Acts 1-4 | The Phone Tree Bible Study Group

7-Weeks of Walking in the Word, Examining Self, & Studying People of Interest from the Bible

Week 4 Theme: From Zeal to Zilch & Back Again

What gets in the way of us living in the Light? What habits or practices hinder our Kingdom mindedness and works? How do we go from a people of passion, purpose, and conviction to a people of doubt, shame, and fear? Is it even possible to bounce back and be restored when we have walked on the dark side or dwelled in the shadows for a time?

This week, as we attempt to answer some of the questions above, let us consider the Scriptures related to two prodigals. One account comes by way of a very well known story. The other account is about a man who is not an obvious prodigal, and yet he was one for a moment in time, in that he left “home” (representative of that which he knew to be true) and behaved recklessly, before repentantly returning.

As you read this week’s key Bible verses, I want you to pay very close attention to the before and after stories of each man. Take note of their back stories. (This will likely require you to dig deeper into the Bible. Take advantage of the extra study. It will garner much in the way of spiritual food.) I encourage you to begin considering who these men were at their core, how they each positioned themselves as it relates to “home,” what choices shaped them, and how they moved toward the future.

Scripture Study IV: Luke 15:11-32 and Luke 22:54-62 (Use other books in the Gospels to get a full picture of these stories.)

Assignment IV: Reread the Bible verses, as well as other related Scriptures. Highlight the words, phrases, and/or sentences that stand out to you.

Recall & Reflect:

What labels do I choose to wear at the present time, and why do I elect to don these particular ones? (Do I feel that I don’t deserve to wear anything other than that which I have known? Am I staying in the label that is most comfortable to me, even if I know that it holds me back from being truly free in Christ? Why?)

Journal IV: Take some time this week to journal your thoughts on the following:

1a) What is the first thing we come to know about the prodigal in Luke 15? 1b) What are some of the paramount moments from the life of Peter in Scriptures, and how does it compare to who he shows himself to be in Luke 22?

2a) When the father looks upon his prodigal son in Luke 15, how is the son received by him? 2b) When Peter denies Christ, what does Jesus do? (Dig Deeper: Well after the denial had taken place, how does Peter later respond? What is his new identity? (See Luke 24:12, 33-53; Acts 1-4.))

3) Have you come to find that you label yourself just as much as you allow others to label you? When did this start, and what was the point of origin?

4) Which prodigal do you relate to the most and why?

5) Do you believe that the LORD can transform your life and clarify who you really are? Do you believe you can be restored?

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