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ICEBREAKER
Would you rather survive a global pandemic or a third world war? Would you rather escape the end of the world by living underground forever or living in space forever? Today we’re talking about the command to “serve one another.” The reality is that If the end is really near, we’d probably all go a little crazy and people would more likely serve themselves than one another. We’ve even seen glimpses of it already. But the truth is, those who put their trust and hope in Jesus are different. That’s what Peter is teaching us in 1 Peter 4:7-11 FROM THE TRUTH Read or review 1 Peter 4:7-11. It’s easy for us modern readers to think that the first line “the end of all things is near,” refers to the end of the world as if it’s predicting that the world is about to end for us. However, it’s important to remember that “meaning is found in the original author’s original intent for the original audience in their original context.” (Play by the Rules) Jim taught about the persecution that was happening to Jews and Christians in Rome and the Roman - Jewish war in Jerusalem. What do you recall about these and why would Peter be using the phrase “the end of all things is near”? What does Peter mean in verse 7 when he says “so that you may pray”? The ESV says “for the sake of your prayers.” What does Peter mean in verse 10 when he says “as faithful stewards of God’s grace”? Why is it important for us to “serve one another” even when “the end of all things is near”? FROM THE TAKEAWAY How do you respond when life gets stressful and chaotic? What have you discovered about your gifts and the best way for you to serve others? How are you serving others now? FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
What is your favorite “go-to” article of clothing and why? Looking back, what is one area of your life that Christ has helped you improve that reflects Him? Today we’re talking about the command to “bear with and forgive one another.” The reality is that that we all have people in our lives that offend or hurt us. We all struggle with forgiving others. Forgiving is not only hard, but often we aren’t even sure how to forgive or if we will ever be able to forgive. But the truth is that as people who are forgiven by God, we need to forgive one another. FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Colossians 3:5-14. Why do you think Paul is using the image of clothes? What are we to “take off” and what should we “put on”? Paul tells us to “bear with each other” (v13). That phrase means to be patient with, put up with, endure, bear with, accept or receive. How does this impact our ability to forgive others? What makes extending forgiveness to someone so challenging? Read Matthew 18:21-22. What does this parable communicate to us about forgiveness? How does (or should) our understanding of God’s forgiveness to us impact the forgiveness we extend to others? Do you know just how much you have been forgiven? FROM THE TAKEAWAY In order to pursue forgiveness, Pastor Mike suggested that we (1) tend to our wounds, (2) start small, and (3) thicken our skin. What has helped you get to that place where you can forgive someone for how they hurt you? How can you become better at bearing with others and forgiving others this week? FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
What’s the fanciest banquet or party you’ve ever been to? Was there anyone famous or popular there? Today we’re talking about the command to “wait for another.” The reality is that there will always be differences between rich and poor, privileged and disadvantaged. But the truth is, those differences don’t belong in the Body of Christ, the Church. God calls us to restraint and generosity. FROM THE TRUTH Read or review 1 Corinthians 11:20-33. Based on what you see in verses 20-23 and remember from the message, what was going on in the Corinthian church around the Lord’s Supper? What did Paul mean when he said: “unworthy manner” in verse 27 and our need to “examine” in verse 28 and be “discerning” in verse 29? What did Paul mean when he said “weak”, “sick”, and “fallen asleep” in verse 30? What did Paul mean when he said in verse 33, as it’s translated in the ESV, “wait for one another”? FROM THE TAKEAWAY Is there any privilege that you have that others don’t? Is there any need to restrain it in the church? Are there ways in which your personal desires and selfishness sometimes overcome our respect for Christ and others in the church? FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
Would you rather talk to the cashier at check out or not talk to the cashier at check out? Would you rather say hi to everyone you pass or ignore them and keep going? Today we’re talking about “Greet one another.” The reality is we all want to be seen and embraced. Yet many people just want to get things done and not have to talk to everyone. On the other hand, some people tend to favor acknowledging only those who are like them, who are more popular, or prominent. But, the truth is God calls Christians to see and embrace one another with generosity and without partiality. FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Romans 16:3-16 and discuss these questions recalling what you heard during Sunday’s message. Some of the people listed would be what we might call key leaders in the church or, on social media, “Influencers.” Can you remember anything about these individuals? What stands out or is interesting to you about them? LEADER NOTES:
Some of the people listed were just regular common people. Can you remember anything about these individuals? What stands out or is interesting to you about them? LEADER NOTES:
What was meant by “a holy kiss”? (You might recall what was said about its connection to 1 Corinthians 12:9. FROM THE TAKEAWAY Paul’s greetings demonstrated that he could, first, see each one of the people he named for who they are whether they were Jewish or Greek or Roman, or male or female, or slave or freedmen, an early disciple or a convert, and so on. Because Paul also teaches in Colossians 3:11 that in Christ, there is “no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” So should we see or not see? Should we be color-minded or color-blinded? Or should we be both? Paul’s greetings also demonstrated that he could embrace each one of the people he named without showing favoritism or partiality. Have you experienced someone showing favoritism that excluded you? Do you see Christians showing partiality in the church? What can we do to ensure that we don’t? Lastly, Paul’s greetings demonstrated that he could commend each one of the people he named. How does it feel to you when someone notices what you’ve done and commends you for it? How good are you at commending others? FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
What is one of your most memorable birthday celebrations? We often go out of our way to celebrate someone’s birthday. What are some ways that you can help someone feel special and important? Today we’re talking about the calling to “honor one another above yourselves.” To honor someone means that there’s a high respect and care given to someone that puts them and their needs first. It’s showing them that they matter; that they are special and important to you. The reality is that we struggle with living this out; especially with people we don’t get along with. FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Romans 12:9-16. What do you know or recall about the context of this passage? (Remember we talked about building others up last week!) The ESV says it this way, “Outdo one another in showing honor.” How do you think it would be helpful for Christians to, in a sense, be competitive in how they honor others? Read Philippians 2:1-11. Why is it important for Christians to show one another that they have value? FROM THE TAKEAWAY What are practical ways that we show honor to someone (or show they have value)? How does honoring one another impact life in the Church? Are we honoring one another well at First Covenant? Why or why not? What could be done to help encourage our people to do this better? Thinking through the people you may encounter tomorrow, who is someone that you could honor well? What might you do that would show them that they matter? FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
Which is/was more annoying for you: Accidentally make them cry every time you joke around or have them use the bathroom every time you plan to use it? Would you rather constantly be told you look exactly like them or constantly told to be more like them? Today we’re talking about “Being devoted to one another in brotherly love.” The reality is that “brotherly love” doesn’t always seem like a good thing. But the truth is as Christians, we are to love one another with deeply devoted, affectionate, brotherly and sisterly love. FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Romans 12:9-16. What do you know or recall about the Jews in Rome and their expulsion? How do you think the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians (Romans and Greeks) were different from each other? What do you know or recall about the meaning of the NIV phrase “be devoted to one another in love” in the original language? FROM THE TAKEAWAY Pick a few of the 10 commands that follow and talk about how we can do so in our families, with our friends, in our communities, and on social media. v10 - Honor them above yourself v11 - Stay spiritually passionate (by serving) v12 - Be joyful in hope v12 - Be patient in affliction v12 - Be faithful in prayer v13 - Share with them and be hospitable v14 - Bless them and don’t curse them v15 - Empathize with them (Rejoice when they rejoice or Mourn when they mourn) v16 - Live in harmony with them v16 - Be humble toward them FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
Would you rather confess your weirdest dream or your oddest habit? What is it? Today we’re talking about “Confessing to and Praying for One Another.” The reality is our health includes what’s happening in our bodies, in our minds, and in our souls. And the truth is confession and prayer are essential aspects of being healthy. So we need to be confessing to and praying for one another. FROM THE TENSIONHow easily are you willing to go see a doctor? How easily are you willing to admit to someone when you’ve done wrong? FROM THE TRUTH Read or review James 5:13-16 and discuss these questions recalling what you heard during Sunday’s message. What does “sick” likely mean in this passage? Who are “the elders” and why would one call them if one is sick? What is meant by “the prayer offered in faith”? You might recall what was said about its connection to 1 Corinthians 12:9. What is meant by the word “anoint” in this passage? You might recall that this word (aleipho) is more common and medicinal than the other (chrio) which is more sacred and religious. Why olive oil? You might recall that the skin of the green olive contains Oleuropein which has significant anti-microbial, anti-bacterial effects and is good for cleansing and healing. What are the health effects of confessing to one another? What are the spiritual effects of praying for one another? Are there any health effects? FROM THE TAKEAWAYIs there anything in your life that needs medical attention but you’ve been avoiding or delaying it? Can we pray for you? Are you willing to admit when you’re wrong or in need of help? Do you have someone in your life that you can trust with deeper confessions? Can we pray for you? FINAL QUESTION How does living these “one anothers” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
Would you rather live in a house that’s half-built or a house that’s falling apart? Today we’re talking about “Building Up One Another.” The reality is that the things we say to one another can easily tear each other down. But the truth is we all need to be built up and our words can build others up. FROM THE TENSION What are some common ways we tear each other down (with examples of specific words and phrases)… in our marriages, in our families, in our workplaces or schools, in our community, on social media? Can you recall and share an example of a time when someone really built you up? FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Ephesians 4:29. What do “unwholesome” (NIV) and “building others up” mean? One of the most important things we need as Christians is to build our lives on our Identity in Christ. Review the My Identity handout. What are some of the more significant identity markers that stand out to you? FROM THE TAKEAWAY What kinds of words and phrases can you use to be more of a builder in your…
FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
FROM THE TENSION
FROM THE TRUTH Read or review Hebrews 10:19-25.
FROM THE TAKEAWAY
FINAL QUESTION How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. ICEBREAKER
Have you ever met or been near someone who is famous? Tell us about it. ABOUT THE SERIES (IF ANYONE IS NEW) Explain the title (Irresistible! The Magnetic Power of the One Anothers) and the premise of this series. That is, in John 13:34, Jesus says that people will recognize his disciples by their love for “one another.” There are many more “one-anothers” in the bible that flesh out what it looks like to love another. God wants us to live the “one anothers” in our relationships with others like our marriages, our families, our friends, at work, at school, on social media, in politics, and in society in general. God wants us to be magnetically attractive to others, even “irresistible,” so that we can flourish in our relationships and best represent Jesus, leading people to trust us, to trust Christians, and ultimately to trust Jesus. NOTE: Recognizing that these “one anothers” are biblically speaking, intended to describe the relationships between Christ’s disciples or Christians does not license us to ignore the “one anothers” in our relationships with people who aren’t Christians. Quite the opposite. By extending the “one anothers” to those who don’t know Jesus, we can attract them to Jesus. Today we’re talking about “A One Another Presence” FROM THE TENSION
FROM THE TRUTH Read or review John 14:15-21 - Jesus said to his disciples “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” He did this by sending his Holy Spirit to “live with you” and “be in you.” How does having the Spirit of Christ present within us empower us to be accepting of others? FROM THE TAKEAWAY Read Romans 15:7. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Remember, Christ accepted us while we were in sin and notice that accepting others even when they are in sin brings “praise to God.” Many people are afraid to “accept” people in sin because they don’t want to condone their sin.
FINAL QUESTION How does living these “one anothers” make us irresistible people? PRAYER First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about their own presence in other people’s lives. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer. |
ABOUTHere you can find our life group discussion outlines which are based on our current sermon series.
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Traditional Service 8:30AM | Contemporary Service 10:00AM
2302 Twin Bluff Rd, Red Wing MN | 651-388-2385 | assistant@redwingfirstcov.org
2302 Twin Bluff Rd, Red Wing MN | 651-388-2385 | assistant@redwingfirstcov.org
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About Us
First Covenant Church is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), which is a rapidly growing multi-ethnic denomination in the United States and Canada, with ministries on five continents of the world. Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, the ECC values the Bible as the word of God, the gift of God's grace, and an ever-deepening spiritual life that comes through faith with Jesus Christ. We value the importance of extending God's love and compassion to a hurting world, and the strength that comes from unity within diversity. |