Genesis 6: 5 - 13; Psalm 55:4 - 11; Jonah 3:3 - 10; 1 Peter 3:9 - 12

OPEN

• In what ways is television different today than it was 20 years ago? Give some examples.

DIG

1. Let me divide you into four reading and research teams. Let me ask each team to read one of our assigned passages and answer the following questions from your passage. Then, let's report our findings.(1)
2. What does this passage teach us about violence?
3. On the basis of this verse, how do you think God feels about violence?
4. Does the description of violence in this passage remind you of violence in our society? Does this sound like it is talking about our town?
5. Does this passage say anything about the punishment for being violent?
6. Does this passage say anything about the reward for not being violent?
7. Let's talk about violence. Would you agree that violence has been on the rise in our society in our lifetime? Why do you think this is? Let's list some possible causes.
8. What motivates people to be violent? What is so fun about being violent? What is the appeal?
9. Do you think society in general is anti-violence? Isn't it commonly assumed that violence is bad? Why does it exist if this is true?
10. How distant should we as Christians stay from violence? Should we avoid movies that contain violence, for example?
11. Does the fact that a movie is shown in my community that contains extreme violence affect me? If I don't see the movie, am I hurt?(2)
12. Should I have the right to do anything about this?
13. What about the right of the person who enjoys violence? To what degree are their rights to be protected?
14. The Bible says that we are to be salt and light in our world. What are some ways Christians can work together toward making this a less violent world?
15. What are some examples of Christians, or Christian organizations, that are standing out against violence and making a difference?
16. If you had a hundred million dollars, unlimited time, and contacts with the most influential people in America, what could you do to curb violence in our world?
17. Is making this a less violent world part of being the church and expanding the kingdom, or does God only care about getting people saved, getting them to behave, and getting them in church?
18. Someone look up James 1:22. (3) What does this verse have to say about the lesson for the day?
19. Let's be practical and realistic. What can we do about violence in our society? What are some examples of baby steps that could be taken?
20. Would you join me in a prayer to become willing to do whatever God would have us to do?

1. I would anticipate this taking about 15 of 20 minutes. It will take some time, but it will help to set the text before the group.

2. I have read that a number of studies have confirmed that violence in the media tends to result in more violence in real life.

3. James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.