How People Change, Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – The Big Picture

Note: This chapter sets up the remainder of the book. The task this week is to understand the concept of the big picture.
1. Explain the difference between the Bible as a ‘big picture’ and the Bible as a ‘set of directions’ (p. 79-81). What are some of the big picture attributes from page 82?
2. Jeremiah 17:5-10 is the key passage summarizing the big picture model. Read the passage and circle the four elements: heat, thorns, cross, fruit. Summarize and comment.
3. Give a written description of the four elements: heat, thorns, cross, fruit (p. 83).
4. Reproduce the drawing on page 84 in your notebook.
5. Read I Corinthians 10:1-13. This passage summarizes Numbers 11-14. Detail the heat, thorns, cross, and fruit in the Israelite’s lives. The thorn element and fruit element will include behavior, heart, and consequences. What comparisons can you see in your own life?
6. For more clarity, reproduce drawing and labels on page 87.
7. Read II Corinthians 1:3-12. This is a personal story of Paul’s life. Detail the heat, thorns, cross, and fruit in this passage. Again, do you see any comparisons in your life?
8. Drawing practice (p. 89).
9. Take a situation in your own life and sort out the situation and your responses using the four elements in the model.
10. How does understanding how God is working through the details of your life give you hope?
11. What were some of the significant author statements in this chapter that you underlined?
12. What was the key point in this chapter for you?
13. Test Question: Explain the ‘big picture’ concept to someone.