While reading the novel “Rooms” by James Rubart is not at all necessary prior to this Lenten study, you may find it advantageous. It can be purchased online or at your local bookstore. You can learn more about the book here.

To encourage interactive discussion within the group, we recommend you prepare by reading the following questions and Scripture passages.

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WEEK 1

(WOUNDEDNESS)

We’ve all been wounded…but often we have a hard time talking about it. Wounds come in all forms….even from words. Words deliver deeper wounds than almost anything….they come against our hearts. And those scars go deep. Take a little time this week and think about the following:

1. What do you think about when you hear the term wounded?
2. Do you think it’s possible to heal our deepest pain? Or do you think we should just move on and cope by whatever means is available to us?
3. Think about the things that have wounded your spirit over time. Is it something you’ve ever talked about, or maybe something you have talked about at great length? “When two or more are gathered in His name, He is there.” Our God is a Healer for any and all of our wounds.
4. Read the following scripture passages: Isaiah 61: 1; Jeremiah 6:14; Judges chapter 6

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WEEK 2

(DESTINY)

God’s Word tells us that we have been created for a purpose. So why is it that so few Christians live their true destiny? Why do we so often feel like there must be something more? Are our dreams too small? Are we playing it safe? God shaped your soul for something specific. The only place you’ll find what that is, is in the deep desires of your heart…..because that’s where God put it.

1. Are there people you know who are living their destiny, their calling? What does that look like?
2. What are your greatest desires? Your passions? The things that you’ve loved to do since you were little?
3. Are there things about truly following your destiny that make you nervous? What are they? What are the risks? What actions can move you closer to your real purpose?
4. What does it mean to hear…. “it’s never too late to step into your destiny?”
5. Read the following scripture passages: Matthew 14:29-31; Matthew 16:23; Mark 16:71-72; Acts 2:14,41

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WEEK 3

(WARFARE)

Spiritual warfare is real. We are constantly assaulted with messages and ideas meant to lead us away from our truest identity in Christ and away from a sound relationship with Him. Negative thoughts, fearful thoughts, thoughts of worry, self-scorn, judgment, gossip, lust, and the list goes on. So where do those thoughts come from? From Satan, of course, who wants to destroy our dreams, our relationships, our faith, and our destiny.

1. What do you think when you hear the term “spiritual warfare?”
2. How do you respond when the enemy comes after you?
3. What lies have assaulted you in the past? Why do you think these lies are so tempting?
4. The Lord has made a way for us to fight the attacks that come against us, but what is our responsibility in fighting warfare?
5. Read the following scripture passages: Luke 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Luke 4:5-13; Ephesians 6:13-18

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WEEK 4

(FREEDOM)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1.

We long for freedom because we were made to be free. Jesus set us free because our freedom was worth it. He longs to see us live free….free of fear, free of broken relationships, free of addictions, free from idols, and free from the sin that so easily entangles us. Jesus came to heal us and usher us into a freedom we have desired all our lives.

1. What do you envision when you think of freedom?
2. Do you live with freedom? Are you free? Do you long for more freedom?
3. How do you define freedom?
4. What things have you pursued in search of freedom and ended up hollow?
5. What is the thing you’d most like to be free from?
6. Read the following scripture passages: Galatians 5:1; John 5:2-5; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 14:26-31