CELL NOTES 8/6/09

ICE BREAKER

When, as you were growing up, did you get into big trouble with your parents?

THEME

Unveiled faces – authenticity

Reading; Genesis 3 : 6 – 13

SERMON OUTLINE

1) We put our best clothes on for special occasions, but are apt to put on an appearance in other ways .

2) Contrast Adam and Eve in 2 :25 and 3 : 7-8. Shame at their act has led to hiding, blame and deceit.

3) Contrast the openness of children (“Look at me”) with the more calculated behaviour we adopt as adults.

4) The respect God shows Adam by asking where he is (v9) He invites, rather than compels self-disclosure.

5) ”What would life be like if all pretence, all fear of being known, all desire to blame others, were gone?”

6) As adults we are apt to wear a variety of mask to hide what may really be happening within – e.g., being the joker, being “strong and silent”, being over confident, or over-shy, always being busy, always being very spiritual etc.

7) the dilemma is that we are drawn to people who are honest and self-revealing, yet fear to be like that ourselves.

8) The truth is that we are all wounded in some way within – and have a need for healing, forgiveness and liberty. Yet the route to that involves honesty (James 5 : 16)

9) The most transparent person ever was Jesus. He came to put to death the inner baggage that so often holds us down, that we might rise with Him to a new freedom.

10 ) Why are we here? – To become like Jesus. This involves an honesty about what we are at the moment, and entrusting ourselves to Him (and perhaps some other people) to change us from the inside. – behind the mask – where it counts.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) Read the passage – what hits you most? Anything you struggle with?

2) Who was most to blame – Adam or Eve?

3) How do you feel about the question in point 5 of the sermon?

4) Do you wear masks – and what are they?  How easy do you find it to be honest? Who are you most likely to be honest with?

5) How easily do you admit to being in the wrong?

6) In what ways would you long for Jesus to change you on the inside?