WELCOME ICEBREAKER

What was your high and low of the past week?

WORSHIP

“Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”
- 2 Chronicles 16:10

Spend about 10 to 15 minutes seeking the Lord and His presence at the meeting.

WORD

As a leader it would be helpful to on your own read the background to this setting by reviewing chapter 7. Here we see how the religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus which leads up to the conversation
in chapter 8.

Most of us would admit that at one time or another we have been trapped by a sexual sin whether in deed or thought. Sexual sin is rampant in our culture. Our culture may have changed but God has not. The scars of a sexual lifestyle outside of the safe boundaries of the marriage bed have left many hurting and confused people. As believers we need to know how to respond to sexual sins, both when we have been trapped by it and when we see others trapped. The conversation Jesus here with the woman caught in adultery gives us some insight into the matter. In order to enjoy God’s gift of sex, we also need to learn to enjoy God’s gift of forgiveness and walk in obedience to His word.

As a group read John 8:1-12.

• Why were the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus?
• What trap were the religious accusers in?
• Since adultery was a violation by both parties, why do you think the accusers didn’t bring the man caught in the act?
• Why do you think the accusers slipped away when Jesus turned their trap into a moral issue?
• What message is Jesus sending her and all of us when He tells her she is not condemned?
• How does our society throw stones today at those it condemns?
• The woman stayed to face Jesus instead of leaving with the rest. What does this tell us about the woman and about Jesus?
• Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more. What would it take for her to do this? How does verse 12 tie in? As a group discuss how we can live a life of purity. (Reference verses: Rom. 8:13, 1 Thess. 4:3-5, 1 Cor. 6:18, 2 Tim . 2:22, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 13:4)
• In order to be free from the trap enemy we must receive God’s forgiveness, forgive others and forgive ourselves. Which of these to you think is most challenging and why?

WORK

Be sensitive as you pray for the needs of others in the area of sexual sins. If they do share with the group ensure that no explicit details are given. Ask the group to keep the needs in confidence. If no needs are shared pray a general pray for God’s grace to flee sexual temptations and to be set free from past strongholds.

If there are deep rooted needs in the group defer them to the pastors Dave and Cheryl for further counseling or encourage them to attend the next Spiritual Cleansing weekend which will be held in September.

Remember the next water baptism is Aug. 20 at 4:30 with a great movie to follow called The End Of The Spear.