Freedom From Religion

Discuss Together

• Who is someone in your life that radiates joy? What have you learned about joy from them?
  
  
• Read Matthew 23:1-4 and Matthew 11:28-30. Compare and contrast what Jesus came to bring versus what the religious leaders of the day taught.
  
  
• If religious activities can feel so burdensome, why do you think so many approach spirituality this way?
  
  
• Where might you be placing a big burden on yourself, or where are others placing a big burden on you? Where are you weary and in need of rest for your soul?
  
  
• Read Colossians 1:9-14. Take a look at verse 12 and 13. Where does Paul use the past tense to describe what is already true of those who have trusted in Jesus?
  
  
• Now look at the passage again, especially the beginning verses. How does starting from a place of grace and acceptance change the way we approach spiritual activity?
  
  
• Jeff shared how the math of the Gospel is Jesus + nothing = everything. But all of us are tempted to make the formula Jesus + something = everything. Where are you tempted to add something? Were you taught or did you learn somewhere that you needed more than God’s grace to get God’s acceptance?
  
  
• Jeff talked about different symptoms that show up when we slip from grace into religion: shame, pressure, pride, or disillusionment with God. Are you feeling any of those symptoms right now? Where and how?