Under The Surface 
Grasping for Leaves 

Pastor Kirk, Oct 13th, 2019 

Scripture: Gen 2:25-3:25, Psalm 25 

Summary: When we feel shame we try to hide. People hide in many different things like; work, busy schedules, substances, relationships, devices, and distractions. God seeks us out and restores us. He finds where we are hiding from Him in shame and lovingly teaches us that we are beloved by Him. 

Main Thought: Jesus restores what shame destroys 

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):   

• Did you ever have an amazing hiding place when you were younger? A place you felt safe and secure? 

Going Deeper:   

1. Read Psalm 25 three times. Try to read it out of three different translations and put a 3 min listening time between each reading. As you listen write down each time you hear shame mentioned and what it says about shame.
2. Do you connect sin and shame the same way that the psalmist does? How do you think this interconnectedness plays out?  
3. Have you tried to control or correct someone with shame? Has someone tried to use shame against you? What Gift from God directly deals/addresses shame? Think about what Jesus Christ has done for us. 
4. How are shame and guilt different? How does the work of Christ deal with both? (Help Rom 8:1 guilt needs forgiveness. 2 Cor 5:17 shame needs identity shifts) 
5. Shame is an identity issue. It is not about what we have done but how we view ourselves as a result of what we do. If I steal = I am a thief. If I lie = I am a liar. If I kill = I am a murder. As a group come up with 10 I am statements that are rooted in who God says we are because of what Christ has done for us. 

Apply it: 

• Talk with God about how you see yourself, listen to what He has to say. “what do you see when you look at me?” 

• Memorize verses that contain the truth about what God thinks about you. Psalm 139, Eph 1, Rom 8 

Pray without ceasing: 

Pray for everyone who will be attending the Global Leadership Summit. That they will be challenged and equipped to exercise their influence throughout their lives to honor God. Pray that the speakers’ messages would be both applicable and encouraging for the attenders. That the Holy Spirit would ignite the hearts of the attenders to live their lives as leaders who follow Jesus Christ. 

 Community Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 7–12 

 This week add 2 Samuel 7 to 12 to your devotions. Read a chapter a day up to and including chapter 12. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.  

 What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?  

• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?  

 Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group.  Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.