Pray
Pray to open.
To Start
Read the Apostles’ Creed individually or aloud together.
Share any particular reflections on Sunday’s sermon
Discuss
In the previous study we saw that Jesus is currently seated in absolute authority at the Father’s right hand, sustaining creation and interceding for us. Now we consider the fact that he will return to “judge the living and the dead” (John 5:19-30; 2 Timothy 4:1).
What situations and emotions do we normally associate with judgement?
How do we respond when faced with injustice?
When is judgement a good and right thing?
Discuss
It is a basic tenet of Scripture that God is a just judge who holds the entire world to account. In Genesis 25:18, Abraham asks rhetorically: “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” In 1 Samuel 2:10, Hannah sings with confidence: “…the Lord will judge the ends of the earth”.
Read Psalm 98. Why are the singers so excited about God’s judgement? Do you share that joy today?
According to Hebrews 4:12-13, how accurate or precise is God’s justice?
How do you feel at the prospect of giving account to the one who sees absolutely everything? What about your family and friends facing God in the same position?
While it might be natural to want to hide from such a judge, Hebrews 4:12-13 reveals that we have a God who lovingly reveals himself and our sin (and everything else!) through his surgical word. He does this so that we can know him and our state. He is our Judge and our Saviour, and according to the passage that follows (4:14-16), he is also our great high priest. When we know Jesus, we welcome the internal ‘surgery’ of his word and we can be confident on the day of judgement.
Such confidence comes from our grasp of the cross of Christ.
Do you fear that some sins or a particular sin cannot be forgiven?
Read Colossians 1:21-23 and 2:13-15. How completely has Jesus dealt with all of our sin through his death?
Reflect
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 tells us “the day of the Lord” will come suddenly. We don’t know when Jesus will come, but we are to be ready and warn others of its approach. We are to live with ‘Judgement Day accountability’.
According to Romans 8:15-17, what is our new status before God when we trust in Christ?
Choose two or more of the following passages.
How should we live now in light of Jesus’ return as judge?
1 Peter 1:13-21
1 Peter 4:12-19
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
1 John 4:13-18
Close
Share one thing from the study that stood out to you.
After prayer, read the Creed together (if you didn’t at the start).