Memories in the Making-
Redemption & Healing
ICE BREAKER: What makes a memory wonderful? Share a wonderful memory you are comfortable sharing!
1.What insight, principles or observations did you take away from this Sunday’s message?
The series is about being intentional about the things that will be remembered – a legacy!
2. What kinds of things should we be intentional about remembering, for ourselves, and for our children? (Luke 15:21-24)
(From the Parable of the Prodigal Son) Luke 15:21–24 (NIV) 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
3. Why does intentionally remembering the good things and godly things, rather than remembering everything, improve our lives? (1 John 3:19-21)
1 John 3:19–21 (NIV) 19This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: 20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God
One of the early steps in leaving a legacy is letting God redeem every area of our lives.
4. What does “Redemption or Redeeming” mean to you?
5. How do we let God redeem every area of our lives? (Matthew 6:19-21,33)
Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Note: King David committed adultery with Bathsheba. To keep her husband from finding out about the adultery, King David had him killed, in battle, by the hand of the enemy. David later repented and experienced the loss of their child because of his sin. Yet God would later redeem David’s sin with their son Solomon becoming king. (1 Chronicles 22:6-10)
1 Chronicles 22:6–10 (NIV) 6 Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. 8 But this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
6. What does it reveal about God’s character that He would change/redeem the results of David’s sin by allowing Solomon to become king? How does this help us to have trust that God can redeem our mistakes for his glory? (Psalm 103:10-13)
Psalm 103:10–13 (NIV) 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
7. What does Psalm 51:1 reveal about David’s relationship with God? (Psalm 51:1-6)
Psalm 51:1-6 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
8. How does confession of our sin and our relationship with God affect our openness for God to “Redeem Our Regrets”?
Pastor Brian listed some of the accomplishments of Solomon:
- Solomon constructs the temple in Jerusalem.
- Israel has unprecedented economic success and peace with their enemies under Solomon.
- David and Solomon are in the line that Jesus, the Savior of the world is born.
Pastor Brian presented three truths about God’s redemption.
-Redemption is something God wants to do.
Only He can do the redeeming, AND He wants too.
-Redemption of Our Story Takes Many Forms.
Redemption can cause us to seek God, either for the first time, or to grow in our walk.
Redemption can cause us to reschedule or redirect, or to bless others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
-Redemption of our Story requires we take the Long View
Sometimes redemption is eternal (Romans 8:28)
Romans 8:28 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
9. What do you think that Pastor Brian meant that sometimes our redemption is eternal?
10. How does God use pain and difficulty in our lives? (James 1:2-4)
James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
11. Can you think of ways that God has redeemed hurt and pain in your life? Is there anything you would be comfortable sharing with your circle?
12. How can we put in the past what God has already redeemed you from?
13. What can we do to reduce the pain and hurt from difficult memories and failures in our lives? (Philippians 4:8-9)