Week 4 “Power: Christ Resurrected to Transform Us”
Warm Up
Are you more of a morning person or a night person? Why?
Have you always been that way?
Introduction
Take some time to discuss any thoughts you have regarding this week’s message.
Throughout our lives, we go through many changes. We learn new things, change our perspectives, move to a new area, make new friends, and our own bodies are constantly changing. We are not the same today as we were yesterday. We hope our lives will improve, and we seek to better ourselves. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we take steps backward, and our lives become more problematic instead.
Thankfully, our life in Christ is in God’s hands. He transforms us for the better. As
2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Our old self is our sinful self, sometimes called the Old Adam. Our new self is justified by Christ, who died for us on the cross and rose again, conquering death.
The term Christian means “Little Christ”. We were made in God’s image, but we tainted that image with our sin. However, when God looks at us now, all he sees is Jesus in us. As we walk in faith, our life is transformed to be more like Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, we hear that, “The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
How does this transformation take effect in our lives? What does it look like?
In what ways have you been changed for the good by knowing Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit?
Digging Deeper (Scripture and discussion questions)
Read Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 5:1-20, and discuss each story.
Discuss:
How does Jesus exhibit his power in these two Bible stories?
How did those involved respond?
Jesus uses miracles to reveal his power to forgive sins and change lives. How does forgiveness transform our lives?
Maybe you know someone, or you yourself, who is waiting for a miracle or sign from God. What could you tell them about God’s power to encourage them?
How does God show his power to us still today? What has God done in your life personally to bring lasting change?
Taking It Home
What is one key point from this discussion that I want to remember and apply?
How will it impact my life moving forward?
Challenge of the Week
Look for evidence of God’s power in your life this week. Were there any unexpected blessings? Did you respond to a difficult situation in a godly way? Did you experience his love, joy, or peace differently this week? Journal about your experiences this week.
Prayer
Take time to share any prayer concerns or requests people in the group have, and close in prayer for each other.
Dear Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins and making us a new creation. Continue to transform us to be more like you. Help us see your power at work this week. Amen.
