"Pray for my Enemies?" by Dr. Ed Scheuerman
Group Discussion Guide
Prayer: Knowing and Experiencing God Sermon Series
“Pray for my Enemies?” Dr. Ed Scheuerman
Choose the best question(s) for your group
November 18, 2018
Questions: Contact 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.
Texts: Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 5:6-8; Colossians 3:12-14; Ephesians 4:31,32; Romans 12:9-21; Ephesians 5:18
- Are you able to identify your enemies? What makes them your enemies?
- Romans 12:9-21. What would it look like to bless your enemies?
- R. T. Kendall, in his book Total Forgiveness, talks about three types of forgiveness (see below). Are you able to assess where you are with these in mind? What would it take to move to “Full (total) forgiveness?”
- “Detached forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, but no reconciliation takes place.
- Limited forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is partially restored, though there is a decrease in the emotional intensity of the relationship.
- Full (total) forgiveness—there is a total cessation of negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is fully restored.” (10)
- Why are we so tempted to talk to others, rather than to God?
- How does God get glory by our praying for our enemies?
- How are we blessed when we pray for our enemies?
- Read Ephesians 5:18. What would keep us from praying for our enemies?