Breaking Ground
What’s your favorite physical activity? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we continued our series Expect Resurrection, where we’re exploring the concept of resurrection in the biblical story.
During the message, Pastor Scott reflected on the components that often get used to define what it means to be human. In particular, he focused on the body, mind, spirit, & soul.
How would you define each of the above terms? Do you define each in similar ways to Pastor Scott?
What distinguishes between each of these components? What unites them together to form a holistic person?
Next, reflect on how each of these terms might be impacted by the concepts of New Creation & Resurrection that we’re exploring in this series.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:49-52. Here, we find Paul wrestling with what it means to undergo a total renewal of our entire personhood.
What stands out to you from Paul’s language here?
What do you think it means to bear the image of Jesus on our whole personage (body, mind, spirit, & soul)? What kind of transformation would that entail?
For Paul, this sort of reflection is not detached from our present reality. In fact, throughout the letter, Paul argues that reflecting Christ’s Image calls us to have a deep level of respect for our whole personhood & how we use each part.
Consider each component again (body, mind, spirit, & soul). Each of us, for a variety of reasons, often overemphasize one of these components, while neglecting another.
Which do you tend to overemphasize when it comes to defining who you are? Which do you tend to neglect? What impact does this have on how you think about yourself & how you live in this world?
What would an experience of Christlike renewal of these attributes look like? What would it mean for you to start experiencing that renewal here & now?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time each week to reflect on the Sunday sermon & how it might be applied to your daily life.
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:49-52. Write down any verses or key pieces of imagery that stand out to you the most.
- What imagery & language does Paul use to describe the resurrected body? Why does Paul believe that this constitutes a profound hope for Christians?
- How would your behavior & attitudes change if you believed that you’re called to start embodying these images in the present? How would you start living out what you’ve identified? How might that positively impact both your life & the lives of people around you?
- Commit to one action or practice this week that would help you experience resurrected life here in the present.
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
Surprised by Hope by NT Wright
The Resurrection of the Son of God by NT Wright
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Saturday, March 26th: Join us next Sunday for week 2 of our series Expect Resurrection!
* Please see mye3.org for details.