Next Steps--Lesson 19--Character and Government--Genesis 11; Psalm 128 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  Why is God’s design of government contingent upon the character, integrity, and self-governing of the individual? 

2.  Why did God emphasize the sanctity of life right after the flood and new beginning?  Why are the values of life and property an important foundation for government?  How does knowing this assist in character and integrity development?

3.  What is a theocracy?  How is this the appropriate model for what God desires for our government?  How are religion without relationship with God and government without relationship with God the same thing?

4.  What is the connection between government of the individual, the family, the church, and the state?  How does Psalm 128 show the beauty of these working together?  How many benefits can you see listed in Psalm 128 when fear of the LORD is at the core of government?

5.  What does the Tower of Babel account teach us about decentralized government?  Why is a one-world centralized government system dangerous? 

6.  How have you seen mankind fall into the trap of building towers to reach the heavens in modern times?  What are some ways you see better wisdom in God’s ways to save mankind than what human governing has come up with?

7.  How is self-governing, character development, humility, and fear of the LORD vital to having peace instead of chaos? 

8.  There are no perfect candidates, so how do these concepts assist in what to consider when elections arise in determining what candidates one should vote for?

Next Steps--Lesson 18--The Importance of Self-Discipline--Genesis 12 & Romans 7

Discussion Questions:

1.     Do you agree or disagree that salvation is not the goal, but the gift of a walk with God?  If so, how does that change what your daily life should be accomplishing?

2.     Discipleship was defined as putting all things under the LORDship of Jesus.  Are there some areas of your character and/or integrity that are not completely under the LORDship of Jesus?  What steps should you take this week to walk towards surrender of these things to Jesus?

3.     What does seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness look like in everyday living?  How does this reduce worry and anxiety?

4.     How did Abraham show intention and discipline in seeking first the Kingdom and God’s righteousness when he came to the Promised Land?  What caused the change in him when he went to Egypt? 

5.     How did the way Abraham handled his problems and compromised his character in Egypt negatively affect his family and the people around him?  Have there been times you have become more of a source of curse instead of a source of blessing because you lost sight of the Kingdom and His righteousness?

6.     What reaction did you have to the picture of the boy wearing 7 days of deodorant in one day?  How have we sometimes treated our walk with God the same way?  What are some daily habits or disciplines you have in your life to avoid this?

7.     What long-term changes are evident in Abraham as you read his whole story?  How does this show the process God takes us through to develop our own characters and disciplines?  What kind of mediating have you done to rescue those bound for destruction?  How willing are you to get out of your comfort zone to do the difficult things God asks?

8.     What battles have you had with not doing what you want to do and doing what you don’t want to do?  How have you seen the incredible standards of God and wondered how you could possibly live up to them?  If struggling with this has led to feelings of being wretched, how does that put us right where God wants us? 

Next Steps--Lesson 17--Seeing What We Can Be--John 1 & Genesis 28 & 32

Discussion Questions:

1.     If we were created to rule in the image and likeness of God (and we were), why is there so much chaos in the world?  How have you struggled with maintaining a healthy balance of Jesus being both your Savior and your LORD?

2.     What roles do character and integrity play in fulfilling the work of the Kingdom?  Why is character and integrity important in fulfilling the purpose given to us by God?

3.     What significance is there in Jesus referring to Nathanael as “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit”?  How did saying this to Nathanael show the plan Jesus had for his life?

4.     What does integrity have to do with being complete or whole?  What difficulties have you had with compartmentalizing your life, so it is divided into fractions, instead of being a wholly sold out to the LORD?

5.     How was the vision God of the ladder reaching between heaven and earth well timed for Jacob’s situation?  In what ways has God revealed His presence and His plan for you during your difficulties?  How have you seen heaven break into your world and remind you that God sees you and has a plan for your life?

6.     If Jesus is your LORD, what kinds of things is He asking you to do with your life that you struggle to obey?  What kinds of things would you ask for accountability for?