NEXT STEPS

The Encounter :: The Surrender

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60/60 Experiment, Eric Bryant, Kenny Green, Soul Rev App, The Encounter, The Surrender

Sunday, October 9th

We all know there are good things we should do that we resist doing. Fear, pride or stubbornness keep us focused on doing things our way instead of God’s way. How can we surrender our desires and wills to God, who knows what’s truly best for us?

Work through the following questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group or friends and family around the dinner table to talk through what you’re learning!

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Are you still doing the 60/60 Experiment? If so, what has your experience with God been like the past couple of weeks? If not, what reservations do you have about trying or continuing
  2. Look at John 13 & 18 to consider how Judas related to Jesus. Have you ever found yourself approaching God in the same way? Do you have ulterior motives for following Jesus, and how do those play out?
  3. Look at John 18 & 19 to consider how Pilate responded to the crowds in relation to Jesus. Have you ever faced a situation where it was easier to go with the crowd than stand firm in your faith? What did you learn from that experience?
  4. Read John 13:34-38. Have you ever told yourself that you were ready to go all-in with God, like Peter did, only to discover that was easier said than done? In what areas do you suspect God is asking you to trust Him, but you’ve been resistant to even consider it?
  5. Read Matthew 26:39. What stands out to you in how Jesus surrendered to the Father?
  6. Read John 21:15-17. Do you believe God forgives us when we fall short of full surrender like He did with Peter? What are some ways moving forward you can surrender your guilt and fear to trust God fully?
  7. Read John 15:12-17. Is there anything you feel God is asking you to lay down, to surrender, in this season of life, and are you prepared to do so?

KEY SCRIPTURES

John 13:34-38 — “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

Matthew 26:39 — Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

John 21:15-17 — After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

John 15:12-17 — “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

If you’ve yet to do so, we encourage you to download the Bible App by YouVersion on your smart phone. Create a free YouVersion account. Tap Plans > Discover > Search: Outreach New Testament > Start Plan. Then you can read along each day with us!

DIGGING DEEPER

60/60 Experiment

  • Every 60 minutes for the next 60 days, pause and remember that God is present with you in that moment no matter what you’re doing, and invite Him to guide you step by step throughout your next 60 minutes.
  • To help remind you to pause every 60 minutes, set your watch/phone to beep every hour or download the Soul Rev App that will send you helpful reminder notifications.
  • Listen, respond and surrender to God’s promptings around: Trusting His Word, Resisting a Sin, Following a Relational Prompting, Giving Sacrificially and Doing the Opposite of What You Normally Do.
  • Share with your friends, family, Running Partner &/or Life Group about how you see God showing up. Jesus said one thing is necessary for accomplishing anything lasting: “If you remain in me, you will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Book Resources

 

Spiritual Outcomes — Surrender & Stay Connected to God’s Spirit