Brokenness in ourselves
Preparation
Pray for each of your participants by name. Read through the activity so you are not so dependent on the manual. C
Introduction
Welcome people back. Last week was the start of looking at sin in general and this week we will look at sin in our
own lives.
Check In
Today we recommend having a shorter check in because the focus activity will draw people in to sharing how life is
going for them.
Focus Exercise
Begin by reading to your group this passage from Romans 7:19-25 or have someone else read:
I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. 20 My decisions, such as
they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. 21
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. 22 I truly
delight in God's commands, 23 but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly
rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. 24 I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of
my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? 25 The answer, thank God, is that
Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all
my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
In this passage Paul is talking about our sinful nature. Bottom line: it is so hard to follow God in all our actions and
thoughts. St. Augustine says this: “and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Confessions
1. What can you relate to in this scripture?
2. “I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight.” What are
God’s commands? Where do you not delight in God’s commands?
3. Time to get honest. What sins do you struggle with? Do you want to be free from them? Or using
Augustine’s language-when you are restless what do you do? Where do you go? What are the things that are
not God’s best for you?
4. How can our small group support you in your struggles?
Closing Prayer
Turn lights off and turn on candle. Invite your group to take comfort in God’s light that will fill even our dark
spaces. Close in a prayer by having each person pray for the person on their right.
Moving Forward
Wrap-Up: Thank members for their openness and participation.
Action: The heart of CLC spirituality is to grow. Every week, we’d like to suggest one thought or action for you to
think and pray about or act on. For this week, we invite you to talk to God about your sin (struggles) and have
someone from your group be your accountability partner. Set up a time that you can connect and check in with each
other.
Announce: Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events