Sermon Study: Session 5 (Fall 2021)

Session 5 – Small Group Study Guide

Download: Word | Download: PDF

Word: How this truth should be understood

1. Paul says twice that “we are of good courage” (vv. 6, 8), which allows us to boldly carry out our mission as ambassadors of the Christ. What reason does he give for us being of good courage?
2. What does Paul mean when he says that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (v. 7)?
3. Paul says that “we make it our aim to please him” (v. 9). How do we know what pleases God? Read these passages of Scripture and write down what they reveal about what pleases God:

a. Psalm 19:14
b. Psalm 51:16-17
c. Psalm 147:10-11
d. Romans 12:1
e. 1 Corinthians 10:31
f. 2 Corinthians 9:7
g. Colossians 1:9-10
h. Colossians 3:23
i. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
j. Hebrews 13:16
k. 1 John 3:22

4. What does Paul mean when he says that each Christian must “appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (v. 10)? How does this relate to our being saved by grace, apart from our works? How does this motivate our faithfulness in this life?

Worship: How this truth affects your heart

1. If we are to live faithfully as ambassadors for Christ, we must “walk by faith, not by sight,” which means we allow spiritual realities to govern our lives over and above physical appearances.
   • What is a blessing or something good that has happened in your life recently? What lies might you be tempted to believe based on physical appearances alone? What is the spiritual reality that governs that situation?
   • What is a sin or temptation that you have been struggling with recently? What lies might you be tempted to believe based on physical appearances alone? What is the spiritual reality that governs that situation?
   • What is an area of hardship or suffering that you’ve been experiencing recently? What lies might you be tempted to believe based on physical appearances alone? What is the spiritual reality that governs that situation?
2. A faithful ambassador for Christ makes their aim in this life to please the Lord (v. 9). As you consider your study of Scriptures in Word #4, are there areas of your life that are not pleasing to the Lord?
3. Pastor Kim pointed out that earthly treasures can distract us from living in light of eternity. What tends to distract you the most?

Work: How this truth works out in your life

1. Living in light of eternity affects how we relate to and love others. What would your relationships look like when if you were to fix your eyes more firmly on heaven? Consider the following:
   • Your children (or a child in your life)
   • Your coworkers/classmates
   • A close relationship of your choosing
2. What changes in your life must you make to please the Lord?
3. What can you do this week to minimize the distractions of earthly treasures? What can you do to live more in the reality of heaven?
4. Pray for Valor Christian Academy, the school that Lighthouse provides spiritual covering for. Pray that the administrative staff, the teachers, and the students will live in light of eternity.

Sharing and Prayer

1. As you think about this season, what is one area in which you’d like to grow in living out your faith? Write this down and prepare to follow-up and track God’s work in our future sessions!
2. What are some ways that you’d like to apply what you just learned to that one area you’d like to grow in living out your faith?
3. Share other prayer requests.