Bible Study - LUKE: The Shifting and the Press
- What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for or are celebrating? How have you seen or experienced the goodness of God in the last few weeks?
- Where are you experiencing stress, anxiety or discouragement? How would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you?
- What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- Read Luke 22:19-20 and Jeremiah 31:31-34. Simply put, the Old Covenant (the Mosaic Covenant) was enacted when God led the Israelites out of Egypt. This covenant contained religious and civil elements, thus, Israel received specific commandments as the nation of God. But Jesus has inaugurated the New Covenant through his blood. In the New Covenant (prophesied in Jeremiah), God writes his law on our hearts and minds, and we are empowered by the Spirit to walk in obedience to Jesus. Although there are lines of continuity between the Old and New Covenants, Christians are in Christ and his blood makes our forgiveness and transformation possible. What is so important about the New Covenant? Why should Christians be encouraged by the promises of the New Covenant?
- Luke 22:31-32 states, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Satan is out to deceive us and destroy us. But, in the midst of this “sifting,” Jesus knows that our failures will not have the last word. Satan will not have the last word. How do failures strengthen our faith? How have you experienced this kind of struggle and transformation in your life?
- Chris posed the question: “Have you gotten to the other side of nevertheless recently?” How does this challenge you to seek God’s will and God’s Kingdom, first? How does fear, uncertainty, doubt, or insecurity interfere with this kind of prayer?
- Chris also stated, “The bridge between knowing the will of God and doing the will of God is built on our knees.” What thoughts does this provoke in you? In what area of life do you want to see this bridge “being built”?
- In the next 24-48 hours, what simple next step could you take in obedience to what you’ve learned from your time in God’s Word? Who would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned this week? Will you share it with them?
Posted in LUKE