8. What did God tell you through the reading this week?

Small Group Life Blog
August 13, 2009

Hi [FIRSTNAME],

Question #8 in our weekly Life Transformation Group is:

What did God tell you through the reading this week?

One of the big points of an LTG is that it has no leader and no teacher. Except the Holy Spirit. This means groups can multiply without ever having to train or educate people beyond following the basics of an LTG: confession of short-falls, praying for pre-Christian friends, and reading and discussing God’s Word in context.

Now, is there a danger here? Without someone seminary-educated present, someone who knows the Greek and Hebrew, someone thoroughly trained in the doctrines of the church, might the group be led astray into false beliefs? Sure, but it could happen with that person as well.

But here’s the difference: When the Holy Spirit is the teacher through His Word, He builds up your immune system to false teachings. The more you read and discuss God’s Word, the more self-correcting it is.

So, whether you have a doctorate in Biblical studies or whether this is the first time you’ve ever read God’s Word, the question is the same: What is God saying to you in His Word?

What about God’s character is He revealing to you? Is He showing you a failing to confess? Is He guiding you in a direction you should go? Whatever it is, say it to the group.

Having said that, if you want more direction, the LTG pamphlet lists three areas you may focus on (The DNA, if you will, of God’s Word):

1. Divine Truth. Walk Worthy. Die with Christ to your old nature and rise with Him to your new nature. (Col. 3:5-14; Rom. 13:14; Gal. 2:20)

2. Nurturing Friendships. Word and Spirit flow into all your friendships, a reflection of the Trinity. (Col. 3:15-4:1; Eph. 5:18-6:9).

3. Apostolic Mission. We are called to Stand Firm against Satan (Col. 4:7,12; Eph. 6:10-18) and Make Disciples(Col. 4:3-6; Eph. 6:19-20; Matthew 28:18-20—your prime directive).

But let me make this point clear: What is God saying to you? Warning! Focus on what God is telling you, not on what He’s not telling you (that is, questions you have, confusing things, etc.).

Hebrews 4:12 The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Isaiah 55:10-11  God says, "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (ESV)

I’m confident that when you read and listen to God’s Word, God will have His way, and it will turn out good.

In Christ,
Pastor Steve

Your Subscription: