Date: September 15, 2024
Purpose Restored
The Point: Through Jesus, we can be forgiven and restored to the purpose for which He created us.
Get Into the Study
As you begin, discuss the icebreaker question: “What was your biggest DIY home improvement fail?”
We all know the difficulty of taking care of a home. Whether it was built yesterday or has been around for decades, houses have issues that must be addressed. Depending upon your comfort level regarding DIY fixes, you might decide to fix it yourself or feel the need to call an expert. The quote for a professional service has caused many of us to attempt the fixes ourselves.
Stephanie Rafieha of Tomball, Texas, decided to unscrew a cabinet from a wall in her home without any help. As she was working on the room in her house, she started taking the screws out of the unit. As she neared the last one, she didn’t think to brace the cabinet. She had leaned into the cabinet for a better view as she stood upon some other shelves. As the last screw came out, the cabinet came down on her head, and she went down for an epic fall.
Why is this news we are even aware of? Stephanie had been recording her DIY attempt to show others, giving them more than expected. She said, “Hoping my moment of stupidity brings a smile to your face…” Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt. She learned a lesson and wanted the world to know of it.
Lead the group to review “The Bible Meets Life.”
For more information, visit https://viralhog.com/v?t=dvimvao3wl&in_thing_id=408213 and https://uk.news.yahoo.com/diy-fail-woman-makes-big-140000876.html
Get Into the Study [Option from the Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a video clip or slideshow of some famous pieces of art. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Before asking Question #2, share the following:
Scotty McCreery did something unique in his recent concert at the Colorado State Fair. The American Idol alum was talking in between songs when he noticed a man assault a woman in the crowd. Among all the concertgoers, he saw an incident he called out from the stage. He refused to continue the concert until police came and apprehended the man.
He said, “Absolutely not, you just hit the lady. Police? Security? Is she OK?…Y’all let the cop know who hit the lady. That’s absolutely unacceptable.”
You never know what you will experience when you go to a concert, but I doubt many expected to see that. When we see sin and injustice occurring, it should still rattle us. In our culture, it is easy to get desensitized to rampant sin. We cannot get used to the things that break God’s laws and hurt others.
In Peter’s sermon, he confronted the city’s evil decisions that put Jesus to death. He also highlighted the good that had been done to someone in need. He was not afraid to call out what needed to be said. Looking at this world, you will probably see great injustices as Peter did.
For more information, visit: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/08/27/scotty-mccreery-stops-concert-man-hits-woman/74962711007/.
Travis Agnew is a disciple of Jesus, husband to Amanda, dad to the Agnew 3, and Lead Pastor or Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. He loves writing about faith and family at travisagnew.org.
Study the Bible [Option for the Daily Discipleship Leader Guide]
After introducing Acts 3:14-18 and drawing attention to the first subpoint, play “Make Room” by Community Music or a similar song with a message of surrender. Encourage the group to listen closely to the lyrics and consider what it means to them to surrender and place their faith in God. After the song is finished, invite volunteers to share how they came to faith in Christ. Encourage anyone present who might be thinking of trusting Jesus to speak with you, another leader, or a trusted Christian friend.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What was a career you dreamed about that never came to fruition?
- What positions or possessions does our society commonly value?
- What’s something you can never find when you need it?
- What’s something you own that’s been refurbished or restored?
- What was your biggest DIY home improvement fail?
Acts 3:14-18
- Why is faith in Jesus Christ necessary for restoration from sin?
- What does “wholeness” mean for the Christian?
- Besides physical issues, in what other ways do people need healing and restoration?
- How have you experienced restoration through faith in Jesus?
- How would you explain the concept of faith to someone who’s never heard about it?
- Where do you see evidence in our culture that people need restoration?
Acts 3:19-21.
- In your own words, what does “forgiveness” mean?
- How does Jesus model forgiveness? How can we forgive others like Jesus forgives us?
- When have you seen repentance lead to restoration?
- What are some obstacles that often prevent us from repentance?
- What aspects of restoration are you still looking forward to?
Acts 3:22-26
- How has your relationship with God brought purpose to your life?
- How have you experienced Jesus pulling you from evil and toward God?
- Why is Jesus’ resurrection so vital in moving people from sin to repentance?
- What other paths do people attempt apart from Christ to find salvation?
- How has your life been restored and refreshed because of Jesus?
- How have you found more purpose since coming to Christ?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
The Beat Way to Restore Art—and Your Life
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
HomeLife – Four Women
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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