Discussion Questions for 05/08/22

1.       Read Romans 8:13 & Colossians 3:5. The KJV of each of these verses uses the word “mortify.”  What does it mean to mortify sin?

2.       Read Matthew 12:34. Explain this verse in your own words.  Pastor Jim said “Circumstances don’t cause.  Circumstances reveal.”  In light of this verse when we react or respond sinfully to our circumstances what is it revealing about us?

3.      Define the term “contemporary idolatry.”  What does it look like in the life of the Christian?  How have you struggled with this?

4.      Idolatry often leads to a form of addiction.  Pastor Jim shared this quote from the Sexual Integrity material, “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it’s connection.”  Do you remember the 3 areas of important connection for the believer in order to mortify idolatry in their life? (Answer for leaders:  Reconnection with God, connection with others in confessional community, connection with self -understanding triggers)

Which connection proves most difficult for you?  Explain.  What is the Holy Spirit revealing to you to see this area of weakness in connection turn into a strength?

5.       Pastor Jim indicated that knowing the truth about who God truly is and knowing your true identity in Christ is huge to mortifying sin in your life.  Read the following passages.  John 8:30-32, John 8:43-44, John 10:3-5, John 10:10.  What do these passages reveal about the battle between truth and lies in overcoming idolatry and mortifying your sin?

6.      In this battle between truth and lies why are you the most important preacher in your life?

7.      Read James 5:16. Is there something God wants you to confess that will help you to put the sin in your life to death?