Growing Deeper in 2016
PALM SUNDAY – WORTHY IS THE LAMB
In ancient
times, palm branches symbolized victory, triumph and immortality. They were
often depicted on coins and important buildings. King Solomon had palm branches carved
into the walls and doors of the temple: “On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner
and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers.”(1 Kings 6:29, NIV).
Although
it may appear ironic that Jesus’ triumphal entry led to His death on the cross, we
know He was truly victorious through His resurrection from the dead. The battle over death
truly belongs
to the LORD and He is victorious, thereby granting eternal life to all who truly
believe and follow Him.
Think on T hese Things... R EAD Lu ke 1 9:2 8 -4 4 to get her in
pr epa ra tion fo r yo ur Gro up Discussio n: What insights, principles, or observations
stood out to you from this week’s message? Discu ss…
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Receiving the Message & R elating to the Study..
What main point[s] spoke to you the most from this week’s sermon? Discu ss…
1.
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Th e Da y of His V isit atio n - RE AD M att hew 24:3 6- 44 - Jesus was rejected by
mankind (Isaiah 53:3). Many of the people, including priests, scribes and Pharisees had
th eir own perception of what the Messiah was to be and therefore, 1) could not read the
sign of the times and 2) when the time came to fruition they were ever seeing but never
perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding (Mark 4:12).
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a.
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What do you learn from Jesus’ triumphal entry and the people of His day and how you
are to be prepared to righteously see, perceive and understand the second coming of
our LORD? Discu ss with you r g ro up…
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b.
What prevents people from recognizing and accepting Jesus? Discu ss…
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c.
What part do we play in helping people see Jesus? Discu ss…
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d.
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “be ready”? Give this some serious
thought and be specific. Discu ss yo ur an swers with your g rou p a nd d esc ribe
in what ways we can be prepa re d f or His 2 nd com ing..
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Growing Deeper in 2016
2.
P re par atio n ( REA D M ark 14: 3- 9): Scripture reveals our LORD is a God of preparation.
He prepared a garden for His creation to dwell in and to tend. He prepared His chosen people
for their entrance into the Promised Land. He anointed John Baptist to “prepare a way for the
LORD”, and by the power of His Holy Spirit He prepares (sanctifies) us for eternal life with
Him.
a. Why would Jesus want the action taken by this woman (Mary) told wherever the gospel is
preached? Discu ss you r answers wit h yo ur group …
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b.
What do you learn from her attitude as she “poured” out all she had regardless of its
worldly value and how does this relate to you being prepared? Discu ss you r answers
with you r g ro up…
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3.
RE AD 1 Cor int hian s 5: 6-8 - Since Paul is not referring to celebrating the literal seven
day Feast of Unleavened Bread (verse 8), what does he mean when he says, “keep the
Festival”? How does this teaching relate to our being prepared for the Lord’s coming?
Discu ss you r answers wit h yo ur grou p…
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a.
What does Paul mean when he mentions the “old leaven” (vs7)?
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b.
What does he mean by the “unleavened bread of sincerity” (vs 8)?
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Growing Deeper in God’s Word…Life Lessons
1.
RE AD Reve latio n 7 :9 & 21: 3- 4 - There is a final victory when we will see the
death of death, and a countless multitude of saints waving palm branches over the
fulfilled victory of God’s righteousness over evil. The prophecy of the first triumphal
entry has been fulfilled (Zechariah 9:9)! Discu ss with you r g ro up the conf ide nce
you receive from the ab ove pro phe tic vers es in Reve latio n…
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2.
Resurrection Sunday (a.k.a. Easter) is not simply a day we wait for; moreover, it is a day
we should be preparing for. Knowing our LORD is a God of preparation, how has this
lesson spoke to you in regards to preparing for celebrating and praising the
remembrance of His resurrection? Discu ss with you r g ro up…
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Applying God’s Word...
What did you learn from this study and how
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will you personally apply this teaching in your life? Take tim e now to pray for one another’s
needs and the comm itments they made in serving Jesus this 2016.
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W ith Palm Sunday and Easter com ing up soon, it is a good time to begin praying for
unsaved friends and loved ones. Have everyone list down the names of these people
and pray for them two by two. Then take the initiative to invite them to church and
see w hat the Holy Spirit will do in bringing them to Christ. Let’s look forward to
Spiritual breakthroughs together. To God be the Glory!
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