In the Workshop--Lesson 24--A Life of Virtue--Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.     Have you been guilty of settling for a mouth full of dirt instead of waiting for the good things the LORD wants to bless you with?  What are some things you impetuously fed upon that wound up leaving a bad taste in your mouth?

2.     Why are honesty, integrity and virtue important building blocks for the Kingdom of God?  What is it about the things of this world that are so enticing and can lead us to compromise? 

3.     What does it mean that Esau despised his birthright?  How does Esau’s example show us the danger of being focused upon the temporary instead of the eternal? 

4.     Jacob didn’t start his life any better (in fact, probably worse) than Esau.  Why was God able and willing to build His Kingdom through a man of Jacob’s character instead of Esau’s?  What hope does it give you to see God accomplish what he did through Jacob? 

5.     What is the symbolism of the gates and foundation layers in heaven being the tribes of Israel and the apostles (Revelation 21:12-14)?  How did the sons of Jacob and the apostles become worthy of being in such prominent places in heaven considering their many flaws and disappointing actions?

6.     If God forgave David (and He did—II Samuel 12:13), why did David suffer the loss of 4 sons and turmoil in his household for the rest of his time on earth?  What is the difference in forgiveness and God allowing consequences of sin to build character?  Can you see ways God has left struggles in your life for the purpose of helping you grow in character?

7.     Why is it not hyperbole when Jesus said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect?  How does one achieve perfection?  Why should we not water down what Jesus said?  How does this apply to what God is building as His eternal Kingdom?

8.     What boundaries do you have for the things you allow into your “house”?  Why is it difficult to say “no” to things that have an agenda different from the LORD or that will make a mess of your “house”? 

9.     Have you ever been guilty of painting targets around the arrows you shoot instead of learning to hit the real target?  How can we expect to win the spiritual war if we don’t learn to shoot arrows at the real targets?