1. REVIEW

In this study we learned that the Apostle Paul had a human nature just like you and me. He had a past he was not proud of, a present of inner struggle and discouragement, and a future eager for restoration. Yet, instead of being dominated by shame, regret, or guilt, he learned to walk in God’s grace. In this section we will explore how you are facing your humanity and engaging with God’s grace.


2. APPLICATION

A. Which one of these emotions have you experienced in the past days?
____ Regret
____ Shame
____ Guilt
____ Fear of rejection
____ Fear of being caught

B. Which one of these three dimensions are you struggling with the most?
____ My Past: I carry shame or regret from past.
____ My Present: I feel discouraged due to current sinful tendencies.
____ My Future: I fear God’s rejection for my lack of transformation.


3. GET DEEPER

There are three convictions that help us engage with our fallen humanity while at the same time walking in a growing relationship with Jesus. Which one of these convictions do you struggle to embrace the most? Why?

a.Believing that my past does not define me because I am a new creation.
b.Believing that God embraces me and loves me at all times, even when I fail.
c.Believing that I am a work in progress until my last breath.


4. GROUP PRAYER

(1) Thank God for knowing you fully and loving you as you are.
(2) Thank God for embracing you even when you are not embracing Him.
(3) Give God your shame, regret, guilt, and fears.
(4) Invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing and restoration to the deepest parts of your soul.
(5) Ask the Holy Spirit to help you rest on His love and His embrace and thank Him in advance for the work that He will do in your life.