Pastor Dave Patterson

FOUR CUPSPart 3: The Cup of Redemption

There are some things that are needed for a life truly fulfilled: surrender to Jesus, finding your gifting, and serving people.

God wants you to do more than exist. [Exodus 6.6-7]

Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment and I will take you to be my people.

USING THIS SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE

We have provided all the Scriptures referenced in the sermon and some discussion questions for you to use to facilitate a discussion.

This Sermon Discussion Guide is only a tool to aid you in meeting the needs of your group.  For most groups, there are too many questions to answer in one session together. 

While the questions are important, remember your small group’s goal is not to pound through the questions but to create an atmosphere that will foster true friendships, so knock yourself out with the discussion questions but spend more time laughing than answering the questions.

1st Cup: "I will bring you out of Egypt."2nd Cup: "I will deliver you from bondage."3rd Cup: "I will redeem you." (restore to your intended purpose)4th Cup: "I will claim you as my own people."

[Psalm 136.1,12]

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.

[Psalm 44.3]

They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.

REDEEMTo buy back or repurchaseTo change for the better, to reformTo repair and restore

[Genesis 12.2-3]

I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

[Galatians 3.14]

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.

[Ephesians 1.11-12, MSG]

It's in Christ Jesus that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

Why Some People Live in Mediocrity Instead of Greatness

1. DELUSION

delusion: a persistent false belief regarding self--despite indisputable evidence to the contrary

[Ephesians 2.10]

We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

2. DISQUALIFICATION

[Colossians 1.12]

And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

[Ephesians 1.18]

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.

3. DIVERSION (delay and distraction)

[1 Thessalonians 2.18]

We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

[Romans 8.28]

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

[Romans 11.29, MSG]

God's gifts and god's call are under full warranty--never canceled, never rescinded.

[Romans 11.29, AMP]

For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. If we were created for greatness, why do some people live in mediocrity? Where have you witnessed this recently?

2. What does God's outstretched arm mean for us? What does it mean for our enemies? How easy is it for you to let God fight your battles?

3. How is the restoration process in our lives more than a simple return, but instead a way of bringing fulfillment of original intent and God-given potential?

4. What are some things that blur our self-image (consider delusion, diversion, and disqualification)? What does it take to live confidently in His perspective of us? Why do you think there's a gap between what we perceive and what God sees in potential?

5. What is one thing you can do to drink from the cup of redemption, even this week? Pray for each other about these.