ENJOY IT
Some Good News and Some Good News (Part 1)
April 10-13, 2006

I want you to remember the Good News... that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say; that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NCV)

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10 (NIV)

Two words sum up what Jesus said and did in this world: Good News! He didn't come saying I have some good news and some bad news, which do you want to hear first. He has only Good News. When Jesus was born, the first thing the angels said was the Good News is for us to enjoy. Many people have been turned off from accepting Jesus when they see the faces of believers that don't reflect the joy of knowing the Good News. How can believers live a life that reflects remembering the Good News and enjoying what that Good News means to the believer? In a survey asking people what was so good about the good news the top three responses were: A meaningful life; the hope of heaven; and the peace of God's forgiveness. This study looks into these three aspects of the Good News. It will investigate what defines a person's life to give it meaning, what hope can do to ignite a life of action and enjoyment, and how the peace of God's forgiveness restores and refreshes a person's life.

MONDAY

1. WHAT DEFINES MY LIFE?
[Your Objective: The group should consider the things that we can do so we can enjoy the Good News.]

What does Romans 8:28 assure us about the problems we face in daily life?

  • How can problems with our health, finances, or relationships define our life? How can we avoid this?
  • What are some practical ways to face our problems without losing focus on our relationship with God?

How much will God do to help us fulfill our potential according to Ephesians 3:20? Where does the power to accomplish this come from?

  • What response does God expect?
  • Even very successful people, living up to their potential, can feel trapped by the expectations of others. How can we change our focus to enjoy the Good News more?

How long will God's plans and purposes last if we rely on the promise of Psalm 33:11?

  • How can we put into practice God's purposes for our life?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Being willing to face our circumstances and taking steps to change is part of Maturity. How can identifying the things we allow to define our life help us to focus more on deepening our relationship with God so we can enjoy the Good News? Write out one area where you need to change. Exchange papers with your spiritual partner and pray for each other during the week.

TUESDAY

2. WHAT IGNITES MY LIFE?
[Your Objective: To discuss the difference between short-term and long-term motivations that have eternal significance.]

Read Mark 8:35. It is a statement of passion. What must one do to save, or really live his life? What are the reasons given to do this?

  • What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? Give an example.
  • How could saving your life by losing it result in igniting your passion for life?

How does 1 Corinthians 9:25 describe the difference between the two crowns? Who receives the crowns?

  • Which crown represents a short-term motivation? Name some others: why are they short-term?
  • How do we win the crown that lasts forever? Why does this require a long-term motivation?
  • Who usually determines our short-term motives? Who should determine our long-term motives?

Who does 1 Corinthians 3:11-13 say is the foundation? What materials may be used to build upon it? What will be tested?

  • What contrast do you see in the words used to describe these materials? Which ones will last?
  • Give some present day examples of our work that will last. What are some that will not last?

According to 1 Corinthians 13:8a, what is eternal or never fails?

  • To build what lasts, let your motivation be love. Why do you think love is the greatest motivator?

Evangelism (Mission) - When it comes to matters of eternal significance we all have choices to make. Our lives will be a reflection of the motivations that move us to action. While we determine our immediate motivations, such as success, worry, guilt, peer pressure, and the like, we need long-term motivations which determine our eternal reward. Our lesson reveals that love is the best motivator. Love will ignite your life! Heaven, people, the Good News of Jesus Christ, these motivators will produce lasting fruit. Think about choosing that which lasts. As a representative of Christ, what is your choice? Whose life can you touch for eternity, and when will you do it?

WEDNESDAY

3. WHAT RESTORES MY LIFE?
[Your Objective: Realize how to obtain a life of peace instead of living with spiritual exhaustion.]

What did David ask God for in Psalm 51:12?

  • David longed for joy in God's salvation and a heart willing to obey God. Where do we learn what God expects us to do?

From Psalm 19:7, what benefit did David gain from God's Word (teachings, law...)?

  • How does studying the Bible and praying enable us to be willing to obey God?

How did Paul encourage us to obtain God's peace in Philippians 4:6-7?

  • How do we often try to escape the exhaustion of our souls?
  • What keeps us from immersing ourselves in God's Word and prayer when we feel spiritually exhausted?
  • How can giving thanks to God in the midst of our exhaustion bring us peace?

According to John 16:33 what did Jesus say was his purpose for sharing with them?

  • Why is knowing the way to peace good news?
  • What personal choices make the difference between spiritual exhaustion and living a life of peace?

Worship (Magnification) - A life of peace is available to those who truly worship God. Are you suffering from a lack of peace? Start by asking yourself these three questions: Is there a situation I'm not talking to God about? Am I letting Him know what I need? Am I giving thanks? Let the answers to these questions draw you into a conversation with God. Spend time listening to His direction and act quickly to obey His guidance. Write out the thoughts God places in your mind and read them each day this week. Plan to share the result with the group at the next meeting.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Make changes in our attitudes and actions to allow our lives to reflect the joy of the Good News.]

Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!

Mark 1:15 (NCV)

Now that we know how the Good News defines, ignites, and restores our lives, what changes will we make so our lives reflect the joy the Good News brings? What attitudes will you change so your heart will reflect the joy? What actions will you change so others can see the joy coming from you? We live in a bad-news world, yet your attitudes and actions can have an eternal effect. If you haven't accepted the Good News yet, ask Jesus to bring the Good News into your heart and into your life. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask Him to show you what you need to change and for the power to change it.