Group Guide
This Week's City 7:
6. Is the Bible God’s Word? Jesus proved He is God by rising from the dead and said the Old Testament was God’s Word and gave authority to the Apostles to write the words of the New Testament, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that all the words of the Bible are God’s Word.
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
(Matthew 5:18; Luke 24:27, 44; John 14:25-26, 15:27, 16:12-13, 17:20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21)
Ice-Breaker:
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Discussion Questions:
Have someone read Luke 19:1-10 aloud.
- Zacchaeus was a wealthy man that was hated by his community. Being a tax collector had made him not only rich, but a traitor to his own people. Matt talked on Sunday about the risk that Zach took in order to see Jesus. He ran and climbed a tree, both of which would've been disgraceful for a man in his position. He wasn't supposed to be associating with people that he taxed, plus he was considered ceremonially unclean because of his occupation. So even being in that particular crowd of people was risky. You may have heard this saying, "You spell faith R-I-S-K." When was the last time you stepped out in faith and took a risk for Jesus?
- One thing that keeps us from taking risks in our faith is that we've gotten too comfortable. This principle is closely tied to the teachings of Jesus about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom. Because of our wealth and ease of life, we have very little need, if we aren't careful, for God in our lives. We can handle things ourselves. We'll figure it out. We'll make it happen. We are rarely desperate for Him to move in our lives and we tend to use prayer as a last resort. Is there any evidence in your own life that your level of comfort might keep you from taking risks for Jesus?
- Another reason we fail to take risks is that we are too worried about what other people think. This can be crippling to your faith and trust in God. Our culture is set up perfectly for this pitfall. Social media causes us to compare and measure our lives against everyone else's. We have to seem perfect and put forth the right image. Somewhere in there we've lost the fear of God. When a believer is preoccupied with pleasing their Heavenly Father, they won't be tempted to care what anyone else thinks. We should, like David dancing before the Lord, be willing to make absolute fools of ourselves for the sake of our Creator. Do you ever find yourself worried what others will think of you? Does this preoccupation ever hinder your desire to tell people about Jesus?
- Zach might have been trying to get a glimpse of Jesus, but it was Jesus that was looking for Zach. Jesus sought HIM out. The same is true for each of us. While we were sinners, still running from God, Jesus sought us out and opened our eyes to the beauty and freedom of the Gospel. Think about how humbling it is that He came after you, chose you, adopted you into His family.... That he CHOSE to take on your sin and shame and die in your place so that you might have life. He sought YOU out. Is there anyone in your life that needs Jesus that God might be wanting to seek out using you, your friendship, and your influence?
- Zach had a radical encounter with Jesus that completely changed his life. He went from a thief to generous. He went from an outcast to adopted into God's family. He went form a sinner to a righteous saint. What all did God save YOU from? Talk about the change that God has made in your life. What were you like before? Who are you now?
Prayer Topics:
That you would be willing to take risks for Jesus.
That you would never get too comfortable or care too much what others think.
That you would remember what God has done in your life and long to share that with others.
That you would never get too comfortable or care too much what others think.
That you would remember what God has done in your life and long to share that with others.
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