by Dan Lentz
1. Take your life and divide it into three equal parts (for example if you are 45 years old, divide your life into three time periods: 0-15, 16-30, 31-45). What would you say was the biggest challenge you faced during each time period?
2. Have the challenges you’ve faced gotten harder, or easier over time?
Read Jude 17-25.
3. Do you find that other people’s “mere natural instincts” (described in these verses) are a major source of frustration for you right now? As a result, where do you find yourself being “divided” in your commitment to the Lord’s ways?
4. At what places and times do you find your own “mere natural instincts” most often in conflict with the Holy Spirit’s work inside of you (at home, at work, at school, and so on)? Share some examples.
5. In situations where you are struggling with others, what are some ways you can:
• be merciful to those who doubt?
• snatch others from the fire to save them?
• avoid even a hint of sin?
6. For anyone who has shared a particularly big challenge during your group time, ask those on the left and right of the person to put their hands on him or her and ask a volunteer to pray for that situation. Continue to do the same for each member of the group who is facing a big challenge right now.
T. Daniel Lentz works for Small Group Network in Whitestown, Indiana.
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