Hope SS Guides - Q4 2018 - Lessons 1 & 2 (hotlinked texts)

Lesson 1 - Creation and Fall
Today, we begin an important series of studies on Oneness in Christ.

1. Love—the foundation for unity

• a) Genesis 1:26-27 What does this inspired record teach us both about our Creator and His intention for our human family? 
• b) 1 John 4:7, 8, 16 What is the clearest evidence of our unity with our Creator? 
• c) Genesis 2:7, 21-25 How do you see love and oneness revealed in the inspired accounts of the creation of man and woman? 

2. The tragic story of disobedience and its consequences

• a) Genesis 3:1-6 – the tragic story of disobedience 
• b) Consequences of disobedience 
• i) Genesis 3:7 – consequence #1 
• ii) Genesis 3:8 – consequence #2 
• iii) Genesis 3:12 – consequence #3 
• iv) Genesis 3:17-19 – consequence #4 
• v) Genesis 4:8 – consequence #5 
• vi) What other negative consequences do you see as a result of rebellion against our loving Creator? 

3. Ongoing disunity and separation

• a) Genesis 11:1-9 What does the construction of the Tower of Babel tell us about its builders? I, therefore, beseech you (Ephesians 4:1–3) Scripture Song: Galatians 2:20–21 
• b) If our loving Creator desires us to experience oneness with Himself and with each other, why did He bring confusion at the Tower of Babel?
• c) What evidences do you see of disunity and separation today? 
• d) How can we assist in the process of bringing God’s creation back together in loving unity with Him and with each other? 

4. The journey towards oneness with God

• a) Hebrews 11:8-19 What lessons can we learn from the patriarch Abraham about the journey towards oneness with God? (see also Genesis 22:1-14) 
• b) Think of some other Bible characters who were called to leave that which was familiar to them in order to experience a closer relationship with God. 
• c) Share a time when God called you out of your comfort zone in order to draw you closer to Him. 

5. Blessed to bless

• a) Genesis 12:1-3 Why did the LORD God promise such abundant blessings for Abram and his descendants? (see also Deuteronomy 7:6-11 and Galatians 3:29) 
• b) What special blessings are promised to Christians and what blessing are we called to share with others? 1 Peter 2:9
• c) Share an experience where you were blessed when you told someone else what God has done for you.

Lesson 2 - Causes of Disunity
1. Disobedience

• a) Deuteronomy 28:1-14 What blessings did the LORD promise His people if they lived in harmony with His commandments? 
• b) Deuteronomy 28:15-20 What negative consequences would result from disobedience? 
• c) When God’s people wandered away from Him in disobedience, what was His desire for them? Jeremiah 3:12-18 
• d) What is the root cause of disobedience? 
• e) Share an example from your own life of how disobedience to God’s Word resulted in disunity. 

2. Pride of personal opinion

• a) Judges 17:6, 21:25 
• b) What was the disastrous result of proudly trusting in personal opinion? Judges 2:11-13, 3:5-7 
• c) What warnings does Solomon give regarding the danger of a proud attitude? Proverbs 13:10, 16:18, 6:16-19 
• d) What story in the Bible illustrates the damaging results of a proud attitude? 

3. Following ungodly counsel

• a) 1 Kings 12:1-7, 8-16 How can we be certain that we are listening to godly counsel? I, therefore, beseech you (Ephesians 4:1–3) Scripture Song: Galatians 2:20–21 
• b) What promises in God’s Word assure us of His desire to provide wise counsel for us? Psalm 32:8, James 1:5 
• c) What appeal does Solomon make to each one of us? Proverbs 19:20 d) Share a time when following godly counsel brought healing and restoration to a broken relationship. 

4. Following people rather than following God

• a) 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 Why does the apostle Paul plead so earnestly with the Corinthian believers? 
• b) What is the danger of following a person, even if he or she is walking closely with the Lord? Why is Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:1 an important reminder when learning from another believer? 
• c) What habit of the Berean believers was affirmed by Paul? Acts 17:11 

5. Attacks from without and within

• a) Acts 20:28-30 (also Matthew 7:15) – savage wolves 
• b) Numbers 12:1-2 - Miriam and Aaron (envy) 
• c) 2 Timothy 2:15-18 - Hymenaeus and Philetus
• d) 2 Timothy 3:12-17 What counsel does Paul give to the young preacher Timothy regarding those who would seek to bring disunity to the church? 
• e) What Bible promise gives you hope and courage when you are under attack?