Sunday, February 26th

For what are you searching? Chances are that it’s something you believe will lead to the “good life” — one that is meaningful and fulfilling. However, even when we’re pursuing good things like healthy relationships and success at work, we still feel like something is lacking. Could what we’re missing be the abundant Life that God is offering us?

Work through the following Scriptures and questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read John 10:10. What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “the good life”?
2. This week, we heard a few examples of how people try to fill the holes in their lives with drugs, sex, or overworking. What are some other examples that are tempting to use to make us feel happy, even if we know it won’t give us true abundant life?
3. What is the “one thing” that you think would make you happy if you had it? Do you think it’s really the key to the abundant life you’re craving? Why or why not?
4. Read Romans 8:15-28. Most of us know what it’s like to have good things in our lives that get stolen or destroyed, yet Jesus promises an abundant or “full” life to everyone who follows Him (John 10:10). How might this abundant life shape how we experience hardship in this broken world?
5. Read Psalm 34:8. Jesus said the very reason He came was to give us abundant life, but it’s so tempting to believe other things would be more fulfilling. What is one step you can take this week to give God a chance to demonstrate how amazing He is?

KEY SCRIPTURES

John 10:10 — The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Romans 8:15-28 (MSG) — This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are…If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times.

Psalm 34:8 — Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

DIGGING DEEPER

Scripture Reading Plans — One great way to cultivate a rich relationship with God and learn more about Jesus’ teachings is to set aside time to complete a Scripture reading plan. Scripture reading plans are a great way to keep you motivated and offer a guided approach to reading through a variety of Bible books. You can use these guides to read through the entire Bible, the New Testament only, or just to get an idea of where to dive in for the day.

• Get a Scripture reading plan that guides you through the New Testament in 90 days, HERE.

Spiritual Growth Path — During the “Is Jesus Fake News?” series, we’ve been learning all about the audacious claims of Jesus, whether they were true or simply “fake news” made up by His followers, and what it means to really follow Him. Through this, we’ve heard a lot about the importance of truly knowing what Jesus taught. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus says, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind,” and part of what we must do to begin to love God with all our mind is to study His Word (the Bible). The Spiritual Growth Path offers a great opportunity for spiritual growth through studying God’s teachings.

• Explore the Spiritual Growth Path, HERE.

SPRITUAL OUTCOMES — Study God

One spiritual outcome available on the Spiritual Growth Path that relates well with what we’ve been discussing in the current series is “Study God.” In the exercises for this outcome, you will read through important passages of Scripture and answer questions such as, “To what extent do God’s teachings delight you?” and “In your current season, are God’s teachings transforming you?