August 13 – 19

Weekly Reading for August 13 – 19

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: Stand Strong
Sermon Title: How to Stay Out of Trouble

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on August 20, 2023:


Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: Stand Strong
Sermon Title: How to Stand Strong
Delivered On: August 13, 2023

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.


Prayer Direction

Pray to be a man or woman with greater compassion. We live in a world where so much evil prevails, and we are called to repay evil with blessing. As opposition comes your way, ask God for strength to respond to others with love and compassion. Pray for a heart that desires deeper humility and continue to love people like Jesus does. Ask God to help you identify a person who has wronged you, and ask for a spirit that desires reconciliation and take the first step toward healing.


“Live It!” Challenge

Bless others! – Identify a person(s) whose words have caused hurt and pain in your life. Begin to ask God to give you a heart that longs to bless them and use your tongue to encourage them so that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Each day pray for:
1) Eyes to see others like Jesus.
2) Words that bless others.
3) A forgiving heart in the midst of suffering.


Small Group Discussion

  1. We are called to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. What makes living like this difficult?

  2. How have you lived out 1 Peter 3:9? We are told to not repay evil with evil, but rather evil with blessing. How have you practically lived this out? Share a story of how you exemplified this.

  3. Read: 1 Peter 3:10-12. The tongue is a small part of the body, yet it is powerful. Why do you think Peter addressed this? Do you find it difficult to turn from evil and seek peace?

  4. What steps can you take to turn from evil and repay others with a blessing?
    1. Pray for a heart that chooses humility.
    2. Saturate your mind in Scripture.
    3. Allow others to speak into your life and sharpen you.

  5. Share a time when you suffered and the expense of doing what was right.

  6. What do you think it means to “revere” Christ? How does this change our life?

  7. Read: 1 Peter 3:18-20. Christ suffered for us. The “righteous,” for the “unrighteous”. Take time to reflect on Jesus being the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The spotless lamb came to take away the sin of the world. Through his suffering and sacrifice, we are made whole.

  8. Who is one person God has put on your heart to hear the Gospel message? How could you share Jesus with that person? This is a message that can’t remain silent. Be bold, and stand strong in a world that often showers you with opposition.