
INTRO: In considering other ways in which you may categorize people, how would you categorize yourself as a driver (wreckless, defensive, careful, etc.)? If you are not a driver, how do you categorize yourself as a passenger (back-seat- driver, anxious, calm, etc.)?
READ: Matthew 13:24-39
Begin the time by praying together.
DISCUSS:
1. Pastor Robert said that left vs.right thinking causes us to demonize the side with which we do not identify. Discuss how it makes you feel in considering that there is good and evil on both the left and the right.
2. Solving the problem of evil is God’s prerogative. Does that mean that we should do nothing in the face of evil? Explain why you gave that answer.
3. Satan masquerades as the angel of light (II Corinthians 11:13-14). As God’s “worker in the field” how do you discern the difference between good and evil?
4. The weeds and wheat have interconnecting roots in this parable, as they share the same ecosystem. Give an example of how the roots of good are entangled with the roots of evil in your life.
5. God’s shocking plan is to allow good and evil to grow together (Matthew 5:45). Give an example of how you see good outpacing the growth of evil in our world.
6. What do you do to be a part of good growing in your sphere of influence? How do you find the opportunities to nourish the good?
7. What do you do to keep from being anxious about the reality of evil growing in the world around you?
PRAY: Thank you, for the fruit of the Spirit that You grow in me. Even though it looks like evil is growing in this world, Father, please grow more love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness in me. I thank you that Christ defeated evil once and for all on the cross. Please help me to trust that You, the Lord of the Harvest, will give that ultimate accounting for the evil around me. Help me to spend my time and energy growing only toward showing those around me the beauty of God’s kingdom. Amen
IN SMALLER GROUPS, SHARE AND PRAY:
- hare one need for which you would like prayer today.
- Take time to pray for one person at a time
- Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time
- Listen to the Lord for guidance in how to pray for one another and then pray