7.30.23 Huddle

Onelifechurch   -   July 27, 2023

Opening Discussion

  • Why does it matter that we learn about the end times?

Read and Discuss

Luke 21:34-36 NIV

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

  • What does Jesus want His disciples to know and be aware of?
  • How do some people weigh their hearts and lives down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life?
  • What are some things you may do to live in the moment instead of keeping the bigger picture of God’s plan in mind?
  • How do you deal with the anxieties of life?
  • What are some ways you can keep watch, pray, and be careful?

Read Romans 14:10-13 NIV

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

  • What is Paul wanting those reading this to understand about judgment?
  • Why does Paul not want us to get caught up in judging one another?
  • If a brother or sister in Christ is in sin, how can we help them without judging them?
  • Is there anyone you feel you are being judgmental towards now?
    • How can you reconcile that with that person?
  • Why will we have to stand before the judgment seat of God to give an account?
  • How can we live in a way that honors God?
  • What is scary about giving an account of ourselves before God?
  • How does a life of following Jesus create peace when we stand before the judgment seat of God?
  • If it isn’t our actions that save us, why are our actions important?

Read Luke 21:33

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Read 1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

  • Why is knowing God’s word so important?
  • How do we see evidence of Jesus’ words never passing away?
  • What are some ways the word of God can keep us from conforming to the evil desires that plague us?
  • What does it mean to be holy as God is holy?
  • What are some steps you can take to holiness?
  • Why does God call us to this high standard of holiness?
  • What can you do to make sure that your actions are out of your love for Jesus and not because you think it earns you some special privileges?

Apply it!

  • What is one passage of scripture you can study this week to help you walk in His holiness?

Memorize it!

1 Peter 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Prayer TACOS

Thank the Lord for showing us how to live a life of holiness

Adoration– Worship the Lord for His holiness

Confess to the times you have judged others and conformed to evil desires

Others- Pray for someone who has not yet come to faith in Christ. Pray the Lord would give you the opportunity to talk to them this week

Self- Ask the Lord to help you walk in His holiness this week

 

Closing Thoughts

The end will come. We don’t know when, but we do know Jesus said it would be soon. That was around 2000 years ago. So what are you doing to prepare yourself? I’m not talking doomsday bunkers and stocking up on guns. What are you doing spiritually? Jesus talked about people who get caught up with anxiety or numbing their lives with drinking. For me, it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media. Any free moment, my phone is out and I’m flipping through something. It’s not healthy or helpful. 

Today’s readings were reminders that we are going to face judgment for the time we wasted, the sins we committed, and what we did to advance God’s kingdom on earth. What is God calling you to do that you are avoiding? Part of the reason that I have been writing the “Closing Thoughts” paragraph on the weekly Huddle is because I feel like the Lord has called me to write. This is a starting point, but I need to start disciplining myself to take it further. 

The goal in all of this is so that I will live a life of holiness. Set apart from the world around me, as a light into the darkness. But Jesus has to be at the center of it all. If He isn’t, then it becomes selfish and about me. What is the Lord calling you to do? Will you do it?