obadiah 1:11-14
11 When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them. Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies. 12 “You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble. 13 You should not have plundered the land of Israel when they were suffering such calamity. You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity. You should not have seized their wealth when they were suffering such calamity. 14 You should not have stood at the crossroads, killing those who tried to escape. You should not have captured the survivors and handed them over in their terrible time of trouble.
On Sunday Pastor Gary said that God was extremely upset with Edom because of their actions towards the people of Judah when the Babylonians invaded them. He told us that this is why God proclaimed His judgement to the nation of Edom through the prophet Obadiah.
Obadiah 1:2,8,15
2 The LORD says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised 8 At that time not a single wise person will be left in the whole land of Edom,” says the LORD . “For on the mountains of Edom I will destroy everyone who has understanding. 15 “The day is near when I, the LORD, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.
On a national level Pastor Gary told us that God cares about how we deal with refugees, if we attempt to capitalize off of others financially when they are desperate, how we feel about other nations experiencing misfortune, how we decide if other nations are godly or ungodly, and which nations we become allies with. The Edomites failed in all of these areas when it came to dealing with Judah and Babylon.
What do you think about the idea of national sin? Does God hold individuals within a nation accountable for the decisions made by their leaders and actions taken by their military? Is national sin something Christians should be concerned about? What role do citizens or individuals play in dealing with national sin? Can you think of examples of any national sin anywhere in the world throughout history? What do you think the answer for national sin is? (Group Discussion)
4. Just Let It Go
Genesis 33
9 Esau answered. “Keep what you have for yourself.”
11 And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.
12 “Well,” Esau said, “let’s be going. I will lead the way.”
15 “All right,” Esau said, “but at least let me assign some of my men to guide and protect you.”
16 So Esau turned around and started back to Seir that same day.
On Sunday Pastor Gary told us that what looked like forgiveness and restoration between Jacob & Esau was likely Esau just letting go instead of actually forgiving. Esau wanted to give to Jacob and lead Jacob when they were reunited and instead Jacob gave to him and Jacob still did exactly what he wanted to do just like he did when the two of them were young. Its not surprising that the anger of Esau/Edom was still there 1200 years later. Pastor Gary told us that real forgiveness can be harder to give than we think but we will still be judged for unforgiveness.
Amos 1:11
11 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever.
In Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus said
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Is it enough to “just let it go” or do we have to actually forgive people who have hurt us? How do we actually forgive instead of being satisfied with letting things go? What if forgiveness isn't desired or even accepted by the other person? What about forgiving and being hurt again? Why does Jesus expect so much from us when He knows how deeply we’ve been hurt and how hard it is for us to forgive? (Group Discussion)
* Remember to pray for each other before heading home from life group and to stay in communication here in the app throughout the week on your life group messaging thread!