Lost Souls
January 14, 2024
You’ve heard it, probably said it, and have certainly been it at some point. What do we mean when we say someone is a “lost soul”? Join us for part two of The Care and Feeding of the Human Soul, where we’ll talk about the condition of our souls and the only remedy for their healing.
Passage
James 4:8
Principle
Sin ##disintegrates## the will, mind, and body, ##fracturing## the soul and ##separating## us from God.
Practice
##Draw## ##Near## to God
##Cleanse## Your ##Hands##
##Purify## Your ##Heart##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What do we mean when we say someone is “falling apart”? Have you ever felt like you were falling apart?
HEAR
Read Romans 7:15-17
- Can you relate to Paul’s problem? Do you think this is a universal problem? Why or why not?
- Paul says that if he does what he doesn’t want to do, it is no longer he who does it, but sin living in him. What does he mean? Is this a legitimate excuse for our sinful behavior? Why or why not?
Read Romans 7:18-20
- What does Paul mean that nothing good dwells in his flesh? What does this tell us about human nature?
- Describe the last time you desired to do something right but couldn’t carry it out.
- Based on Paul’s words, what effect does sin have on us? How might this affect our souls and make us feel like we are falling apart?
Read Romans 7:21-25
- Is it possible to delight in God’s law and still not live by it?
- People often think about God’s law as restrictive and see living apart from God as freedom. Would Paul agree with that idea? Why or why not?
- When did you last ask, “Who will deliver me?!” Who does Paul say will rescue him from his captivity to sin?
HUDDLE
What is something you do not want to do but keep doing anyway? What is something you want to do but do not do? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
This week, you will read about some of the “lost souls” mentioned in the Bible. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to heal your soul and draw you closer to Him.
- Day 1: 1 Samuel 15
- Day 2: 2 Samuel 11
- Day 3: 2 Samuel 12
- Day 4: Psalm 51
- Day 5: Luke 15
- Day 6: John 18
- Day 7: Romans 7
Think Deeper
- When have you felt like a “lost soul”?
- Have you ever felt like you were a disintegrated person? Like you were “falling apart”?
- How was your soul “found” or put back together?
Suggested Reading
Soul Keeping, by John Ortberg
The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.