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HOW DID YOU SEE GOD THIS WEEK AS YOU FOLLOWED HIM?

WHAT DID GOD SAY IN HIS WORD?

Opening Question:

Have you ever changed your mind about something you thought was wrong? What was it? Why did you change your mind?

Paul and Timothy helped the church in Ephesus navigate their need for a change of conscience in our passage from Sunday. Let’s read it again:

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Reflect Together:

What is the content of the demonic teaching? (see verse 3). What about that teaching in conflict with the faith we have in Jesus?

When Paul says “everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (verse 4), does that mean anything goes and we should accept all uses of any part of God’s creation? Why or why not?

WHAT DID GOD SAY TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD?

Is there any matter of conscience that God may be challenging you to consider differently? What passages from His Word might apply?

How can thanksgiving help you see God’s gifts in what seems like a bad situation?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?

Are there gifts from God that you need to be open to receiving? Consider with your group how you can receive those with thanksgiving this week.

If God is challenging you to reconsider a matter of conscience, make a plan for how you will pray through it. Also, work out a partner or two in your group who will search the scripture alongside you to stay true to God in his Word.