REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

"Brace Up!"

ICEBREAKER: Tell us one thing you would still like to accomplish before you die.

CONFESSION:

In a world and an age of uncertainty and volatility I choose to brace up my life on the Word of God which is the solid bedrock of truth. These are perilous times, but as David said, my times are in His hand so I rest in His peace. I take responsibility to brace up me.

I refuse to complain about what I allow

I refuse to cry about what my choices are producing

I refuse to criticize what I have nothing invested in

I refuse to be satisfied with the average and the mediocre

I refuse to pout about what I am not willing to change

I refuse to make excuses for that which I am responsible

I refuse to blame others for what I am not willing to confront

I refuse to hyper-focus on what used to be rather than what could be

I refuse to accept the status quo as the best it gets

I refuse to live in the past and allow my past to negatively affect my future

I refuse to build my life on the superficial values and mores of our society

DEFINITION: Brace Up: to choose to be strong and courageous; to summon one’s will-power, strength or endurance; to become resolute; to undergird yourself; to secure your position by fastening tightly to a firm foundation; to be ready for the unexpected by strengthening your resolve to be prepared; to pair up with another to double your effectiveness and impact; to embrace a person, position or principle.

OUTLINE:

· If you want to embrace the joy, you have to embrace the cross

· If you want to embrace the crown of righteousness you have to embrace the crown of thorns

· If you want to embrace the reward of the Father, you have to embrace the will of the Father

· If you want to embrace the triumph you have to embrace the travail

· If you want to embrace the opportunities, you have to embrace the opposition

· If you want to embrace the victory you have to embrace the warfare

· If you want to embrace the affirmation you have to embrace confrontation

· If you want to embrace the harvest you have to embrace the blood, sweat and tears

· If you want to embrace the breakthrough you have to embrace the surrender

· If you want to embrace the acceptance you must embrace the rejection

· If you want to embrace the wholeness you have to embrace the brokenness

· If you want to embrace the resurrection you have to embrace the burial

TEXT: Psalm 18:1-2, 18; Hebrews 12:1-2; 11:13; Ecclesiastes 3:5; Genesis 33:4

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. The Lord is the only foundation secure enough to build our lives upon. If we choose to embrace His love, His Word and His plan for us, we can stay the storms of life. What adjectives are used in Psalm 18:1-2, 18 to describe how God upholds, secures, protects and braces us up? Which one appeals most to you?

2. With what beliefs, values or principles do Christians need to brace up their lives? Be specific.

3. Why do you think so many in the world are offended at the cross?

4. To embrace something is to bring it close to your heart, the seat of what you believe. How will the world know that the church actually embraces God’s Word? Be specific.

5. In the vexing torment of the Garden of Gathsemane Jesus wrestled with the inner mental conflict of letting this cup pass from Him. However, ultimately He braced up his will by pairing or aligning His will with His Father’s will. Why is it tough sometimes to fulfill our Father’s will?

6. If you want to embrace the breakthrough you have to embrace the surrender. What or who does God want you to surrender to Him right now?

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:

ACTION POINT: This week I will find, post where I can see, read every day and begin to memorize at least three foundational keystone Bible verses that I will build my life upon.