Study Guide: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants Pt. 3
Title: The Spirit of Samuel and David and The Blood of The Giants Pt. 3
Sermon Summary: In this powerful message, we’re challenged to confront the duality within ourselves – the old man versus the new man in Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4, we explore how our identity in Christ isn’t something we achieve, but rather something we receive and put on daily. The sermon delves into the profound concept that sin isn’t merely an action, but a state of being tied to our old nature. We’re encouraged to ‘arrest’ negative thoughts and behaviors, actively choosing to walk in the spirit rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh. This teaching invites us to reflect on how we view ourselves and others, urging us to see people through the lens of their potential in Christ rather than their current struggles. It’s a call to live from our new identity, embracing the power God has given us to overcome our old nature and manifest the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives.
Key Points:
- We must choose daily to identify with our new nature in Christ, not our old sinful self
- The importance of commanding our old nature to obey God’s will
- Understanding the origins of sin and the influence of the Nephilim
- The power of baptism as a public declaration of our new identity in Christ
- God’s desire for us to reconcile others and be witnesses of His power
- The dangers of pride, self-reliance, and rejecting God’s calling
- The reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance
Scripture Reference:
- Ephesians 4:20-24
- Genesis 3 and 6
- Galatians 5:16-25
Small Group Guide: Understanding the New Man and Confronting the Old Man
Objective
The goal of this small group session is to facilitate meaningful conversations and reflections on the sermon content regarding the transformation from the old man to the new man. Participants will explore the spiritual warfare within, the importance of choosing the identity in Christ over the flesh, and practical steps to walk in the Spirit.
Introduction
Begin the session with a brief overview of the sermon. Highlight the central theme of transformation from the old man (flesh) to the new man (Spirit) and the spiritual battle inherent in this process. Encourage group members to reflect on their personal walk and identify areas where they experience this conflict.
Key Questions:
- Understanding Identity:
- Reflect on the notion that we are in a continuous spiritual battle. How have you experienced this battle in your own life?
- The sermon mentioned that “sin is not something you do, but who you are or are not.” What impact does this understanding have on your perspective of sin and righteousness?
- Spiritual Warfare and Transformation:
- Reflect on the notion that we are in a continuous spiritual battle. How have you experienced this battle in your own life?
- The sermon mentioned that “sin is not something you do, but who you are or are not.” What impact does this understanding have on your perspective of sin and righteousness?
- Practical Steps and Challenges:
- What are some practical steps you can take to focus on being the new man daily?
- The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer, fasting, and studying. How can these practices be incorporated more actively into your life?
- Discuss the role of baptism in embracing the new man. What does baptism symbolize for you?
- Reflecting on Community and Influence:
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Christ: Emphasize the importance of embracing our identity as children of God. Recognize that through Christ, we are empowered to be new creations, freed from the chains of the past.
- Daily Choice and Battle: Acknowledge the daily decision to live as the new man, overcoming the old man through spiritual disciplines and reliance on God’s strength. Realize that spiritual warfare is an ongoing battle but victory is assured in Christ.
- Role of Community: Recognize the value of community in supporting each other in this transformation. Encourage open sharing and accountability within the group.
- Living Out the Faith: Commit to practical steps like consistent prayer, fasting, and bible study to strengthen your spiritual walk and manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
Practical Applications:
- Personal Reflection: Spend time each day reflecting on which identity you are choosing—old or new. Journal your thoughts and prayers to God about any struggles you face.
- Prayer and Fasting: Set a weekly schedule for focused prayer and fasting. Use this time to seek transformation and clarity in your identity in Christ.
- Share Your Testimony: Prepare and share part of your transformation journey with the group or someone outside the group to encourage others in their walk.
- Accountability Partner: Pair up with a group member to check in weekly, sharing victories and struggles in the journey of living as the new man.
Closing
End the session with prayer, asking God to strengthen each member’s resolve to live as the new man and to provide wisdom and courage in their spiritual journey. Encourage ongoing reflection and support within the group, fostering an environment of growth and transformation.
Discussion Questions
In what ways can we practically ‘take up serpents’ in a spiritual sense, as discussed in the sermon?
How does the idea of ‘not imputing trespasses’ challenge our typical views of judgment and forgiveness?
What are the potential dangers of identifying too strongly with our earthly lineage or family name, according to the speaker?
How might the concept of ‘live streaming’ in the spirit relate to being led by God moment-by-moment?
What are the implications of viewing the human body as a ‘promised land’ that needs to be conquered spiritually?
How does the speaker’s interpretation of Genesis challenge traditional understandings of Adam, Eve, and the Fall?
In what ways can we apply the principle of ‘subduing the earth’ to our inner spiritual life and growth?
Day 1: Embracing the New Man
Reading: Ephesians 4:20-24
Devotional: In this passage, Paul challenges believers to put off the “old man,” characterized by deceitful lusts and a corrupted nature, and to put on the “new man,” which is created in righteousness and true holiness. Reflect on areas of your life where the “old man” still has a hold. Consider how you can actively “put on” the new man by accepting God’s righteousness in Christ. Through prayer and repentance, seek God’s help to transform your thoughts and actions. Practice this by engaging in deliberate acts of kindness and truth today.
Day 2: Faith, Not By Sight
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Devotional: Cain and Abel present a classic struggle between the desires of the flesh and the call of righteousness. Cain’s story warns us of what happens when sin crouches at the door, and we fail to master it. Reflect on what “sin crouching at the door” means in your personal life. Use this time to commit to overcoming sin by tapping into the strength of the Spirit within. Engage in a time of confession and ask God to reveal areas where He wants to bring healing and strength.
Day 3: The Fight Within
Reading: Genesis 4:1-7
Devotional: Cain and Abel present a classic struggle between the desires of the flesh and the call of righteousness. Cain’s story warns us of what happens when sin crouches at the door, and we fail to master it. Reflect on what “sin crouching at the door” means in your personal life. Use this time to commit to overcoming sin by tapping into the strength of the Spirit within. Engage in a time of confession and ask God to reveal areas where He wants to bring healing and strength.
Day 4: Walking in the Spirit
Reading: Galatians 5:16-25
Devotional: Paul outlines the works of the flesh versus the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing the need to walk in the Spirit to overcome fleshly desires. Take time to identify which aspects of the fruit of the Spirit you need most in your life right now. Is it love, peace, patience, or self-control? Commit to a week-long challenge to practice this fruit daily. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in demonstrating it in every interaction and see how it transforms your relationships and outlook.
Day 5: Redemption of the Serpent
Reading: Mark 16:14-18
Devotional: In this commissioning, Jesus tells His disciples that they will “take up serpents” and not be harmed. This symbolically represents their role in overcoming evil and redeeming the world. Reflect on what it means for you to take up serpents—not by handling literal snakes but by confronting evil with God’s power. Identify any ‘serpents’ in your spiritual journey—doubts, fears, habits—and bring them to God in prayer, asking for His redemption and strength. Walk in the authority given to you as a believer, knowing that God is with you in every battle.
Each day, set aside time for prayer and reflection. Use these themes and scriptures to guide your discussions and journaling, allowing God’s Word to transform your heart and life.
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for key themes:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- Romans 8:28
- Ephesians 4:20-24
- John 1:10-13
- John 3:14-19
- Genesis 1:26-27
- Genesis 2:7
- Genesis 2:15-17
- Genesis 3:1-15
- Genesis 4:1-7
- Genesis 6:1-4
- Luke 3:38
- Mark 16:14-18
- Galatians 5:16-23
Alluded to or Implied:
- Matthew 16:24 (taking up one’s cross daily)
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (follow me as I follow Christ)
- Mark 9:2-8 (Transfiguration)
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)
- Matthew 23:9 (call no man father)
- Song of Solomon (references to garden and fruit imagery)
- Isaiah 53:4-5 (by his stripes we are healed)
- 1 Corinthians 15:55 (O death, where is thy sting?)
- Ezekiel 33:33 (you will know a prophet has been among you)
Suggested Relevant Verses:
- Colossians 3:9-10 (putting off the old self, putting on the new self)
- Romans 6:6 (old self crucified with Christ)
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (becoming the righteousness of God)
- Galatians 2:20 (crucified with Christ, Christ lives in me)
- 1 Peter 1:23 (born again of incorruptible seed)
- James 1:8 (double-minded man, unstable in all his ways)
- Matthew 6:24 (cannot serve two masters)
- Revelation 3:15-16 (lukewarm faith)
- 1 John 2:15-17 (love not the world)
- Matthew 7:13-14 (narrow gate, difficult way)
Chapter 1: The Old Man vs. The New Man
0:00 – 30:00
Introduction to the concept of the old man (flesh) and the new man (spirit) in believers.
Chapter 2: The Origins of Sin and the Nephilim
30:00 – 60:00
Explanation of the origins of sin, the Nephilim, and their influence on humanity.
Chapter 3: Walking in the Spirit and Overcoming the Flesh
30:00 – 45:00
Practical guidance on how to walk in the spirit and overcome the flesh
Chapter 4: The Consequences of Rejecting the New Nature
45:00 – 60:00
Warning about the consequences of rejecting the new nature and clinging to the old.
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