SOAR Discussion Questions  |  06 March 2019

The Hard Heart
The key focus in this series is on GROWING.  In the area of spiritual growth, it is foundational that we understand that God is the key player.  He is the divine initiator.  If we removed God from the passages of the Bible we would have very little of the Bible left.  That is because He is the key player.  Yet, we live our own personal lives forgetting that God is the key player in our life.  May the Spirit open our eyes to recognise in a greater way how God can be the Lord of our lives.

There is more to life than what we are experiencing now.  There is a life of rest, a life that we can ‘walk in green pastures and beside still waters.’  This can be experienced even whilst navigating the ups and downs of this present life.  This is achieved by allowing God to break our hard hearts and give us a heart of flesh. He does this through the process of repentance.

Discuss one or more of the following questions.

1. In 2 Corinthians 7:8 it is clear that Paul has shared some strong words to the Corinthians church that has initially hurt them.  Share an experience where someone has spoken some honest truths into your life that initially has hurt you but later on you realised that they were right.  What was the situation?  What issue did they address?  How did you feel initially?  How long did it take for you to realise that they were right?  Did you ever go back and thank them?

2.  In 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Paul talks about the difference between Godly and worldly sorrow. Share a time where you have experienced Godly and/or worldly sorrow. The following questions may be helpful to guide you in sharing:

• When I am in a situation where I know I will never get caught or receive the penalty for my sins do I still grieve for sinning against God?
• Is the sorrow for offending God greater than the sorrow for any worldly loss?
• Are we willing to let go of those sins that bring us the greatest enjoyment?

3.  In 2 Corinthians 7:11 Paul mentions that there is a tangible change in a person who truly experiences Godly sorrow and repents.  Name an incident and describe the change in you after you experienced Godly sorrow and repented.

4.  What is one area in your life that God is saying to you that you really need to take responsibility and stop blaming other people, circumstances or your own weakness?  Share with the group so that they can support and pray for you.  Do you need to seek help outside the group?  What is your next step?

5.  Choose one area of your life where you know that God is not on the throne?  If God is not on the throne then who or what is?  Spend some quietness before God in a time of repentance and confession.  Take this area of your life as a project to work on before God.  What is your next step in allowing God to disciple you in this area?  What help do you need?

6.  When was the last time that you took time out for a heart check up?  How will you do this?  Will this be alone or with a trusted friend? When will you do this? Make yourself accountable to the group and give them permission to ask you about it next time you meet.

• Is there a truth that God wants you to obey?  
• What will you do to obey this? I will…