The Cliff of Carnality
Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of February 9, 2025
Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.
# Summary
The sermon this week focuses on the dangers of living a carnal Christian life, using the story of Samson as a key example. Pastor Jim explains how believers can be in a state between being spiritual and natural - the carnal state - where the believer knowingly continues in sin while claiming to follow Christ. This leads to spiritual blindness, bondage, and a grinding existence, as demonstrated through Samson's downfall.
# Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts to understand the dangers of carnality and living in compromise. Help us to be honest with ourselves and receptive to Your Spirit's conviction. Guide our discussion and show us areas where we need to grow in spiritual maturity. In Jesus' name, Amen.
# Ice Breaker
What's the most obvious warning sign you've ever ignored and what happened as a result?
# Key Verses
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Judges 16:19-21
Judges 16:28
# Questions
What's the difference between the natural man, spiritual man, and carnal man according to the sermon?
How did Samson's compromise gradually lead to his downfall?
What are some warning signs that someone might be living in a carnal state?
Why do you think it's easy to become spiritually blind to obvious dangers when living carnally
How does the grinding of grain in prison symbolize the effects of living in carnality?
What role does repentance play in moving from a carnal state to a spiritual state?
How can we help fellow believers who might be stuck in spiritual infancy?
What practical steps can we take to ensure we're growing spiritually rather than remaining carnal?
# Life Application
This week, take time to honestly evaluate areas where you might be compromising in your spiritual walk. Choose one area where you've been resistant to God's leading and make a specific plan to turn that area over to Him. Share this commitment with a trusted friend or accountability partner.
# Key Takeaways
Carnality in Christians leads to spiritual blindness, bondage, and a grinding existence
Compromise with sin is progressive and often starts with small choices
God's love remains constant even when we're living carnally, but repentance is necessary for restoration
Spiritual growth requires intentional choices to move away from carnal living
God's grace is always available when we turn back to Him
# Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with us even when we choose to live carnally. Help us recognize areas where we've become spiritually blind or bound by compromise. Give us the courage to repent and the strength to walk in spiritual maturity. Thank You that Your grace is always sufficient when we turn back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.