Fri/Sat/Sun—October 6–8•Reversing the Curse For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17) God’s desire to redeem what has been unfruitful and turn it to abundance resonates throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, for instance, we see Joseph. He rose to prominence in Egypt as God gave him skills and opportunity to create and maintain fruitfulness, thus saving God’s people in a time of famine. Then we can look at the beginning of the monarchy. An unfruitful King Saul was replaced by David, who became the iconic king whose royal line eventually gave birth to the Messiah. In another time of desperation and futility, God gave Nehemiah abundant resources and abilities to rebuild a broken city. Jesus was the ultimate example. Luke 4 tells us He gave His mission statement, proclaimed prophetically in the book of Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18- 19, see also Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus reversed the curse brought on by Adam’s failure, and He brought life and abundance in place of death and destruction. Those of us who claim to follow Jesus have a similar calling. God wants us to bring to others the blessings He intended. WEEK Week 1 Scripture tells us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). In context, this verse relates to generosity in giving. But in context of the repeating theme of God’s desire to redeem what has been unfruitful, do you believe this verse is limited to financial generosity? Explain your answer. Daily Reading: Jeremiah 6:16–11:23, Colossians 2:8–4:18, Psalm 78:1–72, Proverbs 24:26–29 FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP October 1–8 In what areas of life do you have the ability to influence others? ■ Please look beyond the obvious answers of marriage and family, workplace and church. Then consider what responsibility God has given you in those areas. ■ How are you responding to His desire to grow His kingdom in that arena? 18
20514 Man in Mirror
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