the authority of the believer, part 1

“The Authority of the Believer, part 1”

From the series:  Heaven touches Earth

OPENING QUESTION:

1. Name one leader whom you respect the most.  Why?  (This could be a world leader, or someone closer to your life.)

    

DIGGING DEEPER:

1. READ 25:14-30.
2. For the purpose of understanding, let’s break down the story a bit.  In verse 14 when Jesus says “Again, it will be like…” to what does the “it” refer? (check out verse 1)
3. Who is represented by the “man going on a journey”?
4. Who is represented by the servants of the house?
5. What do the talents represent?
6. Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man going on a journey who left his estate to his servants.  What does this say about the kind of trust that the master has for his servants?
7. Notice that eventually, the Master returns and he expects the servants to give an accounting for what they have done.  What does this say about who is ultimately in charge?  What does this say about the authority of the servants?

    

GETTING PERSONAL:

1. The purpose of this series is to improve our “self-image” as Christians.  Often, we think less of ourselves than need be.  We do this in the name of humility but it is not good.  We are co-heirs with Christ! (Romans 8:17)   How has your Christian “self-image” improved as a result of this study?
2. Perhaps this whole subject of authority is a sensitive one for you because in the past, you have been hurt by authority figures.  How has this study helped to bring healing to that old wound?

PRAYER TIME:

            Use this time to minister to one another, inviting God to heal our wounds from past collisions with those in authority.  Also, pray that we begin to see ourselves as Christ sees us.  We are not paupers.  We are children of the King!  We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

LOOKING OUT:

            The fall is a great time to invite friends to join your group.  One thing that helps is to do a short topical series of study like marriage or finances, etc.  Plan it, and then invite friends to join you for the duration of the study.  Often, they will decide to just stay with your group after the study is over!