Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on July 5, 2020
Passage: Galatians 5:22-23; Luke 19:1-10
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike continued our summer series on the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT by looking at how a bad guy named Zacchaeus became a good guy through the power of the Spirit.
Looking back at your notes from Sunday’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, caught your attention, challenged or confused you?
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
What would you do if distant relative called and announced they were dropping by for a surprise visit in your home and would arrive in ten minutes? How would you prepare?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. The religious leaders in this story didn’t believe Zacchaeus deserved to have Jesus talk with him. How can you fight against the attitude that some people are more deserving of grace while others have fallen too far away? According to the following passage, what was in the Apostle Paul’s past that could have discouraged him from accepting God’s grace?
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NLT2)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
According to Acts 9:26-31, how did the followers of Jesus first respond to news of Saul’s conversion? What changed their mind about him?
How did your loved ones, friends, and associates respond after news of your conversion? Were they surprised, suspicious, happy, upset?
2. Read Luke 19:1-10 and 18:18-27. Compare the two stories with each other. What does this teach us about true repentance and a true seeker after God? What does the following passage teach about the difference between true and false repentance?
Luke 3:7-14 (NLT2)
7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” 10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?” 11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
How did Zacchaeus show integrity in his decision to follow Jesus?
Why was it important for Zacchaeus to go over and above with his actions after deciding to follow Jesus?
3. How have you experienced the seeking or saving power of Jesus in your life ? What are some ways Jesus has changed you?
4. Jesus said He came for the lost. What can we learn from Jesus’ approach in reaching Zacchaeus and bringing him to faith? What can we do individually and as a church to more effectively offer acceptance to those who may have a reputation as “notorious sinners”?
TAKE IT HOME
1. What is your biggest takeaway from this sermon and study?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
