Author: flowmaster

Luke 4:31-44 // Freedom For All: How To Start A Revolution Wk 5

Lean In // 5 minutes

Name a gift you were given that others got to enjoy. 

Sample answers may include

  • Game system
  • Your first car
  • Tickets to a concert

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 4:31-44

What do you learn about oppression?

Sample answers may include

  • It can be spiritual (v.33)
  • Jesus has authority over demons that cause spiritual oppression (v.34-35,41)
  • It can be physical (v.38)
  • Jesus has authority over physical oppression (v.39-40)
  • Oppression can come in many forms (v.40)
  • Jesus’ healing of the oppressed is an expression of the good news of the Kingdom of God (v.43)

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people suffer from spiritual, emotional or physical oppression?

Where have you seen people set free form spiritual, emotional or physical oppression?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are you currently struggling with a form of oppression?

Leader Note: This is a great time to revisit the discussion and content from week 8 of rooted on strongholds. Remind your group that a stronghold is…

“An area of sin in our lies where our flesh and Satan have worked together to create destructive patterns that are sometimes hard to see and impossible to break in our own strength (Romans 7:21-25). A stronghold is more than a sin. Satan has taken a natural desire in us and supercharged it to create something beyond our control.”  (Rooted week 5)

What would it look like to embrace Jesus authority over oppression in your life?

Leader Note: Strongholds are most often birthed in a lie. We believe something to be true about ourselves or about our desires that is in contrary to what God would have us believe.

Some ways in which we break strongholds include…

  • By acknowledging that the enemy is real (1 John 5:19, 1 Peter 5:8)
  • By acknowledging Jesus’ victory over the enemy (Colossians 2:13-15)
  • By living by the spirit (Romans 8:11-18, Galatians 5:16-21)
  • By armoring ourselves God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) which is… Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and His Word.
  • Through confession, surrender and accountability
  • By embracing our True Identity in Christ

Remind your group of a few verses which speak into our identity in Christ.

  • God is pleased with me – Genesis 1:31
  • I am a child of God – John 1:12
  • Christ calls me friend – John 15:15
  • I have received the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8
  • I am a new creation in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • I have been adopted as God’s child – Ephesians 1:5
  • I am redeemed by God’s grace – Ephesians 1:7
  • I am seated in heavenly realms with Christ – Ephesians 2:6-7
  • I am God’s masterpiece – Ephesians 2:10

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact by embracing Jesus’ freedom?

Pray: You may also want to lead your group through a prayer that acknowledges our strongholds and the power of Christ within us to give us freedom. As in rooted it may be appropriate to have men and women pray separately.  Here’s a suggested prayer for each person to pray over themselves as you stand together in agreement and faith.

“Father, I come before you in the Name of Jesus. I recognize the power You have given me by the shed blood of Jesus to demolish spiritual strongholds in my life. I confess that I have given a foothold to sin and I renounce the stronghold of _____________________ I claim the truth of God’s word and who He says that I am by the authority of the Name of Jesus Christ. Through your power, I take back the ground I surrendered to the enemy. I pray You will enable me to trusty an obey Your Holy Spirit so that this area of my life will be in conformity to the image of Christ. Amen.” (Rooted week 5)

Consider this prayer for your group as well…

Dear heavenly Father, I acknowledge Your presence in my life. You are the only all-knowing, all-powerful, and always- present God. I am dependent upon You, for apart from Christ I can do nothing. I stand in the truth that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the resurrected Christ, and because I am in Christ I share that authority in order to make disciples and set captives free. I ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me into all truth. I pray for Your complete protection an ask for Your guidance. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Luke 4:14-30 // Freedom: How To Start A Revolution Wk 4

Lean In // 5 minutes

Who’s your favorite revolutionary figure?

Leader Note: Invite both fictional and historical answers. As a follow up ask… “What did they see”, or “what was the circumstance they set out to change?”

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 4:14-30

What do you learn about Jesus’ revolutionary message?

Sample answers may include

  • It’s fueled by God’s spirit (v.18)
  • It is good news to the poor (v.18)
  • Releases the captives (v.18)
  • Brings sight to the blind (v.18)
  • Freedom for the oppressed (v.18)
  • It’s in partnership with the time of the Lord’s favor (v.18)
  • It’s holistic, brings physical, emotional an spiritual healing/restoration (v.18-19)
  • The message of the revolution is expressed the through person of Jesus (v.21)
  • People liked the sound of it but were skeptical about Jesus (v.22)
  • Jesus was not surprised or deterred by those who rejected (v.22-23)
  • The revolution is not just for “insiders.” It’s open to all (v.25-27)
  • It caused the “insiders” to be angry to the point they wanted to kill Jesus (v.28-29)

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

What causes people to miss the message of Jesus’ revolution?

Sample answers may include

  • Greed, have much to loose for the poor to receive good news
  • Unwilling to release their own power for the sake of others’ freedom
  • They don’t see a need for it in the world or in their own lives – spiritual blindness
  • Don’t consider Jesus to be God, he’s just a “great teacher”
  • Wounds from a negative experience with the church
  • No understanding of grace, people get what they deserve in life

Where do you see people joining in Jesus’s revolution?

Leader Note: This question should lend itself to stories. Prompt your group to share a store where they’ve seen the mission of Jesus at work in and through a person… what did that look like?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

What part of Jesus revolution are you most in need of?

Leader Note: You may also frame this question by asking, emotionally, physically or spiritually… 

  • Where are you poor?
  • What holds you captive?
  • Where have you become blind?
  • Where do you wrestle with oppression?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Where is Jesus calling you to live out his revolution? What could that look like?

Pray: Spend time praying for God’s spirit to illuminate the places in our heart that are in need of Jesus revolutionary message to bring life and healing. Pray that we become people who choose to live out with grace and truth the freedom that Jesus has offered to us.

Luke 4:1-13 // Allure Of The Lure: How To Start A Revolution Wk 3

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are all the voluntary “instruments of death” used to catch animals and insects?

Sample answers may include

  • Fishhooks
  • Bear trap
  • Mouse trap
  • Fly paper
  • Bug zapper

Leader Note: Transition your group to the text by saying something like… “Temptation is the biblically equivalent to these types of traps.”

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 4:1-13

What do you learn about temptation?

Sample answers may include

  • It can come when we’re full of the Holy Spirit (v.1)
  • The spirit can lead us to wilderness places (v.1)
  • While the spirit may lead us there it’s the devil that does the tempting (v.2)
  • It can come in moments of weakness (v.2) and moments of strength (v.1)
  • The devil offers us something we want and often think we need (v.3)
  • The devil wants to steal our identity through temptation (v.3)
  • We can combat temptation by using God’s word (v.4,8,12)
  • Temptation is alluring but comes at a cost (v.5-7)
  • Temptation is a question of what will we worship (v.7-8)
  • The devil will also tempt us to misuse gifts that we have. It may not be a sin to use them but the manner or reason in which we use can lead to sin (v.3, 9-10)
  • The devil knows how to use and misuse scripture against us (v.10-11)
  • The devil is very persistent and patient with how he tempts up  (v.13)

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people give in to temptation? What was the allure of the temptation and what were the costs in giving in to it?

Where have you seen people not give in to temptation? What were the costs and what were the benefits?

Commentary: There’s a price to pay when you give in to temptation and there’s also a temporary cost we pay when we resist. As with Jesus, Satan brings about temptation that is aimed at robbing us from our identity. We can easily loose ourselves and put others in harms way by continually giving in to temptation.

 

Look In // 20 minutes

What are the traps of temptation that the Devil sets for you?

Commentary: Satan knows how to tempt you. He will come at you with things you desire or feel entitled to have. The more we become personal aware of those areas in our lives where we are susceptible to temptation the better we can be prepared to resist.

What do you think he wants to steal from you in setting those traps?

How can you prepare yourself to resist temptation?

Sample answers may include

  • By remaining honest about the areas of weakness and sharing it with others
  • By staying in God’s word
  • By staying in a trusting community, my Life Group!
  • Avoiding situations where we open ourselves up to temptation
  • Through walking in step with the power of the Holy Spirit
  • By cultivating thankfulness
  • Through remembrance in our identity in Christ, who He says we are

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact by resisting temptation?

Pray: Pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to give courage and strength to avoid giving in to temptation. Pray for eyes to be open to see temptation for what it is… a trap by the enemy to rob us of our identity and purpose.

Luke 3:3-14 // Be Fearless: How To Start A Revolution Wk 2

Introduction // 5 minutes

What’s a person or event in history you’d like to meet or visit and why?

Sample answers may include…

  • William Wilberforce
  • Gettysburg address
  • Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech

What would you tell the people living in that context?

Leader Note: When living in a historical moment most people tend the miss the weight and significance of what they are faced with. For others they are so blind by the current state of culture and society (example; the abolishment of slavery movement) that they can’t imagine that things can or even should change.

With the gift of historical hindsight what would you tell the people, what would you encourage them not to miss?

 

Observation // 15 minutes

Read Luke 3:3-9

What does John the Baptist say about preparing for the Lord’s coming?

Sample answers may include…

  • That the people should be baptized and repent of their sins (v.3)
  • To let their lives show that they have repented, turned their ways (v.8)
  • To not rely on their heritage but to live lives that show repentance (v.8)
  • To produce “good fruit” (v.9)

Read Luke 3:9-14

What does “good fruit” look like in the passage?

Sample answers may include…

  • Giving your shirt to the poor, generous living (v.11)
  • Sharing your good with the hungry, sacrificial living (v.11)
  • Collect no more money than you’re owed, just living (v.13)
  • To not use your power for corruption (v.14)
  • Living without greed (v.14)

Leader Note: Raise the point to your group that John does not say… go to the temple or read the words of the prophets. John basically says to live generously and justly. To provide for those who need provision and protect those that need protection. To be mindful of the poor and powerless. This is what “good fruit” looks like… a repented heart in action spending themselves on others who are incapability or paying them back.

 

Understanding // 10 minutes 

What causes people to miss Jesus today?

Sample answers may include…

  • Greed
  • Pride
  • Self-centeredness
  • Religious living without care for others

Leader Note: The crowds asked John “What should we do?” They wanted to know how to get ready for Jesus, how to not miss him. John clearly says that the best way to see Jesus is to live a generous and just life. Anything that falls outside of those categories can potential cause us to miss seeing Jesus.

 

Application // 10 minutes

How will you experience Jesus?

Leader Note: You may also ask the question this way… “If experiencing Jesus is clearly done in the context of generous and just living, then what would it look like for you to live that way and what holds you back?”

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we lived out generosity and justice? Who would see Jesus and what could the impact be?

Prayer: Pray for compassion to see what Jesus sees. Pray for boldness to enter into places that we may not want to go. Pray for any form of pride or selfishness to be uprooted in our hearts so that we may fully display, with our actions the power of repentance and the power of the Gospel within us.

Luke 3:1-4 // How To Start A Revolution Wk 1

Introduction // 5 minutes

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep?

Leader Note: Be sure to get the story behind the answer here.

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Luke 3:1-4

What do you learn about the power of God’s word?

Sample answers may include

  • God’s word came to one person at a specific time (v.2)
  • God’s word meet John in the wilderness, in an unexpected place (v.2)
  • It prompted action from John, calling people to be baptized (v.3)
  • It compelled others to action, to repent and to be baptized (v.3)
  • It’s prophetic, speaks of things to come (v.4)

Commentary: God’s message to John came during the “intertesatmental period”, which was a 400-year span of time between the Old and New Testament writings.  This period of time has been also called the “400 years of silence” where God revealed nothing to his people through the prophets.

John emerges as the first person since the prophet Malachi with a word from God to his people.  Luke highlights the physical location where John received God’s word (the wildness) and would undoubtedly want his audience to make the connection to the spiritual wilderness that the people of Israel had been in for 400 years.

 

Understanding // 10 minutes

What’s the longest you’ve been apart from a loved one?

What were the circumstances and how did you feel during that time?

Leader Note: They say, “Absences makes the heart grow fonder.”  While that may be true prolonged absence can also make the heart grow cold and lonely.  Spend time focusing on the emotions of the “in between time.”

 

Application // 15 minutes

Describe a time in your life where God seemed/seems silent?

What would it look like for you to trust God in a “wilderness” season?

Leader Note: As with all questions you set the tone by your response.  Be honest and vulnerable and make it safe for others to answer with the same level of honesty.

Commentary: Just because God seems silent it doesn’t mean He’s not listening.  Nor does it mean that He’s absent.  Just as with John the Baptist, God often uses “wilderness” moments to shape and grow us into people who trust and depend on God’s spirit.  Avoid rushing into advice giving or rescuing too quickly during this question.  Allow space for honest lament and questioning while inviting the Holy Spirit to bring comfort and clarity in your closing group prayer. 

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Who could you impact by persevering through a “wilderness season” of life?

Prayer: Pray boldly for God’s spirit to comfort and guide in times of silence and in times of suffering.  Pray for perseverance to hold on to God’s word and truth and for supernatural strength to trust Him in those times.

Matthew 18:21-35 // Two Qualities To Build Beauty In The Mess: Beautiful Mess Wk 8

Introduction // 5 minutes

What are some close calls in your life?

Leader Note: Have your group think about a time when they should have been in trouble but got out of it somehow. 

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Matthew 18:21-35

What do you learn about the master? 

Commentary: There are a few key terms in the story.  “Seventy-seven times” denotes a limitless number or a lifestyle of forgiveness.  The word “talent” literally means millions of dollars so the servant’s debt could have been in the billions of dollars.  The word “denarii” is used to mean a few dollars or one day’s wage.   The idea is the contrast between the extreme amount of debt that was forgiven by the master and the small amount that was not forgiven by the servant.

Sample answers may include

  • His servant owed him a huge debt (v. 24) and was not able to pay it  (vv. 25-26)
  • The master took pity on the servant, canceled the debt, and let him go (v. 27)
  • There was an expectation for the servant to show mercy to others (v. 32)

What do you learn about the servant? 

  • He was not able to pay the debt (v. 25)
  • After being shown mercy, he demanded the few dollars owed him from a fellow servant (v. 28)
  • He did not forgive the small debt (v. 30) and it cost him (v. 34)

 

Understanding // 10 minutes

What does it mean to forgive and where have you seen it practiced?

Leader Note: When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive his brother, Jesus replied, “Seventy-seven times,” which means there is no limit.  However, there is a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.  Forgiveness takes one person but reconciliation takes two.  With that in mind, help your group to understand the response of forgiveness to wrong doing and how it is different than reconciliation.

 

What is the cost of forgiveness?  What is the cost of not forgiving?

Leader Note: In Jesus’ story, it cost the master millions of dollars to cancel the debt.  It is important to understand there is always a cost associated with forgiveness.  There is also a cost of not extending forgiveness which can include bitterness, isolation, blame, denial, and un-healed wounds.  Help your group understand the cost of both sides.   

 

Application // 15 minutes

Where are you not extending forgiveness?  What is it costing you?

What are some steps you could take to move closer toward letting it go?

Leader Note: When we extend forgiveness, it can be an emotional experience.  As a leader, be ready to lean in, listen, and allow the Holy Spirit to work.     

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

Imagine the impact on our world if we were the people that extended forgiveness to others when we have been wronged?  It could set us free and show the world forgiveness is available for them too!

Prayer: Spend time thanking God for the forgiveness we find in placing our trust in His Son, Jesus.  Pray that you would be mindful of the areas where you are harboring un-forgiveness.  Pray that God would fill you with the Holy Spirit so that you might continually extend forgiveness and in the process be transformed into the likeness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 4:9-10 // What Kids Need From Caring Adults pt.3: Beautiful Mess Wk 7

Introduction // 5 minutes

What are some tips to a good vacation?

Sample answers may include…

  • Plan/Prepare
  • Budget
  • Book things in advance
  • Take lots of pictures
  • Be spontaneous

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Deuteronomy 4:9-10

What do you see and learn about remembering the actions of God? 

Commentary: There was a divine call to Israel to remember the Lord’s past redemptive acts—especially how he delivered them from slavery in Egypt.  It is a common theme in Deuteronomy (see 5:15; 7:18; 8:2, 18; 9:7, 27; 11:2; 15:15; 16:3, 12; 24:9, 18, 22; 25:17).  The call to remember had a significant impact on shaping Israel’s identity.

Sample answers may include

  • Don’t forget what God has done (v. 9)
  • God memories are to stay with you for life (v. 9)
  • There is a susceptibility to forget (v. 9)
  • It is important to capture a memory so it can be passed on to future generations (vv. 9, 10)
  • God creates memories that are seen and felt (v. 9)
  • Closely watch your life and how God has acted (v. 9)
  • The actions of God are not just for that person but also for others (v. 10)

 

Understanding // 10 minutes

What are some of the more memorable moments in a person’s life?

Where do you see people (or parents) creating positive memories for others (or kids)?  Where have you seen the opposite?

Leader Note: In this week’s message, we learned how parents are able to create positive memories through various avenues like taking family vacations and being playful.  Help your group identify some of the ways they have seen parents and others create positive memories.  Also, help your group see the impact of positive and negative memories in a person’s life.

What are some of the ways these memories and stories get passed on to others?

 

Application // 15 minutes

Where are you creating positive memories for others?

What would it look like to:

  • Make up traditions?
  • Capture memories?
  • Prioritize vacations?
  • Create adventures?
  • Write letters?

Leader Note: There are many ways to create memories but it is often the intentional memories that make the most impact.  The categories listed above are some practical suggestions to create intentional memories.  Challenge your group to write these categories down and come up with ways to make memories for their kids and others.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would happen if we were intentional about creating positive memories for our kids and others?  How will it shape their life?  How will it shape our life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we remember all of the ways you have intentionally acted on our behalf and we offer you thanks.  We thank you most of all for the giving of your son, Jesus.  Help us to understand that we have opportunities to create positive memories and stories for others as well as negative ones.  We ask for wisdom to create positive memories and grace for when we fall short.  We also ask for the power of your Holy Spirit to work in and through our lives so that we might point others to you.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Ephesians 6:1-4 // What Kids Need From Caring Adults pt.2: Beautiful Mess Wk 6

Introduction // 5 minutes

What company has the best rewards program?

Sample answers may include…

  • Coffee Shops
  • Restaurants
  • Retailers
  • Banks

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Ephesians 6:1-4

What do we learn about God’s instructions for children and parents?

Leader Note: Throughout our lives, this passage remains true.  We are called to honor our father and mother at all stages of life.  There is even a promise attached to the instruction.  The passage also contains wisdom for the way parents are to bring up their children.

Sample answers may include

  • Children are to obey their parents, which includes both mother and father (v. 1)
  • Children are to ‘honor their father and mother’ as instructed in the Ten Commandments (v. 2)
  • There is a promise associated with honoring the father and mother (v. 2), which includes ‘enjoying long life on earth’ (v. 3)
  • Obeying parents is the ‘right’ thing to do (v. 1)
  • Dads (parents) are not to exasperate (provoke or upset) their children (v. 4)
  • Parents are to raise their children with training and instruction they learn from the Lord (v. 4)
  • There is a contrast between dads (parents) provoking their children and raising them in the way of the Lord

 

 Understanding // 10 minutes

Where do you see people receiving honor in our world?

What does ‘honoring your father and mother’ look like today?  Where have you seen it done well or not done well? 

Commentary: The Scriptures admonishes us to honor our parents which means to hold them with the highest respect.  So, while the ways we honor parents may change, the substance of love and high respect remains the same.

What do you see are healthy forms of teaching and instructing children?  Where have you seen it practiced?

Leader Note: This question will generate a broad spectrum of response, as there are various forms of discipline.  It is easy to get caught up with the techniques rather than the heart behind it.  Remind the group that the ‘training and instruction’ we receive from our Heavenly Father always comes from a place of love.

 

Application // 15 minutes

In what ways are you honoring (or have honored) your father and mother? 

What could it look like to show others how to honor their father and mother?

Leader Note: There is great value in honoring our parents.  Not only is there a promise of blessing attached to it, but it can also be reflective of our relationship with God.  When we honor our parents, we honor God’s teaching and instruction.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we were known for the way we honored our parents and raised our children?  How will it affect other relationships? 

Prayer: Spend time praying and reflecting on the passage.  As you pray, identify the areas of need (missed opportunities, brokenness, pain, anxiety, sadness, etc.) and ask God to bring what is needed (comfort, peace, joy, hope, love, etc.).  Also, remind your group of God’s great faithfulness and His ability to redeem and reconcile relationships—to bring beauty out of the mess.

Ephesians 5:1-2 // What Kids Need From Caring Adults pt.1: Beautiful Mess Wk 5

Introduction // 5 minutes

Who is your celebrity look a like?

Leader Note: Keep this light and engaging. If you someone can’t think of one for themselves ask others in the group to offer suggestions in a fun lighthearted manner.

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Ephesians 5:1-2

What does it look like to follow God’s example?

Leader Note: We have a heavenly model when it comes to relationships, be it parenting or any other relationship. This passage tells us to watch what God does, learn from it and then imitate what we see.

Sample answers may include

  • Involves all of who we are (v.1)
  • It’s relational; we do what we see him do as our father (v.1)
  • Life filled with love, not a one time thing but ongoing (v.1)
  • To be filled with love (v.2)
  • Puts love into action through selfless, sacrificial living (v.2)
  • Living in a way that pleased God, worshipful living (v.2)

 

Understanding // 10 minutes

What are some things you’ve learned from your family growing up that you are now, or hope to incorporate with your family?

What are some things you hope will be different?

Leader Note: This question may be difficult for your group to answer. Handle this section with care and make time to pray into areas of brokenness and pain at the end of your discussion.

 

Application // 15 minutes

Where are you following Christ’s example of love in your relationships?

Where aren’t you and what steps can you take to make a change?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we lived out Christ’ example in our relationships? What would the impact be?

Prayer: Spend time thanking God for the example of perfect, self giving love seen in Christ. Pray for healing where other models of love have caused pain or shame. Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to enable us to understanding more fully Christ’s love for us that we may be able to express it in all of our relationships.

Ephesians 5:15-21 // Strategy For Sex-Ess: Beautiful Mess Wk 4

Introduction // 5 minutes

What’s the best relationship advice you’ve ever received?

Sample answers may include…

  • Always be yourself
  • Honesty is the best policy
  • Develop good listening skills
  • Stand by each other no matter what

 

Observation // 10 minutes

Read Ephesians 5:15-21

What does wise living look like?

Sample answers may include…

  • Looking carefully at how you live (v.15)
  • Using your time well (v.16)
  • Living every moment with care (v.17)
  • Understanding what God wants you to do (v.17)
  • Being controlled/directed by the Holy Spirit (v.18)
  • Choosing to live a lifestyle of worship (v.19)
  • Living full of thanksgiving (v.20)
  • Submitting to, preferring others (v.21)

 

Understanding // 10 minutes

Where do you see wise living?  Where don’t you see it?

Leader Note:  Frame this question in the context of relationships.  The aim here is for the group to consider where they see this passage in real world terms.  Lead them to “look out” and think about where they’ve seen this passage on display in the lives of others.

 

Application // 15 minutes

Where are you currently living wisely in your relationships? Where aren’t’ you and what changes can you make?

Leader Note: You may simply ask in light of your past or your future hopes in your relationships “What’s the wise thing for me to do?” Most people have a tendency to run to the negatives – for some reason it is easier to confess relationship weaknesses than claim strengths. If your group stays on the negative, you can take this opportunity to affirm others in areas of their relationships that you have witnessed as strengths.

Commentary:  It’s very easy to allow things such as pride, anger, selfishness and entitlement to direct how we live.  The passage tells us that wise living is fueled by our connection to the Holy Spirit.  When we are connected to the Holy Spirit we become more aware of God’s will and are empowered to live how He wants us to.  We also become thankful worshippers looking to serve and prefer others above ourselves.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we lived this out? How might our relationships be changed?

Leader Note: As we intentionally try to create health in our relationships, there may be resistance from the other person.  If you sense this is something group members have experienced, remind them that we are to live in obedience to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We cannot control the reactions or behaviors of others.  We work to improve relationships, but the ultimate outcome is in God’s hands.  Trust that He is working.

Prayer: If your group has just revealed some relationship and relational problems they have in their lives, it may be a good idea to come around them and pray for them. Pray that God will supernaturally heal those relationships that seem beyond repair and that each heart will be open to forgive and to forgiveness. Pray for willing spirits of reconciliation and cooperation in ongoing relationships.