Paradox
Rev. Blake Altman, Lead Pastor

God intends to change you by His Word. How is He at work in you to do that?  Read the following passage and consider these questions. 

READ

John 6:35-40 (ESV)

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” 

QUESTIONS (40 minutes)

1. What is a paradox? What paradox have you witnessed lately?

2. How is what Jesus says in this passage paradoxical to what Jesus did vv. 1-15 and 16-21?

3. A false idol is anything we “submit to” for acceptance, assurance and confidence. What are some examples in your life? What is a trap idol for you?

4. How does Jesus’ submission to His Father pave the way for our acceptance?

5. List as many paradoxes about Jesus that you can. Use your list of paradoxes as a way to pray: ask God to show you how both aspects of the paradox lead you to deeper confidence in His power and hope in His promise to satisfy you eternally.

PRAYER (15 minutes) 

Take prayer requests. Pray together that you may grow in confidence in His power and hope.