Verse of the Week:
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” - Luke 12:1b-3 (NIV)
Chapter 2 Video Links (From Her Green Room):
This week we are talking about Authenticity. I decided this week to make a video instead of writing a post. So the video below is my take on the chapter for this week. I look forward to the discussion this week. Talk to you all soon!
Discussion Questions:
- What simple questions can you ask at the next opportunity to show interest in others, even casual acquaintances or strangers?
- Duplicity (deceitfulness in speech or conduct) began in the Garden of Eden with the fall of humanity. Read the account from Genesis 3:1-19 and notice how Adam and Eve moved from authenticity and openness to deceit and cover-up. How does that parallel with the progression toward in-authenticity in people’s lives today?
- Jesus warned His disciples against hypocrisy both publicly and privately. Many of these cautions relate to some of our basic spiritual practices today. Read the verses below that correspond with the spiritual discipline listed. Describe ways that these good things can become tainted by phoniness, and note how to prevent hypocrisy in each area. (You may choose one or two)
- Prayer (Matthew 6:5-6)
- Giving (Matthew 6:2-4)
- Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
- Getting Rid of Sinful Behavior (Matthew 7:1-5)
- Making a Convert or Disciple (Matthew 23:15)
- Praising God (Mark 7:6-8)
- Sincerity is another word for authenticity; it’s used in various Bible translations and paraphrased versions. Psalm 15 describes the characteristics of a sincere person. Read that chapter and discuss the marks of sincerity described there.
- Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?
