Over/Under Part 1

TALK-IT-OUT

Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group.  

Main Scripture: Matthew 8:5–13 (NIV)
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or 'Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 

Scripture Context: This Roman officer was a centurion, which meant he was over approximately 100 soldiers. Typically Roman soldiers were not pious men, but the word "Lord" that the officer uses to refer to Jesus was a title of vast significance given to a master or commander with great authority, which indicates his reverence for Jesus. During this time frame Palestinian Jews considered entering the home of a Gentile questionable, which explains the barrier of why the officer did not see how Jesus could come into his home. 

Opening Question: What stands out to you about this event in scripture? OR What questions do you have about this scripture?

POINT 1: God is the author of authority.

Romans 13:1–2 (NKJV)
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Scripture Context: When Paul wrote Romans (appx AD 56), Christians were being subjected to extreme and cruel persecution at the hands of the Roman emperor, Nero. On some occasions Nero would actually burn Christians alive to provide light for his outdoor parties. But here Paul warns Christians about opposing Governing authority and reminds them that all authority is allowed by God even when we cannot understand why God would allow it. Two great examples of how we should respond to cruel authority can be found in the life of King David as well as the life of the Prophet Daniel. 

TALK-IT-OUT: Is it difficult for you accept that God is the author of ALL authority? Why or why not?

TALK-IT-OUT: What should we do when we disagree with authority? 

POINT 2: Rebellion leads to the opposite of freedom.

Genesis 3:5 (NASB)
For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Scripture Context: In this passage it is Satan who is speaking to those in the garden in an attempt to tempt them to eat fruit from the one tree God told them not to eat from (Gen 2:17). Satan was in the garden because he had been cast down to earth after his rebellion against God in heaven (Isaiah 14). Previously God had given man authority over the garden (Gen 2:15) and even the entire earth (Gen 1:28). After they disobeyed God they faced many consequences including those listed in Genesis 3:16-24. 

TALK-IT-OUT: What has been the result of rebellion for mankind in general or for you specifically?

POINT 3: God is preparing you for authority with authority.

TALK-IT-OUT: In what ways are you believing for God to enlarge your territory or increase your authority? 

POINT 4: If you can't be tested, you can't be trusted.

TALK-IT-OUT: Why do you think God has chosen to make authority, and our response to it, as a means for which he tests us?