Life Group Discussion Guides

Below the Surface - "Satan's Tool: Staying Offended" Pastor Matt

Group Discussion Guide

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Below the Surface Sermon Series
Satan's Tool: Staying Offended by Pastor Matt
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January 21, 2018
Questions by Pastor Matt

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon click on the speaker icon. 

Context:
In this text (2 Corinthians 2:5-11), Paul is making an appeal to the church in Corinth on behalf of an unknown believer to reconcile their differences, so that Satan’s schemes don’t prevail.

Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced a broken relationship? (2 Cor. 2:5-6)

• Describe the “grief” you’ve experienced because of the situation.
• Has there been repentance? What did this look like?
• Is there still un-forgiveness?

2. In some of these situations, what would it look like to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm your love for them? (2 Cor. 2:7-8)
   
   
3. How might Satan “outwit us” in situations like these? (2 Cor. 2:10-11)
   
   
4. What truths do we need to cling to and identify to prevent his success?
   
   
5. We so often read texts like this and identify with the “clean side.” In this case, the church casting out a sinner. Re-read the text and put yourself in the shoes of the sinner.

• Describe this “excessive sorrow.” (2 Cor. 2:7)
• What has repentance looked like in your life?
• How have you experienced God’s forgiveness, comfort, and love?

6. Now that we’ve each identified with both “sides” of this text in 2 Cor. 2: 5-11

• Is there someone in your life who you need to forgive?
• Maybe there is someone in your life whom you need to ask forgiveness from?
• Pray for each other through these realizations. 

Personal Questions to think through:

1. Is there someone who has offended you, hurt you, and sinned against you whom you refuse to forgive? If so, what does this reveal about the reality of your faith in the gospel?
   
   
2. Is there someone you have sinned against, but you have not made the effort to be reconciled? Why not?

Below the Surface - "Hard Conversations, Sincere Love" Pastor Tony

Group Discussion Guide

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Below the Surface Sermon Series
Hard Conversations, Sincere Love by Pastor Tony
Choose the best question(s) for your group

January 14, 2018
Questions by Pastor Ric

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon click on the speaker icon. 

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:12-17; 2: 1-4

1. There is no question that many of us avoid hard conversations like the plague! However, the closer we become in our relationships, the more likely we are to observe behavior that is ungodly among fellow Christ-followers. How should we prepare ourselves for a loving, caring confrontation? (v.12) How do we decide what needs to be confronted?
   
   
2. What role, if any, does social media play in hard conversations? Is it ever appropriate to use texting or emailing in the process? Clear communication is essential especially in hard conversations. How do our actions on social media affect our oikos?
   
   
3. How do relationships grow through hard conversations? Discuss the role parents play with their children and teens in the home and how conflict can be healthy or unhealthy. How should the parental role change (if at all) regarding hard conversations as our kids leave home and begin living on their own? (What about 20-somethings who continue living with their parents?)
   
   
4. Discovering the truth in relational conflict can be tricky. How should we guard against being influenced by “gossip”? Is there a biblical standard that should be considered?