Second Chances The road back home: 2 Samuel 2 We can’t walk in the of God until we become the of God. Our goal is not to get God to but to walk in . God isn’t and for a life in . The war between two kings: 2 Samuel 2, Galatians 5:13-26, Romans 7 & 8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 1:9 We can’t enjoy either when serving . The road home starts with A change of . A change of . A change of . 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 May 15, 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 This weekend we heard about David getting a second chance to go home. Can you think of a time in your life when you messed up and someone gave you a second chance, maybe in a job or at school or in a relationship? For David, Ziklag represents a time when he was way out of fellowship with God and living with all the consequences that came with that choice. Despite all the negative consequences of living in “Ziklag,” why do you think so many Christians continue to maintain residence there? DIGGING DEEPER Chris talked about how there is a war between two kings in our lives (the flesh and the Spirit), and we can’t enjoy either kingdom when we’re trying to serve both. In Galatians 5:16-26, we see this war clearly addressed. As you read the passage… Circle / highlight any words or phrases that catch your attention. Underline what you think is important to remember. Put an X next to anything that confuses you. *For digital notes, use the “notes” field. * 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. What challenges do you face attempting to consistently walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh? In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul is very honest about the ongoing struggle all of us face between the flesh and the Spirit. But Romans 8 is filled with hope for having victory in this struggle. How could Romans 8:1-2 be of help to you in staying positive and confident as you fight this battle? Romans 8:1-2 New International Version (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Often, we focus too much on what our part is in producing fruit. What insights into your role in bearing fruit do you see in the following quote? “I believe there is a reason Paul listed these virtues and moved on. They aren’t given to us as goals to pursue. Why? Because you and I cannot produce fruit…That’s not our responsibility. The Holy Spirit is the producer. We are merely the bearers. The fruit of the Spirit was never intended to be a demonstration of our dedication and resolve. It is the evidence of our dependency on and sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit.” Charles Stanley in The Wonderful Spirit-Filled Life When it comes to walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh, we need more than knowledge, willpower and effort. In John 15, Jesus used a vineyard analogy to explain what it takes to tap into God’s power and grow as a Christian. What do you notice about how each of the main characters (God, Jesus and the believer) in John 15:1-8 is involved in the spiritual growth process? John 15:1-8 New International Version (NIV) “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. If we want to remain in Christ, we need to put ourselves in a good environment that encourages this to happen. What ingredients do you need to create this kind of environment for yourself? Fruit for believers is the outward expression of an inward nature. When we remain in Jesus, the fruit we bear will reflect well on Him. As you look at your life, can you identify any fruit (behaviors or attitudes) that may not be reflecting well on Jesus? How could Philippians 2:12-13 help us better understand what’s our part and what’s God’s part in bearing fruit and remaining in Christ? Philippians 2:12-13 New International Version (NIV) 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. What do you think could happen to a person who focused only on their part in the growth process or who focused only on God’s part? TAKING IT HOME Are there any changes you need to make to help you more consistently remain in Jesus and walk in the Spirit? Looking back on this week’s sermon and study, what’s most important for you to remember? PRAYER REQUESTS Praying for Fall Life Groups! Life Groups have always been foundational to how we do life at North Coast. We believe authentic Christian relationships are a vital spiritual health marker in the life of any follower of Jesus to gain the encouragement and support we all need (Hebrews 10:24-25). This past spring, we had our largest Spring Sign-ups for groups of all time! More and more people are coming to our weekend services and watching online! Please take some time this week in your group to pray that we would be able to connect the many new people coming to North Coast and raise up the new leaders and hosts we need for this fall!