LG Discussion Guide (Mar 6-10)
March 5, 2017: “Life is a gift, live it for God’s Glory! (and other lessons from I.C.U.)”
This week is unique. Gordy shares some of the lessons God taught him while in ICU for 11 days after following a burst blood in
his brain. Many of God’s promises came alive to Him in his greatest time of need. The Biblical truths shared are for every
believer and are transferable to any trial people face. Praise God that these trials have wonderful purpose in bringing greater
completion to our faith, one day at a time. They remind us that each day is a gift that should be lived for God’s Glory, for He
holds us in His hands…and at His appointed time, will call us home.
THE TARGET THIS WEEK:
To discuss how to respond in a God-honoring way to trials…and in their midst how to live each day for God’s Glory.
SERMON REVIEW
When trials hit….
Cry out for God’s Mercy
Fear not for God is with you
Remember each day is a gift to live for God’s Glory
DISCUSSION
1. Read Ps 57:1-2 and Heb 4:16. What hits you about God’s mercy in these verses? Explain.
What often prevents you from asking and receiving His mercy in the midst of your trials?
2. Read Is 41:10, John 14:27, and Isa 26:3. What keeps the believer from being frozen by fear when in a trial?
What kind of peace can we expect when we turn to God in prayer, instead of mentally rehearsing our fears or “what if’s”
and becoming paralyzed.
Has anyone experienced this in their life recently?? Please briefly share the story.
3. Read Ps 139:16, Phil 1:20-21, and 1 Cor 10:31.
From Ps 139:16: How do you feel knowing that your days are already numbered (appointed) by God?
From Phil 1:20-21: What would need to change in your life for you to be able to say “To live is Christ, to die is gain”?
How can you move from any form selfish ambition to “Loving your neighbor as yourself”? (see Jas 2:8, 3:16)
From 1 Cor 10:31: What area are you not living for the “GLORY OF GOD”?
SCRIPTURES USED
Jas 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Lesson #1: Cry out for God’s Mercy
Ps 57:1-2 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take
refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Heb 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time
of need.
Lesson #2: Fear not for God is with you
Isa 41:10…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold
you with my righteous right hand.
Jn 14:27 Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts
be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Isa 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Lesson #3: Remember each day is a gift to live for God’s Glory
Ps 139:16 All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Phl 1:20-21….it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ
will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1 Co 10:31….whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Jas 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing
well.
Jas 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.