August 14 – 20

Weekly Reading for August 14 – 20

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: The Dream Life
Sermon Title: Out With Anger and in With Peace

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on August 21, 2022:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: The Dream Life
Sermon Title: Out With the Old and In With the New
Delivered On: August 14, 2022

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”


Prayer Direction

Ask God to help you recognize what old practices and habits might be hindering you from growing to be more like Jesus and thriving in your life and relationships. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help correct any patterns of lying, gossip or unwholesome talk in your life including texting and social media. Ask for Jesus’ wisdom and discernment as you choose your words and when to speak, text, or post on the internet.


“Live It!” Challenge

Should I say it… Think through the different forms of communication you use on a daily basis. Ask yourself if any or all of these forms are sharing words that are untrue, unwholesome, destructive, not beneficial. If so, commit to stop and correct by sharing only what is true/truthful, wholesome, constructive, and beneficial.


Small Group Discussion

  1. When you became a Christian, what was one specific attitude or action that you recognized needed changing? (Share briefly what it was and how it has changed).

  2. How has this change led to a better life for you and others in your life?

  3. Read: Ephesians 4:17-19. How does this describe the life you were living before you placed your faith in Jesus?

  4. In what ways was it hindering you from thriving in life?

  5. Read: Ephesians 4:20-24.
    What are some of the distinctive differences between the two categories of people (Gentiles/Non-Followers of Jesus and Followers of Jesus)?

  6. How can these distinctions serve to both help us thrive in our relationships and also point people to Jesus?

  7. Read: Ephesians 4:25. Why would Paul specifically address falsehoods and lying as one of the highest priorities in the life of a person who is following Jesus?

  8. Read: Ephesians 4:29. Paul gives three clarifying guidelines for the words we choose to share with others. Can you identify the three different guidelines and give an example of each?

  9. How has God used someone in your life who communicated in this manner to you and how might you take one step to adopt a similar approach in your life?