Date: February 8-9, 2013
Series: Relationology
Message: It’s Not You, It’s Me
Passage: Romans 8:1-17
INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES
What are things you see around you that will never change?
Leader note: You can use this time to talk about the wonders of the world, creation, or anything you see that stays the same.
OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES
Read Romans 8:1-17. What is God doing in your spouse’s life? Friend’s life? Roommate? Sibling? Parents?
Leader note: Personalize your answers this way, “In _________ life, God is…”
Leader note: Take the scripture in pieces, 5 or 6 verses at a time.
Commentary – some sample answers:
God is removing all condemnation, changing her desires, giving her life and peace
he’s bringing freedom
he’s bringing clarity to the future
he’s teaching her to depend on the spirit
God is transforming Gary to live in freedom
Strengthening her spirit
Giving her patience
God is showing him what is really important
God is bringing Ron freedom from condemnation
God is giving him the desires of the spirit
Teaching her how to be faithful
God is releasing her of the control of the sinful nature has had on her heart
God is transforming his to live in the Spirit, and agree with the Spirit, live according, governed by (ruled and directed)
God is telling him every day he is a loved child of God
God is making her glorious
God is teaching him that he doesn’t need to live in fear.
God is teaching him to be released from the shame of the past.
UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES
How does this make you feel about your spouse or the person you highlighted in the previous question?
Leader note: As your group is sharing their opinion, feelings toward the person they see God transforming should be changing, becoming stronger and more loving.
Sample answers:
I want to be part of it, encourage it.
I want him to know it and to know that I believe it.
How does this make you feel about God?
Loving. He’s involved. He’s a better friend that I am.
How are you celebrating what God is doing? How could you celebrate on it more? How have you been blind?
I see Him spending time in God’s Word, He is leaving more in the Spirit.
Where are you celebrating
Through seeing God transform her from living from the spirit of the flesh – getting out of debt.
God is speaking and he is listening more and more in his life and aware of His presence.
APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES
Affirm the transformation you see in that person (spouse, friend, sibling, parent).
What would help you to notice what God is doing in his/her life on a regular basis? Making it a lifestyle?
Leader note: Some ways to make this time special – Write a poem, letter, note, note to this person…
LIVE IT OUT
What would happen to our community if people saw us living this truth in our marriages, relationships.