Freedom & Responsibility Another Groundhog Day 1 Samuel 23:1-14 A Theological Question: Is Our Freedom Real or Just Pretend? God’s can’t be . Psalm 33:11/ Isaiah 46:9-10/ 2 Peter 3:1-18/ Romans 8:28 Our is . 1 Timothy 2:3-4/ 1 Thessalonians 4:3 & 5:18/ 1 Peter 2:15/ Ephesians 2:17-20 A More Important Practical Question: How Do Our Choices Impact Others? No one is an . 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 26-27 Our private sins are never . Luke 6:40/ Ephesians 4:26-27/ 1 Corinthians 5:1-6/ Exodus 20:4-5/ Joshua 7:1-26/ Ezekiel 18:1-32 We reproduce and what we . The consequences of our sins are seldom . Secret sins aren’t . Little things aren’t . The righteousness of can protect . Our Proverbs 14:26/ 1 Corinthians 7:12-16/ Genesis 19:29 Our & Genesis 18:23-32/ Ezekiel 22:23-31 Those we Psalm 106:19-23 The best way to connect with us is the Connection Card in the bulletin. For the Digital Bulletin, visit myncc.info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Support Our Ministry If you found this message beneficial and you would like to help continue our ministries, we would be grateful for your support. Go to northcoastchurch.com/give ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Life Group Study Questions For the week of March 6, 2022 QUICK REVIEW Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or something that caught your attention, challenged or confused you? MY STORY A big part of parenting is helping children learn to handle both freedom and responsibility. How much freedom did your parents or guardians allow you to exercise as you were growing up? How well did you do showing your parents you were responsible enough to handle the freedom they gave you? In the sermon, we heard about the real possibility of “generational sins,” where the poor choices of our family impact us. Do you feel like you’ve been impacted by “generational sins”? If so, have you done anything to counteract this pattern in your family? DIGGING DEEPER Larry talked about the sovereignty of God and how His decrees can’t be thwarted. With so much going on in our world, it’s good to focus on God’s sovereignty. Isaiah 40 is one of the best chapters in the Bible for gaining a perspective on this because it compares God’s power and control to things we can understand. As you read through the passage below, highlight or underline what it says about how big, powerful and in control God is. (On digital devices, use the note field.) Isaiah 40:10-18, 22-31 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. 16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. 17 Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. 18 With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? 22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. 23 He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. 24 No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. 25 “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. In what ways can a greater understanding of God’s absolute power help you to trust Him and His perfect timing more? Looking back at what you underlined or highlighted, which statement or promise is most important for you to remember at this time? This weekend we heard that none of us is an island; we are all deeply interconnected, which is why our choices impact others. The Bible is filled with countless instructions for the kind of choices we’re to make so our impact on others is positive and helpful. Read the following six of more than 40 “one another” commands in the New Testament that are best carried out within a group that is small enough for close and accountable relationships. After reading each verse, define what each “one another” command means. (i.e., what does it mean to be devoted?) Romans 12:10 New International Version (NIV) 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 14:13 New International Version (NIV) 13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 15:7 New International Version (NIV) 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Colossians 3:13 New International Version (NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Galatians 5:13 New International Version (NIV) 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Ephesians 4:2 New International Version (NIV) 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Which of these “one another” verses would have the greatest impact on how you relate to people in your life if you were to give it more focus? Can you think of any ways you’ve seen one or two of these “one another” statements being carried out in your Life Group? In what ways have you been impacted because someone has made the choice to follow one of these “one another” commands with you? TAKING IT HOME Looking back on this week’s sermon and study, what’s most important for you to remember? NORTH COAST CHURCH WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Women of all ages and stages – this event is for YOU! Join the women of North Coast Church March 18 & 19 at the Vista Campus as we dig into the theme, Freedom in Christ. Enjoy worship, prayer, breakout sessions and many fun activities! For more details and to register, visit northcoastchurch.com/womens-conference/.