Theme:
Surrender
Title:
Being vulnerable before God.
Desired Outcomes:
To have the members understand that they can be vulnerable before God. God knows
everything about us and wants to help in our weakness.
Core Scriptures:
- Matthew 11:28
- John 6:37
- Isaiah 1:18-20
- Hebrews 14:15-16
Welcome:
Any fun and welcoming Icebreaker that gets the members moving, on their feet, where all the members can participate in. If there are new members be careful not to create a space where they feel exposed or uncomfortable.
Word:
Introduce the message by asking the following questions:
- Have you ever felt that you cannot come to God, or do not have access to
Him? - How many days do you go about feeling that you are distant from God and
that you do not deserve Him?
Give the members time to respond. Ask questions that would reveal these thoughts in
their hearts. Encourage members to elaborate on situations where they experienced
these thoughts.
Read Matthew 11:28. - Jesus reveals His will and character to us by saying “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Focus on the point that Jesus says “Come to me”.
Ask the following question:
- Have you ever felt in your subconscious mind that Jesus will reject you
when you come to Him or when you do not perform well?
Encourage members once again to share their experiences and thoughts on this
question.
Read John 6:37. - Jesus says “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I
will never drive away”.
- At this point elaborate on the fact that what we often experience and what God says are
two different things. - Encourage members to build their lives on what God says and not
their emotions or what the enemy whispers in their ears. - Mention the fact that not even our sins can keep us away from God when we come to
Him. - Ask them if they believe that Jesus can and wants to wash away their sin? Once again allow time for members to respond to the question.
Now read Isaiah 1:18-20. -“Come now let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as
wool.”
- Finally, ask the members if they believe that God desires to point out the sins in their
lives or assist and help them in their weakness. - Give each member an opportunity to give their opinion on this question.
In conclusion, read Hebrews 14:15-16.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but
one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet He did not sin. Let us then
approach God’s throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find
Grace to help us in our time of need.