Part 3: Breaking the Spirit of Baal

Big Idea We are learning that there are spiritual forces driving the “New Norm” that is permeating our society. We have discovered that just as the “spirit of mammon” influences us to allow our possessions to replace God in our lives, the spirit of Baal, the pagan god of power worshipped in biblical days, is still influencing our culture today. The drive for power, wealth, and control has produced a burned-out people filled with pride, and sacrificing the best in their lives on the altar of busyness and unending desire to attain.

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9-11 Discussion Questions  The new norm screams in our ears...DO MORE, ATTAIN MORE, BE MORE!!! How do we recognize when our lives are actually out of control and serving the god of power (Baal)? What are the things in our lives that most often suffer at the expense of our pursuit of happiness and success as the world describes it?  Why are we prone to obey God’s commands to not kill, steal or commit adultery, but to ignore his commands to practice Sabbath, when that command was given before any of the others? Why did God place Sabbath in that place of priority?  When Pastor Chris stated that “it takes work to rest”, what did he mean? How hard will it be for you to establish a day of Sabbath in your life? Where will you have to work the hardest?

Next Steps  Reflect on your usual day of Sabbath, and make wise decisions toward refocusing your Sabbath in order to follow the ancient path of actively “ceasing” from your own efforts/labors, connecting with God, and truly allowing for a more refreshed soul.  Sabbath was not intended to only be a personal endeavor. Sit down with those closest to you and develop a plan to Sabbath that will involve everyone.

Prayer Focus Lead the group in a prayer of repentance (change of mind) for living as if we could do this life without God. Ask for wisdom and discipline to honor him by establishing a day of Sabbath to focus on him and his purposes for us.

Leader Tips People follow leaders. Be sure you are practicing Sabbath before you try to lead others to do so.