“The Cure for All Wars” (Mark 7:14-23)

THE CURE FOR ALL WARS

(Mark 7:14-23)

 INTRODUCTION: Where does our bad behavior come from?

I. WE MUST RETURN TO GOD—WITHOUT NEGOTIATION.

II. WE MUST RETURN TO GOD—WITHOUT SELF-EXCUSING.

III. WE MUST RETURN TO GOD—WITHOUT ACCUSATION.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. Name some of the common conflicts in the world today. Which do you think may be the most dangerous?
2. What are some excuses that people try to use to explain their bad behavior?
3. What are some forms of negotiation you have used to try to settle disagreements? Which have been the most successful? Why?
4. Why must we never attempt to negotiate terms for our surrendering to God?
5. What’s your common go-to excuse for forgetting or not accomplishing something?
6. Where do you think the idea that “people are basically good” came from? How commonly accepted do you think it is? What do you think is the greatest fallout from believing this patently unbiblical truth?
7. Are we sinners because we sin or do we sin because we are sinners?
8. Why do you think it is our natural reaction when we wrong someone to attempt to blame them, at least in part? Why is it important to examine yourself when others have wronged you?
9. Have you heard of instances when people have tried to blame God for their wrongdoing? What do you think led them to that conclusion? Why is it blasphemous to speak of “forgiving God”?
10. Give your definition of biblical repentance in your own words. Why is hope impossible without such repentance?