Chapter 5
When God was looking for Adam and Eve in the garden, He asked, “Where are you?” It wasn’t that He didn’t know… “He’s asking them where they are to give them an opportunity to tell the truth.” (p.115)
1. What are the risks associated with telling someone else what you are hiding from and ashamed of? What are the risks of telling God?
1. What are the risks associated with telling someone else what you are hiding from and ashamed of? What are the risks of telling God?
2. On the flip side, what are the possible benefits from confessing our secrets to others or to God?
>> Read John 20: 1-29
The author makes an interesting point. He writes “Thomas wasn’t the only one who had doubts. Thomas was the only one, though, who was bold enough to say it out loud.” (p.117) One of the greatest strategies that Satan will use to get you to lock into your doubt and never confess is the embarrassment and the fear of you being the only one.” (p.120)
3. What are some doubts you have struggled with either in the past or currently? If God were to ask you right now, “Where are you?” what would you say?
The author makes an interesting point. He writes “Thomas wasn’t the only one who had doubts. Thomas was the only one, though, who was bold enough to say it out loud.” (p.117) One of the greatest strategies that Satan will use to get you to lock into your doubt and never confess is the embarrassment and the fear of you being the only one.” (p.120)
3. What are some doubts you have struggled with either in the past or currently? If God were to ask you right now, “Where are you?” what would you say?
4. Do you believe there are others who struggle with the same issues? How does that affect your willingness to confess your doubts out loud within a Christian community?
“Christian community should not be a place where we find self-righteousness, judgment, or condemnation. It should be a safe place for all.” (p. 122)
5. While this is the ideal, it is not always reality. Do you have a Christian community that you feel is a safe place? If not, what would need to change to make you comfortable enough to share your true feelings?
5. While this is the ideal, it is not always reality. Do you have a Christian community that you feel is a safe place? If not, what would need to change to make you comfortable enough to share your true feelings?
“Church services tend to be filled with people who look like they’ve got it together, who look like they’ve got all the answers and no questions.” (p.130)
6. What would you do if Pastor Rob decided to have “Confession Sunday?” Would you come to church? Do you think people would be honest and share? Would it be an encouragement to you?
6. What would you do if Pastor Rob decided to have “Confession Sunday?” Would you come to church? Do you think people would be honest and share? Would it be an encouragement to you?
Wrapping Up...
As you pray, either as a group or silently, confess to God something you’ve been holding onto. Then remind yourself of the truth… that God has enough grace for you.
Small Groups Are Important!
New Hope Community Church encourages everyone to participate regularly in a small group. The importance is for you to have accountability to others, as well as a place where you feel you belong and are cared for. Getting to this place requires groups to spend frequent and consistent time together, getting to know one another as you walk together through life. As for any book study like this one, what is important is that you engage in conversation. Where God leads the discussion is up to him, so do not feel pressure to have every person answer every question, nor to feel rushed to get through all the questions. Allow this to simply start/guide the discussion, and then let it progress from there. Sunday messages were connected to each chapter from the Disobedient God book, and reading along each week could enhance the experience, but these questions can still be used even without reading the book or even hearing the message. Thanks for taking this step.