What is the Gospel?

What are the Enemies of the Gospel?

How do We Live Out the Gospel?

For further thought and discussion:

Getting Started

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2. Why, in your opinion, does the church exist? What should be its mission?

Going Deeper

3. Please read Galatians 2:11-21. What problem did Paul observe in Antioch? What caused this problem? From Paul’s rebuke of Peter, what exactly is the gospel? How were the Jewish Christians in Antioch failing to be straightforward about the truth of the gospel?
4. What are the two enemies of the gospel? How do you see religion and irreligion (legalism and license) in Paul’s rebuke to Peter in Galatians 2? How would you define each? Which one are you in more danger of falling into? 5. Compare religion, irreligion and the gospel in how they approach the following issues.
a. Obedience to God
b. Motivation to obey God
c. Hard times
d. Criticism of and from others
e. Prayer
f. Identity (how we look at ourselves)
g. Desires
6. How can you apply the gospel more consistently to your own life? How can we apply the gospel more consistently at Creekside?

Application
What is one lesson you will apply from this week’s discussion? How will you apply it?

For Further Thought and Discussion
Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?
2. How would you complete this sentence? “I will be satisfied when….”

Going Deeper
3. Please read Luke 2:21-38. How would you describe Simeon? Anna? What does vs. 29-30 tell you about Simeon?

4. How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of wanting the right thing? Can you identify anything you’ve looked for fulfillment from which has disappointed you? Why?

5. Why are Mary and Joseph amazed (vs. 32) at what Simeon says about Jesus? How is Simeon’s message different from what the Jews expected of the Messiah? (vs. 30-35). How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of embracing temporary discomfort for an eternal reward? How does Mary? Can you think of an example of when temporary discomfort led to satisfaction?

6. How do Simeon and Anna exemplify the truth that fulfillment is the result of believing before seeing? Why does true fulfillment require faith? What are you currently waiting for God to do?

Application
What is one thing you can do this week to apply this passage?