Drawing a Line in the Sand 28 Jan

Guardrail:

A non-negotiable boundary that is a matter of personal conviction.

Refusing to have guardrails does not resolve the temptation we feel to sin, it simply weakens our resolve.

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Definition of spiritual guardrail:  A non-negotiable boundary that is a matter of personal conviction.

1. What has God taught you through the series Guardrails?  Have you created any guardrails as a result of what you have learned?  
2. Every day of our lives we feel the tension that comes with temptations to sin.  In order to resolve the tension, we begin to question what is right and what is wrong.  Discuss the statement:  Refusing to have guardrails does not decrease the temptation we feel to sin. It simply weakens our resolve not to sin.
3. Read Daniel 1:1-7.  Why did the Babylonians change the names, food, and religion of their young captives?  What was their ultimate goal?
4. Read Daniel 1:8.  Why did Daniel put his life on the line just because of some food?  
   • Is there an area of your life where you sense God calling you to draw a line in the sand?  Are you ready to draw the line? Why or why not?
   • If you’re comfortable doing so, share where you may be ready to draw the line.  
5. Read Daniel 1:9-21.  God has been silent in Daniel’s life up to this point.  
   • What does God do on behalf of Daniel and his friends?  What does God not do for them?
   • Share some experiences you have had in which God acted on your behalf.
6. Read James 1:13-14.  It’s obvious that guardrails protect us from sin, how do they also direct us to God’s will for our lives?  How have they directed you in the past?
7. Read Proverbs 3:5-8.  Guardrails prevent us from doing things that are unwise.  On the other hand, good habits are tools to remind us to do things that are wise.  Can you share any habits that have helped you in your Christian walk?

Daily Scripture Readings:

Day 1: 2 Timothy 2:22

Day 2: Luke 8:13

Day 3: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Day 4: Luke 4:1-8

Day 5: Luke 4:9-13

Day 6: James 1:13-14

Day 7:  Proverbs 3:5-8

DIGGING DEEPER verses Proverbs 3:5-8 (read the verses in a few different Bible versions)

Proverbs ABC’s

Author: Solomon for Chapters 1-29, Agur Chapter 30, and king Lemuel Chapter 31

Background:  Proverbs is a colorfully poetic book.  A wide range of subjects. Some say all of Proverbs was actually written by Solomon.

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v. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

v. 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight

v. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

v. 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

1, 2, 3’s

Step 1 – Observation:  What does the passage say?  

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Step Two – Interpretation:  What does it mean?  

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Step Three- Application:  How does it apply to my life?

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