Wk 8 // June 3 & 4
Wk 8 // Parenting & Surviving in an X-Rated World
June 3 & 4, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Few relationships determine the health of a culture more than the marital relationship. Children look up to it, grandchildren derive legacy from it and individuals largely determine self-worth based on its status. With marriage's massive importance, it is worth examining God’s desire and instructions for this powerful institution.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 5:21
Many of you know the scripture that follows this simple and challenging verse. But jumping ahead is dangerous! God starts here because health begins here… submission. We are all prone to pride and selfishness. God tells us that a healthy relationship begins with BOTH people actively choosing to elevate the other above themselves. God first, others second, and me third.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 5:22-33
It’s always easy to look at what others are supposed to do for you and quickly bypass or downplay your responsibility to them. In order to function well, a marriage (like other relationships in this life) requires two people who focus on bettering themselves first and most. We serve the other person and (when the marriage gets healthy) we are privileged and blessed to be served by our spouse.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would help you love like Jesus and submit in a way that is honoring to Him.
June 3 & 4, 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
- What is the healthiest marriage you’ve ever seen (real-life or fiction)?
- What word or phrase would you use to explain why that marriage was so impressive?
Few relationships determine the health of a culture more than the marital relationship. Children look up to it, grandchildren derive legacy from it and individuals largely determine self-worth based on its status. With marriage's massive importance, it is worth examining God’s desire and instructions for this powerful institution.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 5:21
- What does this instruction look like in our culture in 2023?
- Do you personally find this instruction to be easy or difficult? Why?
Many of you know the scripture that follows this simple and challenging verse. But jumping ahead is dangerous! God starts here because health begins here… submission. We are all prone to pride and selfishness. God tells us that a healthy relationship begins with BOTH people actively choosing to elevate the other above themselves. God first, others second, and me third.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 5:22-33
- Which is easier, to submit like the Church or to love like Jesus? Why?
- Feel free to refer to your marriage or to marriage in general… how do these instructions improve the marital relationship?
It’s always easy to look at what others are supposed to do for you and quickly bypass or downplay your responsibility to them. In order to function well, a marriage (like other relationships in this life) requires two people who focus on bettering themselves first and most. We serve the other person and (when the marriage gets healthy) we are privileged and blessed to be served by our spouse.
APPLICATION
- What is one thing you can work on this week to model/embrace biblical submission?
- If you’re married, what is something special and out of the ordinary you can do this week to show your spouse you love and respect them?
PRAYER
Pray that God would help you love like Jesus and submit in a way that is honoring to Him.
