MESSAGE SUMMARY
Welcome to Part 10 of the Words Series! This week we are reminded that God’s word has the HIGHEST AUTHORITY. In this week’s discussion, we put what we have learned into practice. We will identify areas of our life needing a fresh infusion of God’s word, and create an action plan to cultivate God’s kingdom through our words. Let’s get started!
OPEN IN PRAYER / ICE BREAKERS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Job’s Trails: In Job 38, despite the naysayers, Job KNOWS there is more than the calamity he sees around him. By verses 33 & 34 he is convinced that lifting up his voice to the clouds (speaking things from a heavenly perspective) has the power to change his earthly situation. Although he was tempted by those around him, Job decided to temper his speech rather than curse God.
- Scripture: Job 38:33-34
- Tell of a time when you chose to speak the best about a challenging situation rather than complaining. How did others around you respond?
- God asks Job if he knows the laws of heaven. How does understanding God’s sovereign order give us the confidence to speak His word over situations?
- When you hear “Kingdom authority,” what comes to mind? How has your understanding of spiritual authority evolved in your walk with God?
2. Exercising Self-Control with Our Words: Job chose to exercise self-control, but Adam & Eve did not. Did you know that earth and man were made to reflect God’s character (Gen. 2:7-17)? The earth (Eden) was meant to operate like heaven, and Man was meant to reflect God’s image and operate in His authority. What was lost by sin (Gen. 3:17-19) was restored by Christ (Eph. 3: 1-10)
- Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-10
- In what ways did words bring forth “life” in Eden? How did they bring forth “death”? How can you apply the creative/destructive power of words to your personal life?
- As children led by God’s Spirit, how does our divine adoption affect our authority to speak into situations? What prevents us from fully walking in this authority?
3. Kingdom perspectives & Our responsibility: Our major challenge is to speak heavenly things and see our situation with a Kingdom perspective (righteousness, peace, joy) rather than one tainted by the pain, challenges, and disappointments of life. Doing so, allows us to serve as salt and light for a dark and dying world.
- Read Matthew 5:14-16/ Romans 8:12-14. How do these scriptures speak to the impact we hold when we rule our worlds with God’s words rather than our feelings?
- In what areas do you feel called to impact the world for Christ? How are these environments dependent on the words you release?
- How does understanding your pre-ordained purpose (Eph. 1:4-5) empower you to speak with greater boldness in difficult circumstances?
CONCLUSION & CHALLENGE
Applying the Vally of Dry Bones to Today’s struggles: Despite what we see and feel, we must choose to speak God’s word over our situation. Just as He did in Ezekiel’s Valley of Dry Bones experience, God has given us (His children & kingdom ambassadors) the authority to rule our environments. To operate in our Kingdom authority, we must take action. We must invite God’s kingdom into each environment we encounter. When we speak God’s words, Angels can move effectively and bring His kingdom into our situation, expanding His rulership and proclaiming his glory to unbelievers.
- Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:1-14
- In Ezekiel’s valley experience, God asked him to speak to dead bones. What “dead” situations need God’s word spoken over them?
- Based on group member’s responses, share helpful scriptures that you have used to stay encouraged.
Group Challenge: Create a “collective list” of encouraging scriptures based on things shared in today’s discussion.
Personal Challenge: Create a personal action plan that includes:
- Three specific scriptures to declare daily
- Two environments needing kingdom influence
- One accountability partner for support
- Daily time set aside for declaration of God’s word
Keep your group posted on your triumphs and your challenges throughout the week!
CLOSE IN PRAYER