Week 5

Look Back

How has understanding the context of God’s rules for our lives changed your perspective, and how have those rules helped guide you this week?

Look Up

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 and 1 John 1:8-10

1. What is the difference between something that is “repaired” and something that is “new?” Does God see us as “repaired” or as “new?”
2. What is the promise God gives in 1 John?
3. It’s easy to feel damaged, unloved, or unusable when we sin, even after we ask for forgiveness. But the scripture says that we are made new. What about verses 8-10 are hard to believe for your own life? What mindsets can get in the way of us believing that promise?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and 1 Timothy 1:15-16

1. In 2 Corinthians, Paul talks about how we should respond to God’s forgiveness. What effect should this forgiveness have on our lives? Do you feel like His forgiveness is living in full effect in your life today?
2. What does it take to turn a painful memory into a mental memorial of God’s forgiveness?
3. Have you ever considered using your failure as an example to help others? How can those around you (maybe in your small group) help you do this?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

How are you letting past sin control your life or dictate your future? In what ways can you walk around “new” and trust in the promise of “new” this week?

Notes

In Christ, your past isn’t your past anymore – you have been forgiven. And if you’re dwelling in your past, it is impacting your future. It’s important to move forward and let Jesus have the past He died to take. Nothing but Jesus can take away our sins, and when we accept his forgiveness, we are free from the bondage of sin and are made new again – not just “repaired,” but brand new.