Wk 3 // April 29 & 30
Wk 3 // Parenting & Surviving in an X-Rated World
April 29 & 30, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
The closer we allow someone to get to us and the more intimately we come to know someone, the greater power we give them to hurt us and vice versa. This is why so many of us carry and create emotional baggage when it comes to our family. The words “I was wrong”, “Will you forgive me”, or “I forgive you” can be the most difficult words to hear, say and respond to… especially when coming from members of our family.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 18:21-22
Sometimes it may feel like seeking forgiveness and offering forgiveness are insurmountable tasks. Lucky for us, God does not call us to do these tasks alone. There are no limits to the forgiveness we can offer and experience because we serve a limitless God who says we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength… but that’s the key… “through Christ!”
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 18:23-35
Some of Jesus’ parables can really sting! This is one of those for many of us. When asked if we would like to be given grace and forgiveness, almost all of us would answer with a resounding “YES!”. But when challenged by whether we are extending the same to ALL of those around us… even those closest to us in our own families… well that’s a more difficult question, isn’t it? Take heart in knowing that God is the first to forgive even the darkest of sins. He is therefore most qualified to walk with us in the process of doing the same for those who have wronged us.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would reveal any unforgiveness you’re harboring in your heart and walk with you in the process of forgiving that person.
A SAMPLE PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I choose to forgive (name the person) for (name the hurt). Without excusing them or condoning their actions, I release them and my rights to this hurt to you and to your judgment and mercy. I absolutely refuse to hold anything against them. I cancel any vows that I made ‘to get even’ or ‘never to forgive’. I ask you to heal the wounds to my spirit from this hurt and restore my relationship with you. Forgive my hatred and resentment and replace it with a love for (name the person). I want to see them in heaven.
April 29 & 30, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- With which member of your family do you argue most (or did you argue with most growing up)?
- What is the most ridiculous argument you got into with your parent(s) or sibling(s) growing up?
The closer we allow someone to get to us and the more intimately we come to know someone, the greater power we give them to hurt us and vice versa. This is why so many of us carry and create emotional baggage when it comes to our family. The words “I was wrong”, “Will you forgive me”, or “I forgive you” can be the most difficult words to hear, say and respond to… especially when coming from members of our family.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 18:21-22
- Why is forgiveness so difficult?
- Is the statement “forgive & forget” a biblical and healthy statement? Why or why not?
Sometimes it may feel like seeking forgiveness and offering forgiveness are insurmountable tasks. Lucky for us, God does not call us to do these tasks alone. There are no limits to the forgiveness we can offer and experience because we serve a limitless God who says we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength… but that’s the key… “through Christ!”
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Matthew 18:23-35
- Share a time when you actually used one of these phrases: “Will you forgive me?” “I forgive you.”.
- Share a time when you (for at least a short time) felt you had a right to not forgive someone.
Some of Jesus’ parables can really sting! This is one of those for many of us. When asked if we would like to be given grace and forgiveness, almost all of us would answer with a resounding “YES!”. But when challenged by whether we are extending the same to ALL of those around us… even those closest to us in our own families… well that’s a more difficult question, isn’t it? Take heart in knowing that God is the first to forgive even the darkest of sins. He is therefore most qualified to walk with us in the process of doing the same for those who have wronged us.
APPLICATION
- Who are you choosing to work on forgiving?
- From whom do you need to seek forgiveness?
PRAYER
Pray that God would reveal any unforgiveness you’re harboring in your heart and walk with you in the process of forgiving that person.
A SAMPLE PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I choose to forgive (name the person) for (name the hurt). Without excusing them or condoning their actions, I release them and my rights to this hurt to you and to your judgment and mercy. I absolutely refuse to hold anything against them. I cancel any vows that I made ‘to get even’ or ‘never to forgive’. I ask you to heal the wounds to my spirit from this hurt and restore my relationship with you. Forgive my hatred and resentment and replace it with a love for (name the person). I want to see them in heaven.
