Transformed--Lesson 3--A Change of Heart

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever been so passionate about something that it dislodges or dislocates

something in you? What kinds of spiritual things make you feel this kind of passion?

2. What is the danger of going through religious motions without having your heart in it? If

we know it is a danger, why do we still struggle with it?

3. The history of Israel hardening their heart and the desire of God to restore and transform

their heart is a strong message in the Old Testament. How does this help you protect your

heart and find victory and redemption in your own life? What does it teach you about

falling into captivity?

4. If your life was reduced to one sentence, what would you want that sentence to say? What

name, exploits, and accomplishments would you want to be remembered?

5. What kinds of things enabled Shamgar to provide salvation for Israel? How does keeping

your heart in line with God’s make it possible for your life to be compelling, inspiring, and

life changing?

Transformation--Lesson 2--How Much of Him Do You Want?

Discussion Questions:

1. How should our walk with Jesus demonstrate His incarnation? What kinds of things in the

activity of the church help you to see that God is still with us?

2. What made the early church compelling to those who did not know Jesus? What are some

ways we can be more compelling to the community around us?

3. What kinds of things put you in danger of selling out your birthright from God? What would

your bowl of stew be?

4. What are some things you can do to dedicate your talents and gifts and occupation solely

to God’s glory? What distracts you from this?

5. What kinds of struggles do you have with your integrity when no one is around? What

shortcuts are you tempted to take?

Transformation--Lesson 1--Ready for Change?--Matthew 13

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does it take so much work to produce fruit in a garden? What kind of lessons should

we learn from the work it takes, especially for our spiritual growth?

2. How much trouble do you have seeing "earth crammed with heaven"? How do we better

see "every bush afire with the presence of God"?

3. Jesus makes it clear that there are two things working against the production of fruit for the

Kingdom—the enemy, Satan, and ourselves. Which do you have more trouble with?

Which one do you take more for granted and why?

4. Can you relate to the story in Matthew 13:53-58 where the people move from being

astonished at Jesus to suspicious to taking offense and then unbelief? How has this been

a personal struggle or how have you seen this in trying to share Jesus with those who do

not know Him?

5. What kind of practices would help you to better receive the words of God immediately,

deeply, and exclusively? How would doing this assist you in transformation and

sanctification?