It’s All Good | Week 5
It’s All Good. Thriving in the Chaos,
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Go through the lesson before hand to choose the best discussion questions for your group!
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 5 Look out for Dogs
Key Verse: Philippians 3:8 - Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Getting Started:
· You’ve heard the phrase “you have to give up, to go up” meaning you have to sacrifice something to gain something else.
· In the material world what sacrifices are made to move up?
· What are we called to sacrifice to be followers of Christ?
Read: Philippians 3:2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
· After Paul would go to a particular town and set up a church these people known as Judaizers would come in behind him and tell the new Believers to be a “real” follower of Christ” you had to also be circumcised.
· Circumcision was a symbol of the covenant that God had with Abraham from the old testament which would later become the Jewish nation.
· These Judaizers false doctrine was that of Jesus plus something.
· Why is Jesus plus something false?
· What are other things people attach to a relationship with Jesus to make salvation possible? The Judaizers said circumcision, what else have you been falsely told is required?
Read: Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh
· What do you believe Paul is saying in this verse?
Read: Philippians 3:4-6 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
· Paul had gone above and beyond to do what the Jewish religion required even to the point of arresting and having Christians killed yet when he meet Jesus everything changed.
· How does practicing a religion compare to a relationship with God?
· How are believers today sidetracked by religion and sacrifice our relationship with God?
Read: Philippians 2:8-11 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
· What is Paul telling us about practicing religion about God verses having a relationship with God?
· What is the main difference?
· Anytime we put our confidence in anything but Jesus it becomes wasted effort.
Next Step:
· Paul set aside everything to know Jesus at the most intimate levels.
· Are you practicing a religion or having a relationship with God?
· What is standing in your way from knowing the full power of Christ working in your life?
It’s All Good | Week 4
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Go through the lesson before hand to choose the best discussion questions for your group!
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 4 Shine Like the Stars
Key Verse: Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Getting Started:
Read: Philippians 2:12a
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence,
Digging in:
Pastor said that Purposeful living rarely happens by accident.
According the message we heard Sunday and to this passage…
Do you ever speed when there is no police in plain sight?
Is obedience required only when the one who gives the rules is present?
Why do you think God has all these rules for us to obey?
How does obedience to God’s rules help us to live out our purpose?
Read: Philippians 2:12b
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Salvation is a gift not a goal.
Read Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
How do we confuse the idea of working out our salvation with working for our salvation?
Working out means growing in what you have been given in salvation by God’s grace.
Working for means that you are trying to earn your salvation.
Jesus did the work of our salvation on the cross.
The Holy Spirit does the work of making us more like Christ and helps us to fulfill our purpose.
We work out our salvation as we learn to surrender our desires and allow God to work in us and through us.
God then begins to remodel our hearts and thoughts to his design allowing us to be more like him and less like us.
We can only change ourselves for so long before we fall back into our own selfish habits and action.
Read Philippians 2:14-16a
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life,
Have you ever been around someone when things weren’t going the way they wanted?
What was their reaction? The normal reaction is to get angry and complain. All joy is gone.
How does today cancel culture amplify this idea?
It’s easy to allow circumstances to dictate our reaction.
How do we as believers stand out when we don’t act like the rest of the world?
Where we stand defines how we stand out. God working is us reflects his light to others.
Next Step:
Are you working for your salvation or working out?
Are you allowing God to work in you or are you trying to self-help to become a better person?
Are you allowing circumstances to dictate your reaction or allowing God to shine through in spite of your circumstances?
It’s All Good | Week 3
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 3 Mind Your Manners
Key Verse: Philippines 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Getting Started:
Where are some specific places that we are supposed to be on our best behavior?
What makes these places “special” in regard to how we act?
Diving in:
Read: Philippians 1:27a
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
How is our behavior affected by our circumstances?
What behavior is worthy of the gospel?
As the pastor said sometimes it is difficult to see the beauty of where we are because the chaos of life (a Winnebago) is blocking our view.
Read: Philippians 1:27b-2:2
Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
What unifies us and gives us the ability to stand firm?
We are united in Christ by the Holy Spirit in us. God’s spirit in us fills us with love, tenderness and compassion.
That same Spirit unites us by unifying our purpose.
Read Philippians 2:3-a
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
What is the difference between ambition and selfish ambition? What motivates your action.
What is the difference between confident and conceited?
Our behavior is dictated by our motivation. If we are motivated only by our personal gain, then that behavior is not worthy of the gospel and destroys unity.
Humility is not putting yourself down. Humility is lifting God and others up.
Read Philippians 2:5-8
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
What sticks out about Christ attitude in this verse?
How do these words clarify how our behavior should be that would make it worthy of the Gospel?
How would a relationship between two people benefit if both people have the attitude of Christ?
What’s Your Next Step?
When is the last time you checked your motives for what you are doing?
Is there any necessary adjustments you need to make?
Does your behavior and motives bring other believers together or push them apart?
It’s All Good | Week 2
Note to the Leaders:
This discussion guide is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation within your group.
You do not have to read every question; this is just resources for you to move the main idea forward.
Do your best to make the story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group conversations that make this story play come alive and become applicable to their lives.
Week 2 For, NOT Because
Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26 ESV
Big Idea: God can use your circumstances to encourage others and continue spreading the gospel
Getting Started:
Have you ever been in a situation or in circumstances where you believed God was punishing you?
Looking back, what was the outcome of that time in your life?
Did you grow in that time?
Have you been able to help others because you have been in that same place they are suffering through?
Digging Deeper:
Paul was writing this letter of encouragement to the church while he was in Rome in jail, chained to two guards awaiting his sentence to be either set free or be executed. No middle ground. Literally he is hanging between life and death.
Read Philippians 1:12-13 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is FOR Christ.
In Paul’s mind, he wasn’t in prison BECAUSE of his actions.
Paul understood that he was in prison FOR Christ.
He was there FOR a purpose to be used FOR God’s purpose.
Paul’s reaction to his circumstance was not riddled with “If Only’s” instead listen to what he says about his circumstances.
Pastor said “Your situation isn’t because of something. Your situation is for Something.”
How do we sometimes allow If Only’s to not see the opportunity in front of us?
Your situation is your opportunity.
Read Romans 8:28 We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love them.
How has God used your circumstances for good?
How could Paul’s imprisonment be for good?
Read Philippians 1:14 - And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Our situation can be an inspiration for others even though we don’t personally benefit from it.
The cause of Christ is bigger than our situation.
Read Philippians 1:18b-20 - Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul’s main concern was not how his outcome of but on how well he represents Christ in this situation.
Paul knew his purpose was to live for Christ no matter his circumstances.
When things get tough on us what is our first thoughts?
Read Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - If I am to live in the flesh (or continue living here on earth), that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Paul didn’t say if I get out of jail I am going to go far away and stop talking about Jesus because I have suffered enough.
Read Philippians 1:24-26 - But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
The very opposite is true, he knew that if he was going to have the opportunity to live his purpose wouldn’t change.
How do we allow our circumstances to derail our purpose?
We can never allow anything to steal our purpose.
We must realize that any situation we face is another opportunity for God to use to bring other to him.
Your situation isn’t because of something it’s for something.
Next Step:
Is there something in your past derailing your purpose? Your situation may have been beyond your control, an illness abandoned by a love one. God can use it
Maybe it was your own failure. Satan is whispering in your ear that you have blown it. Don’t believe it! God is bigger than your failures and he can use it.
Give it over in prayer. Ask God to use it for his glory. Be on purpose no matter what the circumstances.
It’s All Good | Week 1
Bloom Where you’re Planted
Key Verse:
Philippians 1:6 … he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Getting Started:
What is one positive lesson or insight you have discovered during this time of pandemic and political unrest?
This series is designed to help us grow and thrive when our circumstances are not ideal. Life is a series of chaotic events that can cumulate into making us better or making us bitter. When we encounter bad circumstances, we can choose to wallow, whine and complain, or worship, make the most of the opportunity to bring glory to God.
Who has had the largest impact on your spiritual growth? How does your thoughts of this person make you feel?
Read Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. …It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, … And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
· Paul had the opportunity to be a spiritual father to people from all walks of life and had a deep affection for the church at Philippi.
· In fact, this is the only letter of Paul’s to any of the New testament churches that did not contain one critic.
· Instead, this letter contains some of the most encouraging and uplifting verse of all the scripture.
· It could be stated that the church at Philippi began by accident, although we know there is no accident in God’s purpose.
Things don’t always go as planned on purpose.
· We can all agree that things don’t go as we plan but how can our plans be disrupted for God’s purpose?
Read Acts 16:6-9
6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul[c] had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
· How do most people react when things don’t go as planned?
· How does our reaction differ from Paul’s?
· We don’t align God without plans, we align ourself with His plans.
· This doesn’t mean we understand, but we must have faith that God’s plan is always better.
God never puts us in a place without a purpose.
· After Paul had followed the vision and ended up in Philippi he began looking for opportunity.
Read Acts 16:12-15
We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Wherever you are, opportunity is there.
· Paul set out to accomplish God’s purpose even though it wasn’t completely clear.
· When he saw the women’s bible study taking place outside the gate, he jumped in.
· Paul wasn’t focusing on his former plans instead he decided to look for the opportunities in front of him.
· Through Lydia, he was able to establish a base to grow a very diverse church in Philippi.
· How do we allow our circumstances to keep us from looking at the opportunities around us?
Fruit is produced when purpose meets opportunity.
· As the sermon said, Paul had freed a young girl from demon possession and cost her owners a lot of money.
· They forced some charges and had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown in Jail.
Read Acts 16:25-34
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer[e] called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
· Instead of wallowing in their circumstances Paul and Silos began to worship.
· Instead of letting anger towards the guard rule their choices they allowed their purpose to guide their actions
· This same guard who had beat them and put them in chains found freedom from Paul’s message of hope in Christ.
From Paul’s story what can we learn about dealing with our unpleasant circumstances?
· Don’t focus on your circumstance, focus on your purpose
· Wherever you go, there you are, God is with you and it’s all Good!
· You’re there on purpose, to bloom where you are planted.
Next Steps:
What are you doing in the circumstances that allow you to be used for God’s purpose?
It’s Your Call | Called To Be Sent
This Weeks Memory Verse
2 Timothy 4:5, “Work at bringing others to Christ.”
God’s plan for history is to gather a family that will love and live with him forever. We’re called: (1) to be loved, (2) to belong, (3) to become, (4) to bless, and (5) to be sent. This 5th calling means that we’re sent to bring others into God’s family. God wants us to: (1) pray that people will say yes to God, (2) give to help others go, (3) step out in faith, and (4) go where I can go now. We should pray for faith that God can use us and pray that God will keep us from being distracted.
Read Romans 10:13-15 “Anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18 Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself. Then God gave us the work of bringing others into peace with him.”
What do these verses each say about how we’re called to be sent?
In the big picture, God created the universe and man with the purpose of gathering a family to himself.
What role does each of have in reconciling others to God?
Read Act 1:8 and Isaiah 14:24 & 26
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
“It will all happen as I have planned. It will be come about according to my purposes…. I have a plan for the whole earth, for my mighty power reaches throughout the world.” Isaiah 14:24 + 26 (NLT)
The foot of the cross is level – it is for all nations, all people.
How will God work through his people to reach all tribes and people groups?
How would you like to be involved?
Read Acts 20:24
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
There are many different ways of telling others about the Good News of Jesus.
How do you think you can be most impactful on others for Christ?
Are there ways of sharing God that you would like to try but have been hesitant to use?
Read Matthew 9:37-38
“Jesus said to his followers, “There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. Pray
to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NCV)
A major step in living out your calling is to pray that people will say “Yes!” to God.
Who will you make a commitment to pray for in your Jerusalem, your Judea, your Samaria, and to the ends of the earth?
Diving Deeper (optional)
How did you come to know Christ?
How will you work to bring others to him?
It’s Your Call | Called to Bless
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do!”
In this series we are learning that God has five callings on our lives. So far we’ve looked at 1) to be loved, 2) to belong, and 3) to become. This week our lesson focuses on the fourth calling: to bless others through serving. Every follower of Christ is called to serve or minister, not just the pastors. Even the most menial task becomes meaningful when we perform it for God.
Read 1 Peter 4:10
God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.
God has given you gifts and abilities, unique to only you, so that you can serve others and glorify him.
What is one way you would like to utilize who God has created you to be to help others this week?
Who do you think will receive greater joy, the one you helped or you?
Read Matthew 20:28
Your attitude must be like my own, for I did not come to be served but to serve.
Think of the most difficult person you regularly encounter in your life.
What do you think would happen in your relationship with them if you were to intentionally serve them in some way?
How do you think that would effect your relationship with them?
How would your unselfish actions make you feel about that person and about yourself?
Read 1 Corinthians15:58
Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord,
because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.
What differences have you notice in your lives when you offer up your work to God?
How can your effectiveness in ministry change by knowing you were created to do good works?
Read Matthew 20:26
If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all.
What are some ways to model Christ’s servant attitude?
How will you do these this week?
Diving Deeper (optional)
How can our Life Group reach out to be a blessing in a way only this group can.
Or what about you individually? Ask “God, what unique role do you have for me in my church or community?”
What changes do you need to make in your life in order to be a good servant for the Lord? How would those changes impact your legacy?
It’s Your Call | Week 4
Called To Become
Memory Verse:
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
We are learning that God has 5 callings on our lives. There is an order to them; they become our life building blocks. So far we’ve looked at 1) to be loved, and 2) to belong. This week our lesson focuses on the third calling, to become like Christ. Five times Scripture compares “becoming” to running a race. There are 8 principles to draw from these references. In this discussion guide, we’ll look at just a few.
Read Hebrews 12:1-2
“Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends, from start to finish.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (LB)
To become what God calls us to be, the first thing we need to do is simplify our lives.
What is holding you back? Share with your group as a way to move forward in your race.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus is key to becoming like him and thereby fulfilling our purpose in life.
What does Hebrews 12:1-2 say about how to de-clutter our lives and focus on Jesus?
Describe to the group your favorite spot where you like to meet with Jesus.
Read 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (NLT)
“All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.”
What characteristics do athletes develop in order to win a race?
How do those characteristics directly apply to believers?
Read Philippians 1:6
“I am sure that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.” (NLT)
What great truth is revealed in Philippians 1:6?
Diving Deeper
“Jesus did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:2-3 (TEV)
When it gets hard, remember the reward.
How does the reward keep you from becoming discouraged.
What does it take to develop Christlike character?
How can your small group help one another become all that God is calling you to be? List a few ways.
It’s Your Call | Week 3
Called To Belong
“God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory …” Hebrews 2:10
God doesn’t intend for us to live life alone. We can’t fulfill God’s purposes for our lives on our own, so he has called us to belong to the family he created to love and to be with him in eternity. The English word “church” in the Bible’s original Greek means “called out” and not a building or an event: we are called out of the world into God’s family. God designed his church as the only way the deepest needs in our lives can be met, so in this discussion we’ll seek an understanding of what God’s church is like and how it meets our needs.
Read Ephesians 1:5
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5
If people truly understood the significance of God’s plan for them described in this verse, what kind of response would they have?
How would they feel about themselves?
How would they feel about God?
What would they say or do?
Read Ephesians 2:21-22
“In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22
According to this verse, what are you being built to become and who will live there?
In which ways are we being built together to become a dwelling place where God lives? What does this actually look like in the lives of church members?
God’s church is like a temple in which all the pieces of the building support each other.
In a support group, the members provide emotional stability for one another.
Name people in your life from whom you receive emotional support, and people to whom you give emotional support.
If you do not have these types of relationships in your life, name places where you can seek emotional support and try joining such a group.
Read John 15:5
“Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)
God’s church is like a garden in which people’s lives become productive and fruitful.
What do you think “produce fruit” and “do nothing” mean in this verse above?
What do “produce fruit” and “do nothing” look like in people’s lives?
What do we have to do to follow Jesus’ command to “remain in me” in the verse above?
What does this look like in your life?
Is it something others can see, or is it something private between you and Jesus? What should it look like?
Diving Deeper (optional)
God’s church provides spiritual security to protect and care for his family.
What are some elements of the church that provide this kind of security? What does this security look like?
In God’s family, we learn our true identity.
What relationships define much of your identity, whether through family, friends, work, or a club?
How can you allow your identity in Christ to be more significant in each of those relationships?
Romans 12:4-5 says that “each of us has different work to do.”
Have you discovered the types of work or purposes God shaped you to do in the body of Christ?
If so, what are they? If not, seek suggestions from other group members.
Page BreakSermon Discussion Guide Leader Notes
Suggestions for This Week’s Study
Ask a few group members to name popular sports teams or colleges that people are excited about or are proud to be associated with.
Help group members learn that the second purpose of their lives is that God formed them for his family, the church.
Discuss the benefits of belonging to God’s family: (1) finding a true identity in Christ; (2) being supported by others; (3) discovering your unique value in Christ’s body; (4) receiving care and protection; and (5) having a productive life.
Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for calling me into your family and making me your sibling. Bless all my relationships to reflect your love. Make it clear to me where you want me to seek support and whom you want me to care for. Help me stay connected to your church family so my life will become productive and pleasing to you.
Preparing to Lead Your Group
Pray for insight as you begin to prepare for leading your group. Ask for God’s wisdom, that the Holy Spirit will be the teacher and that you will be God’s instrument to lead the group to greater understanding and a willingness to commit to becoming more like God. Prayer should be your primary source of personal preparation for leading your group.
Plan where you want to take your group in the next 60-90 days. Is your group strong in some areas and weak in others? How can you challenge the members to live more balanced Christian lives? Consider God’s five purposes for the church: Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Mission and Worship, and make a plan to encourage your group members to growth and commitment in their weak areas.
Ponder your progress after each session and at the end of a series. Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Re-evaluation is key to your growth as a leader. Consider whether your plan is being effective in moving the group to greater understanding and commitment. How are you doing with leading the discussion: is it stimulating, challenging, and meaningful? Are you able to keep the group on track? Do you need to make some changes?
Using This Sermon Discussion Guide
Talk It Over is a tool to aid you in meeting the needs of your group. We’ve designed it so it can be completed easily within 30-45 minutes. As the discussion leader, you should preview and evaluate the questions based on the needs of your group. Decide in advance what is most important to focus on, should time not allow for the entire lesson.
Feel free to adapt the format to meet the needs of your group. If your group is mature and wants to dig deeper, consider using the Diving Deeper section or add additional Scripture and ask suitable questions. Remember that this is only a guide.
The questions relating to Bible study methods are helpful to develop Bible literacy and spiritual maturity in our lives. You can help your group be aware of their needs in these areas by using these questions as a regular part of each discussion.
Personal applications are essential for growth and should be included in every discussion. When discussing how they will apply principles, group members may state very general goals such as “I need to spend more time in prayer.” It is important for you to help people make goals that are very specific and commit to specific plans of action by asking, for example, “How are you going to begin?” An example is to get up 25 minutes earlier each morning, spending 15 minutes reading the Bible and 10 minutes in prayer. Encourage each group member to be accountable to the group for personal progress at the next meeting.
Your goal as the leader is to bring the group into a stimulating discussion that helps the members recognize their needs for personal life change. Ultimately you want them to be willing to commit to change with accountability to the group. Accountability helps us to persevere in our commitments and achieve the blessings of success.
It’s Your Call | Week 2
Week 2: Called to Be Loved
Discussion Guide
Goals:
To help group members understand that their first purpose in life is to realize that they’re called to be loved by God and to enjoy a relationship as a son or daughter of God. Also, to become aware of what changes happen if we stay aware of God’s constant love for us.
Discussion Guide
The first purpose of our lives is to let God love us. In fact, our first calling is to enjoy a relationship with God. This is important in answering the question, “What on earth am I here for?” Staying aware of God’s constant love for us produces five significant changes in our lives: (1) we feel accepted rather than ashamed, (2) we’re bold in bringing our needs to God, (3) we have peace in pain we don’t understand, (4) we gain the courage to take risks, and (5) we worship instead of worry!
Open your group with a prayer. This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.
Read Ephesians 1:4-5
“Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)
How does this verse indicate we are called to be loved?
God loved us before he even made the world having planned to adopt us into his own family.
God’s love for us is constant on both our good and bad days.
How might we experience the love of Christ through a relationship with God as His own son or daughter.
Read Ephesians 3:17-19
“I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep in the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how WIDE, how LONG, how HIGH, and how DEEP his love really is. May you EXPERIENCE the love of Christ though it is so great you will never fully understand it.” Ephesians 3:17-19 (NLT)
God’s love for us is so wide, long, deep, and high. God’s love is high enough for Him to overlook every mistake we’d ever make.
As we grow in understanding of how much God loves us, how does that help us to grow in love for God?
Read Romans 8:33-34
“If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed!” Romans 8:33-34 (CEV)
Many people live for the approval of others, even those who have already passed on.
Whose approval are you seeking?
Sadly, people run from God because they feel ashamed instead of accepted. Imagine fully accepting God’s unconditional God’s love as His chosen child.
What needs would you boldly bring to Him?
What charges do some people commonly bring against others that this verse says they cannot?
Read 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” 1 John 4:18
How can no fear gives us courage to take risks, especially in areas of our lives where dreams may not yet be realized?
Be specific in sharing what types of action you would take in order to take a risk where God is calling you.
Romans 6:13b (NLT)
“Give yourself completely to God, since you have been given new life.”
In light of the fact that we’ve been given new life, how might we give ourselves more completely to God? In what ways have you not given yourself completely to God?
Often people lack peace when they struggle with pains or problems they don’t understand. However, God wants us to trust Him.
Worry indicates that we are not fully living the new life given to us and is often a warning sign that we are not living in God’s love. Worship is simply telling God we love Him, whether at church, with others, or alone. Worship is always a response because God first loved us.
How can you remind yourself to worship the next time you begin to worry?
Diving Deeper
If our first purpose in life is to be loved by God, we must overcome obstacles that prevent us from fully receiving His love.
How would your life change if you felt God loved you ever moment of your life regardless of any mistakes you’ve made in the past or may make in the future?
How has God freed you from mistakes you’ve made in the past, and how might he free you from mistakes you’re still holding onto today?
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 4
Sermon 4: Good News Bad News
In this week’s sermon we discovered hell is real, the bad news but so is heaven, the good news.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Luke 16:14-15 & 19-31, Revelation 21:1-4 & 22-27, Ezekiel 33:11 2 Peter 3:9
INTRO: Good News Bad News
This is the last discussion on the Series How to Survive the End of the World. Survival is not just this life but eternity. What you do before you die, determine where you will spend eternity. The bible is very specific as to the outcome of the choice we make to receive Jesus gift of salvation or not. Heaven for those who choose Jesus, the good news and hell for those who don’t the bad news. Politically correct or not Jesus himself said hell was real and he has done everything possible to keep anyone from going there.
Get Started.
Why is heaven so easy to talk about?
Why is hell a subject most people and churches tend to avoid talking about?
What you do before you die, determines where you go when you die.
Read Luke 16:14-16
According to this passage what is the problem(s) Jesus is pointing out to the religious leaders? (Love of money and wealth as a sign of who good one is)
The Bad News
Read Luke 16:24
Have you ever had a medical procedure where you were only allowed to eat ice chips instead of drinking and eating? How did it make you feel?
How much water can a person hold on the end of their finger? Would it provide any relief?
Why did the rich man beg God to send Lazarus? What was his source of torment?
In Hell there is no relief
Read Luke 16:25
Why did he call the rich man Son? (Term of Compassion)
Is this passage suggesting that the more you suffer in this life the better you will be in heaven?
Remember Jesus said it was about the heart. Where was the rich man heart when it came to possessions and riches?
IF God leaves a place –All good leaves with him.
Read Luke 16:26
What does this passage say about the possibility of getting out of Hell?
Some religions speak of another place between heaven and hell. According to this passage how accurate is that?
Hell is a Place of No Escape and no Hope for Salvation
The Good News
Read Revelation 21: 1-4,22-27
What is the contrast between Hell and Heaven? Be specific.
Read Ezekiel 33:11, 1 Peter 3:9
What do these verses tell us about God’s desire for all Human kind?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Do you know where you spend eternity? Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
If we really believe Hell is real, Are you Investing in relationship with other and inviting them in to a relationship with Jesus Christ? If Not your Next Step is to ask God to open your eyes to those who he has for you to invest in and the wisdom to share your story and offer them the hope you have by inviting them into a relationship with God through Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 3
Sermon 3: Snapshots of Revelations
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Revelation 1:1,7-8,12-18, John 5:24, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelations 4:10-11, Revelation 5:11-12, Luke 14:23, Revelation 7:9-10, Revelation 14:6-7, Revelation 16:1, Romans 5:9, Revelation 21:3-4
INTRO: Snapshots of Revelations
Showing SNAPSHOTS is a Brief way to tell a Story pictures of life. Revelation Means: apocalypse which means “Unveiling.” The book of Revelation tells us Some things about: the past, the present and the future. Let’s review and apply what we heard form Pastor Don about Snapshots of Revelation.
Get Started.
What do vision pops into your mind when you hear the word apocalypse?
Have you ever noticed that the book of Revelation is singular and not plural? It is often misquoted revelations?
The Snapshot of an accurate view of Jesus
Read 1 Revelation 1:1-8
Why is the singular revelation so important?
Who is doing the revelation to John?
Too often Jesus get lots in the scorpion beast and serpent of revelation
Read 1 Revelation 1:12-17
How is this representation of Jesus different from what we often think of him?
Does this true picture of Christ bring fear or hope?
We will never discover what He wants us to do until we discover who he is.
Read John 5:24
Why does this verse give us assurance of hope?
Revelation 2:7
In Revelation 2-11,17,29 Revelation3:6,13 &22 he repeats calls us to pay attention.
If Jesus continually says “listen!” do you think what he is saying is important and worth our attention?
What can sometimes drown out our ability to listen and believe God’s Word?
Sometimes we can’t hear God because we aren’t listening.
The Snapshot of Proper Handling of Wealth.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 & Revelation 4:10-12
Have you ever been to an event such as a family Christmas, a birthday party or wedding and realized you didn’t bring a gift and you were expected to? How did that make you feel?
How much more terrifying is it to think that, when it comes to the day that we lay down our crowns at the feet of Jesus, to come before him empty handed?
How does that reemphasize the fact that we are managers of our time, talents and treasures today in light of the fact knowing that we will one have an opportunity to honor Christ with the blessings he has given us?
Snapshots of a Pack House
Why do numbers matter to The Fountains? (We Count people, because people count!)
Read Luke 14:23
How are you serving Christ by investing and inviting?
Do you have a specific person you are investing in? Are you taking personal responsibility to crowd heaven? Why or Why Not?
Read Revelation 7:9-10
What is absolutely necessary to go to heaven?
The Snapshot of the Final Proclamation of the Gospel
Read Revelation 14:6-7
If your team is winning a sporting event, you can’t wait for the time clock to run out and if you are losing the opposite is true. Have you ever thought that there is a time clock on the Gospel, that there will come a time when grace is no longer available?
The Snapshot of the Wrath of God
Read Revelation 16:1
Wrath is a noun not a verb
Is God justified in pouring out wrath on the earth? Why? Why not?
Read Romans 5:9
How do sinful fallen people avoid the justice of God?
The Scary thing about the wrath of God is, it destroys those who don’t know Christ for all eternity.
The Snapshot of Peace
Revelation 21:3-4
How does heaven compare to the garden of Eden?
Have you ever thought about all that God has endured out of love for our sake so that one day we can have the relationship with Him that he always desired?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Is Jesus an acquaintance to you or do you live with him daily in your life? Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Are you so consumed with life that you have become deaf to the voice of God? Not just reading the Bible but walking in daily with your ears tuned in to what the Holy Spirit is saying? Remember God desires to give you what is best for you and he loves us enough to not make us figure it out on our own, but we have to listen to His Direction. Your Next Step is to refocus and began to say no, begin reading and listening to God’s words.
Are you Investing in relationship with other and inviting them into a relationship with Jesus Christ? If Not your Next Step is to ask God to open your eyes to those who he has for you to invest in and the wisdom to share your story and offer them the hope you have by inviting them into a relationship with God through Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 2
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
1 Corinthians 3:10-15, Romans 8:1, James 4:17, Revelation 20:11-12, Revelation 10:13-15, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 10:9
INTRO: Time to Meet your Maker
Many People “Refuse” to Believe in God, because they “Reject” the idea of being accountable to a supreme being. Every Pastor has been a Student Pastor at some point in their ministry. Some of you may recall doing a Judgement Seat skit. We had Heaven – Hell – Demons – Angels – Devil – God. People were sentenced to the right or the left (Heaven or Hell).
When we step into eternity there is Not going to be 1 – Mass General Judgment for All. There are 2 Main Judgments and every one of us are Going to Appear at 1 or the Other.
A Judgment for Christians-Christ followers
A Judgment for Non-Christians or the Unsaved.
Two Separate judgments.
Get Started.
What do you think heaven will look like on the day of Judgment?
The Judgment seat of Christ
Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
What will be judge according to these passages?
If our works don’t pass judgment does this mean, we lose our salvation?
Read Romans 8:1
Why is this verse so key to understanding how Believers will be judged?
Since we won’t be judged on our sin what will be judged?
Why are our motives for doing what is right so important?
What are some wrong motives do the right things?
Do you ever examine your motives for doing what you do?
What is stewardship? What are we as believers called to steward? (Time, Treasures, and Talents)
Read James 4:17
What is this verse saying? How does this verse apply to everyday life?
When you stand before the Lord and He says, “Did you serve me in the local church?”
How did Pastor Don suggest, if we don’t know our gifts, we discover our gifts?
The Great White Throne of Judgment
Read Revelations 2o:11-15
How will those who do not know Christ be judged?
Read Matthew 7:13-14
Pastor Don said that only ½ of 1% of Americans believe that they are going to hell?
What are the 4 types of people that Pastor Don said would be at the White Throne of judgment?
Read Matthew 7:21-23
Why do a lot of people, even some who go to church, believe they will go to heaven?
Read Romans 10:9
What is absolutely necessary to go to heaven?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Your first Step is to be sure that you have begun a relationship with God through Christ. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Why do you do what you do? What motivates you is what you worship. Your Next Step may need to change your motives and begin to live a life of stewardship making God the center of all our motives.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
How To Survive The End Of The World | Part 1
Pack Your Bags
In this week’s sermon we discovered the only real hope we have for freedom is the resurrection of Christ.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Matthew 24:32-33 & 36, Matthew 24:1-7 & 9, Matthew 24:23-25, John 14:6 Acts 4:11-12 Matthew 24:12-013
INTRO:
Have you ever been to or been made to sit through one of those study of revelations where they use charts and scary pictures of dragons to try to explain revelations? What was your reaction? Would you do it again?
Read Matthew 24:32-33 & 36
In these three verses what is Jesus telling us about His second coming? What are we to learn from the fig tree?
Key Point 1: When it comes to the second coming of Christ No One Knows!
Read Matthew 24:1-3
What are the 2 questions the disciples asked?
Why do you think Jesus didn’t answer the question about the Temple?
Read Matthew 24:4
Deception is nothing new it has been around since Genesis chapter 3. Who is Jesus talking to in this passage?
So, if Jesus is talking to the church who will be deceived as the end approaches?
Read Matthew 24:5 Matthew 24:23-25
The Pastor explained the deception in the church today as tolerance. What is your definition of tolerance?
What are the dangers of tolerance?
Can you not tolerate someone and still show them the love and grace of Christ? How?
Read John 14:6 & Acts 4:11-12
How can we as Christians claim to be the only true religion?
Key Point 2. The First sign of Jesus return is Deception in the church, also known as tolerance.
Read Matthew 24:6-7
Some of us grew up in a time in were The Us was not involved in a war of foreign soil. What is the first war you can remember in your life time that the US was involved in?
How is that different form today?
The Pastor explained how the word Kingdom is the word Ethos that where we get our word ethnic. Are racial tensions around the world worse? How about racial tension in the US?
Is this a new trend or has racial tension been an issue for some time?
Together try and define the word famine. Have any of you ever experienced a real famine?
What is most people’s familiarity with famine?
In 1980’s there was approximately 120 natural disasters per year. Today there is around 500.
Read Matthew 24:8
In this verse, what is Jesus telling us about these signs?
Read Matthew 24:9
How are Christians being persecuted around the world? Are Christians being persecuted in the United States?
Read Matthew 24:12-13
What does Jesus say will be the cause of love growing cold? How does “love growing cold” show itself in today’s society?
The statement in verse 13 gives hop to believers in what way? Does it mean that Christians wont suffer or be persecuted?
Read Matthew 24:14
Twelve disciples who had not traveled more than 75 miles from their home heard Jesus say this. How has the gospel spread and how does it continue to spread throughout the whole world?
Read Matthew 24:1-3
According to history was the temple destroyed and every stone separated from the temple?
In 66AD the Jewish nation revolted and Rome. Nero sent Vespasian to place the city under siege.
After 3 ½ years over 600k people had died. In 70AD against orders of Caesar and Vespasian the army set fire to the Temple and it was destroyed. The gold throughput the temple melted and seeped in-between the mortar of the bricks. The Romans soldiers took crowbar like devices and literally moved ever stone off the other to steal the gold.
If the temple was really destroyed as Jesus said can we believe these other signs to be true as well?
KEY POINT: If Jesus said is would to happen, it will happen.
How does knowing these thing affect the way we live our lives?
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?
Your first Step is to sure that you are ready for Jesus to return by have began a relationship with God. If you haven’t asked Christ to become your personal Savior, forgive your sins and be Lord of your life that is your Next Step.
Do you know what you believe and have a clear understanding of your faith in Christ? If not, your Next Step is to attend the Foundations Class to fully understand the relationship God wants with you and for you.
Are you living your life in a bubble? Is your work or family and the everyday grind of life consuming your time? Your next Step is to realize your purpose in God’s kingdom and begin to invest in relationships with others and invite them into a relationship with Christ.
Prayer
Take time to discuss with your Life Group the struggle some of you are facing. Pray that God will continue to remind us and too give each of us peace knowing that God is working for his purpose and we can join Him as the hour of his second coming approaches.
Talking Points | Week 3
INTRODUCTION
The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.Many times, we attribute someone’s character to their behavior. For instance, what’s your initial opinion of someone if you notice one of these below behaviors?
Late • Lazy • Generous • Opinionated • Educated • Extravagant • Loud
2.In a similar way, people can make character judgments based on how people lean politically. Why do you think people do that?
3.Read Galatians 3:28, where Paul talks about cultural barriers that should be minimized because of Jesus.
What stands out to you?
Are there cultural categories (e.g., gender, political parties, economic classes) that you have difficulty seeing both sides of as having equal value?
4.When it comes to having conversations about politics, would you describe yourself as more unifying or disruptive? What’s something you can do (or stop doing) to approach political conversations in a healthier way?
TO CONSIDER
Christianity achieved the well-nigh impossible. The Christian doctrine elevated the individual soul, placing slave and master and commoner and nobleman alike on the same metaphysical footing, rendering them equal before God and the law. Christianity insisted that even the king was only one among many.
–Jordan Peterson (12 Rules for Life)
Talking Points | Week 2
INTRODUCTION
Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.When you’re with family, do you discuss politics or avoid it? Would you like to change that one way or the other? Why?
2.Read Galatians 6:2, where Paul summarizes how we can practically fulfill the law of Christ.
What stands out to you?
How can we all follow the law of Christ but still disagree politically?
Do you generally trust that someone who votes differently than you has an informed conscience?
3.Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, where Paul talks about his method of influence.
What stands out to you?
How would you rate yourself in trying to empathize and understand someone else’s mindset?
4.Many times our cultural contexts determine our political perspectives. As Rufus Miles said, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
How does that thought resonate with you?
Do you really feel you would think different politically if you had a different set of past and current experiences?
5.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.
What stands out to you?
In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How does unity differentiate us from the rest of the world?
Is unity something that is natural to people?
NEXT STEP
Some ways forward when it comes to navigating politics in our relationships:
Listen to people who don’t experience the world the way you do.
Learn from others by being a student instead of a critic.
Love people enough to not burn a relational bridge over a political view.
Talking Points | Week 1
INTRODUCTION
Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.On a scale from 1 to 10, how interested are you in politics?
2. When it comes to politics, do you let everyone know where you stand or keep it to yourself? Which way is right?
3.What do you look forward to most—and dread most—about presidential election years?
4.Outside of your workplace, think of the people you interact with most. What percentage of those people think pretty much the same way as you politically?
5.In all honesty, which of these describes you best? Why do you say that?
I evaluate my politics through the filter of my faith.
I create a version of faith that supports my politics.
6.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.
What stands out to you?
In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How would you define “unity”?
According to Jesus’s prayer, why is unity so important?
7. How can we disagree politically and yet still love unconditionally?
8.When it comes to politics and moving toward unity, what’s a next step for you?
NEXT STEP
While we will not agree on every political talking point, we must not let politics divide us. For a next step this week think of someone who sits on the other side of the aisle from you. Whether it’s your neighbor, your family member, or that extremely vocal person on Facebook, how can you love them unconditionally this week? Reach out to them, pray with them, encourage them.
My Stupid Mouth
Key Truth:
Our words are to reflect our relationship with Jesus and concern for others over our own desires or political views.
Getting Started:
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me.
Why is this statement such a lie?
Many of us have unintentionally or intentionally used our words to hurt others.
This also is applicable to what we post on social media.
Why do we feel the need to defend our opinions?
Have you ever changed your mind on your opinion because of a social media post?
Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
How can our words can destroy our influence?
Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
What you say should be filtered through your relationship with Christ and your concern for others. Even if the other person is wrong.
Luke 6:27 - “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
Luke 6:32-33 - “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!”
Our words and actions reveal our heart.
Colossians 3:1-4
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
THINK before you speak.
T – is it true.
H – is it helpful.
I – is it inspirational.
N – is it necessary.
K – is it kind.
What would it take to filter your words through your relationship with Christ before sharing with others?
Colossians 3:10-13
10 Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. (our differences are irrelevant!) Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13 Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you.
If you are the offender, try to reconcile.
You can be right in the wrong ways.
Nothing rebuilds relationships like the words “I am sorry.”
I’m sorry is not an admission of wrong but an affirmation of valuing the other person.
Freedom begins when you forgive your offender.
Just as you have been forgiven, we are obligated to forgive those who offended us.
When we hold a grudge, we are destroying relationships.
Colossians 3:13b-15
…Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. (not in total agreement) And always be thankful.
Everyone has the right to be wrong.
As believers, we have the obligation to love and forgive as we have been forgiven.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
RE: Relationship Essentials | Week 4
Big Idea: We have an understanding of our family when we understand our role in God’s family
Getting Started:
Family looks different for everyone. You didn’t get to choose them, but you can’t get rid of them either, so you choose to love them. Some may have good relationships with their family, some may be distant from their family.
· What is your idea of family?
· What are some traits you can think of for your family? (Quiet, loud, spontaneous)
Digging In
The world’s version of family and God’s version of family are very different. The world is based on performance and God’s is based on grace. The beginning of a Grace-filled family is a renewed heart.
· What does it mean to have a renewed heart?
· How does God look at family differently than we look at family?
· What is the difference between loving someone for who they are and loving someone for what they do?
· When we love a family member for who they are instead of what they do, what changes?
Read Romans 8:14-17
These verses explain what it looks like to be a child of God, adopted into His family, and an heir of his.
· What does it take to be a part of God’s family?
· What does it look like to be an heir of God?
· How can our understanding of God’s family help us in how we love our own family?
Navigating family relationships is not always easy. There are some family members who continue to hurt you and there is a way to love them as well.
· How can we love a family member who hurts us well?
· What good would boundaries do within that relationship?
Read Matthew 3:17
This is the way God spoke about Jesus, his one and only son. He affirmed him and provided encouragement because of who he was, never for the miracles he performed.
· How does the way we speak about our family effect them?
· Are you affirming your family in the way God affirmed his son?
· What would happen if you began to?
Next Step
The family you have is not by coincidence. God has placed you in their lives to love them and affirm them. When you do this, without expecting it in return, it has the power to restore and rebuild. Choose to take time this week to affirm the relationships in your family, not because of what they do or can provide, but simply because of who they are.
Relationship Essentials | Release - Week 3
Big Idea:
The method we use to raise our children determines the weight of the challenge and depth of the reward.
Getting Started:
Not everyone reading this is a parent, but all have had a first hand look into the life of a parent. You either are one, hope to someday become one, or had parental figures in your life to watch how they did it. When it comes to parenting, raising your children the way you want them to live is the goal. The thing is, that takes effort and intentionality. Many parents feel as though they have missed the mark or failed and the
What are the top one or two lessons you learned from your parents or parental figures?
What about those qualities stuck with you the most?
Did you learn any traits from your parents because you watched what they did?
Digging In
Read Proverbs 22:6
The goal with children or the next generation is not to control them but to train them.
What is the difference between controlling and training a child?
What different effects would training or controlling a child have on their lives long term?
How can we plan to train a child instead of control their every move?
The best way to train children and the generation coming behind us is not just through the wisdom we share, but the actions we show to prove it.
Why would actions have more weight to them than words?
Are there any examples in your life of wise words that fell flat because a lack of action?
It is so important that we show our children what we want them to do instead of just telling them. For example, if we encourage them to be kind, but all they see is the opposite of that in us, it will be hard for them to understand what kindness really looks like.
One of the biggest goals as a parent is to prevent our kids from making the same mistakes we made, because we know how harsh the consequences can be. However, we often fail to invite our kids into that part of our past out of fear that they will get the wrong idea.
How can sharing our past with our kids or next generation help them?
What parts of your past are hard for you to share with those you hope to train? What is holding you back from sharing?
What is God able to do by us sharing our failures with kids?
Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7
These commandments are the core of what it looks like to train your child. As a parent, your primary relationship must be with God. Before your spouse, before your kids, before anything.
How do we actively place God above our spouse and children?
What are some things that would have to change in your life to make God the priority?
What is the outcome when our relationship with God is the priority of our parenting?
Next Step
Connect with another parent in your life group and discuss some things you plan to do to increase the intentionality of your parenting. Talk about how you can make God number one in your life or ways you plan to be more authentic and vulnerable with your child. Ask them to check in on you and see how it’s going and do the same for the other parent.
If you are not a parent find someone else who isn’t a parent and ask how they plan to teach and train their future children or next generation in their lives. There is a quote that says failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So use this time to prepare ways you want to be intentional with future children in your life.