Group Study Part 3: Be Transformed - Drawing Near to God

This session will explore the transformative process of drawing near to God as a means to overcome sin and live a life that reflects true righteousness. The focus will be on key scriptures that emphasize the relationship between closeness to God and living a sin-free life.

Objective:

To understand the connection between submitting to God, resisting sin, and the implications of a life lived in close communion with God.

Content Sections:

1. Drawing Near to God:

Explanation: Discuss the importance of drawing near to God and the promise that He will draw near to us in return.

   - *Key Scripture*: James 4:7-8 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Scripture Discussion Points:

     - What does it mean to "submit" to God?

     - How can we actively resist the devil in our daily lives?

2. The Call to Overcome Sinning:

• Explanation: Examine what it means to lead a life not dominated by sin, acknowledging that while perfection is unattainable, the grace of God empowers us to resist sin and live righteously, reflecting Christ's nature.

• Key Scripture: 1 John 3:6-9 - "No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

• Additional Scripture: Romans 6:14 - "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

Scripture Discussion Points:

• How does living "in Him" empower us to resist the continual practice of sinning?

• Discuss the transition from a life controlled by sin to one where sin's power is broken, not implying perfection but a genuine desire and practical victory over sinful behaviors.

3. The Results of Drawing Near to God:

Explanation: Consider the transformative effects of a closer relationship with God on personal holiness and overcoming sin.

   - *Key Scripture*: Additional references might include Psalms 73:28 - "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

Scripture Discussion Points:

     - How does being near God change our desires and actions?

     - Share a personal testimony where drawing near to God led to a victory over sin.

Discussion Questions:

- How have you experienced God drawing near to you in response to your efforts to come closer to Him?

- In what practical ways can we cleanse our lives to better facilitate God's presence?

- Reflect on how understanding and resisting the devil's tactics has impacted your spiritual walk.

Action Steps:

- Identify one sin to actively resist and set practical measures to overcome it.

- Commit to daily devotional time to continually draw nearer to God.

Closing Prayer Points for the Group:

- For Spiritual Strength: Pray for strength to resist sin and for the devil to flee from our lives.

- For Cleansing and Renewal: Ask for cleansing from all sin and for pure hearts and minds.

- For Deeper Intimacy with God: Seek a deeper, more personal relationship with God for each group member.

- For Witnessing Opportunities: Pray for opportunities to share the changes God has made in our lives as a testimony to others.