Scripture Passage: Numbers 13:26 – 14:9

There is much we can learn about the debilitating power of fear from the story of the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land.

Scene 1 | The Israelites reached the Promised Land and sent 12 spies to scope out the land and its inhabitants. The spies noted the land was every bit as good as God had promised. The spies should have looked for how to take over the land and not whether or not they should.

Scene 2 | The spies reported that while the land was prosperous, it was also filled with giants. They became frightened and documented the reasons they should walk away from what God had promised. Fear exaggerates the obstacles to God’s will. We should measure the size of our obstacles against the size of our God.

Scene 3 | The people allowed fear to rewrite their future and the future of those close to them. They were too afraid to take what God promised them. The inhabitants in the Promised Land were no stronger or more powerful than the Egyptians God had just defeated, but the people forgot to look back at what God had already done for them.

Scene 4 | Caleb gave a rebuttal. Unlike the fearful spies, he believed that they could take the land — because God had told them to do so. It is always safe to take what God gives you.

Remember that the opposite of fear is love. Perfect love casts out all fear.

• What are you afraid of?

• Where is God leading you?

• Lay those fears at the foot of the cross and go where God tells you to go and do what God is telling you to do.

• Talk about times when you overcame fear to do what God had for you.

• Discuss the things you are afraid of and pray for each other.

Scripture Passage: Colossians 2—3

This morning we continued to focus on our freedom in Christ as Pastor Ryan led us through Colossians 2-3. In these chapters, Paul gives us direction on what to do once we experience freedom.  The sermon centered on two pieces of instruction we find in Colossians 2-3:

Watch out for New Bondage: Paul points out two specific sins that can take us captive, intellectual arrogance and extra-Biblical rules and ceremony.  We need to make sure that we are not seeking knowledge as an end goal and that we are not adding to Scripture.

Enjoy your Life in Christ: When we let the Word of God “dwell in us richly”, it is a restful and connected decision.

These past few weeks our church family has been looking at what it means to be free.  As we continue on, let’s remember what truly sets us free—not information or intellect, not rules or ceremony, but Christ alone.  Let’s allow Christ to dwell in us richly this week!

Here are some questions to guide your discussion today:

Why do you think Paul pointed out those two specific sins, as opposed to others?

What are some ways we can let the Word of God “dwell in us richly?”

Name one way that you will enjoy your life in Christ this week.

Close in prayer by praising the Lord for the freedom we have been given in Him and ask Him to us eyes to see areas of new bondage in our lives and to help us enjoy our life in Christ.

Coming off the conclusion of Freedom Week at Kingsland, Pastor Ryan was led by the Lord to deviate from his planned message course and teach on prayer. Specifically this week he addressed healing prayer and what it looks like today.

We must recognize that prayer is the most powerful force we have as followers of Jesus. Andrew Murray says, “In relation to his people, God works only in answer to their prayer.”

Quick evaluation: Does your prayer life reflect this type of dependence on God? Are you only praying at ‘meals’ and ‘bedtime’ or do you see your prayers moving the hand of God?

Extreme Warnings about Prayer:

• Sensational: If we just had enough faith, everyone would be healed. Example of Paul in 2 Cor. 12:8-9

• Rationalistic: “God doesn’t heal anymore.  That was in Bible days.”

Ask: Which extreme do you or your family tend to lean towards? Why?

Main Passage: James 5:13-18

Pastor Ryan identified three key aspects of healing prayer. This is not a prescription for how to heal, but some necessary components that the Lord works in.

1. Integrity
James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another…” Notice that confession of sin and answered prayer go hand in hand.

Ask: Is there any sin that you need to confess to the Lord and be healed from? If so, take it to Him and ask for forgiveness. This brings healing to our Spirits, and can lead to bodily healing as well.

2. Community
James 5:14 says, “Let them pray over him.” This is about corporate prayer for others.

Ask: Who can you look to for prayer? Who is part of your community? When was the last time you prayed for each other?

3. Anticipation
James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
We need to pray with the knowledge that prayer is working. God calls us to obedience and we must trust Him for the results.

Ask: What are some big prayers you may not have been willing to entrust to God — for yourself or for others? Are you will to spend time praying about those things?

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Will Davis Jr. is our guest speaker this week for Freedom Week at Kingsland. Will is the founding and senior pastor of Austin Christian Fellowship. Will is also an avid hiker and mountain climber. From his experience, he shared that to reach the summit of a mountain, one of the most important factors is REST. As you make your ascent, you constantly look for ways to find rest.

Consider this question: Is your relationship with Christ marked by rest?

 Three truths from the passage:

Jesus’ Invitation – he invites you to a person – himself. “come to me. . .” Jesus is the source of rest.  Does rest mark your life?

Jesus’ Invitees – Who does he invite? Jesus invites the weary and the burdened.

• Are you constantly trying and trying and yet you never seem to measure up in your relationship with God?
• Identify ‘things you do’ to try and achieve in your relationship with God.
• What is the difference between guilt and correction?
• Conviction is the voice of God and it inspires you to do better.

Jesus’ Promise – he promises rest. This is the same promise God makes to Moses : And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 ESV). What God promises to Israel, He promises to give to you.

• Where do you find rest?
• What would your life look like if it was marked by a theology of rest?

Scripture Passage: Colossians 1:13-20

Today we began a new sermon series from the book of Colossians. Our Community Groups will also be exploring this book in more depth each Sunday. In today’s text, we learned that you will never experience true freedom until you comprehend three truths that lead to real freedom.

Three Truths:

A. The Depth of the Darkness (v13a)
If you have been a Christian for many years, it can be easy to become complacent about our former state of being ‘lost.’

Jesus did not come to save ‘good people’ and make them better; but rather, He came to save dead people and make them alive.

Why do we need deliverance?

Recall your life before you became a Christian. Remember that you were completely lost without Him. Thank God for His deliverance.

B. The Superiority of Jesus (v. 13b)
Redemption is the forgiveness of sin and only comes through Jesus Christ.  Freedom understands just how great a Savior Jesus is.

Read Colossians 2:14-20.

What are some of the attributes listed in this passage?

Our lives are pulled in so many directions. Jesus loves you and He wants all of your affection. Where are your affections today? Discuss practical ways you can be in His presence.

C. The Magnitude of God’s Grace (v. 14)
This is the heart of freedom! His grace brings freedom. We live in a community where people possess an extraordinary measure of affluence and education; where success can often be measured by our performance, or by our possessions.

Freedom (and fulfillment) is not about “doing.” It is about knowing! It’s experiencing the grace of Jesus by enjoying the love relationship He has for your.

Are you relying on your abilities or your efforts to gain freedom or experience fulfillment?
Read Ephesians 2:8-9