September 4-10

Weekly Reading for September 4-10

Preparing for Next Week’s Message

Sermon Series: The Dream Life
Sermon Title: Out With Wasted Time and In With a Strategic Life

This reading plan will get your heart and mind set for the next message on September 11, 2022:

• SUNDAY: Ephesians 5,
• MONDAY: John 8,
• TUESDAY: John 15,
• WEDNESDAY: John 14,
• THURSDAY: Colossians 3, Revelation 4,
• FRIDAY: Psalm 98, Psalm 100, Psalm 150,
• SATURDAY: Ephesians 5,

Reflecting on the Most Recent Sermon

Sermon Series: The Dream Life
Sermon Title: Out With Bitterness and In With Compassion
Delivered On: September 4, 2022

VIEW SERMON NOTES

Memorize and Reflect

Ephesians 4:31 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Prayer Direction

Thank God for people in your life who have been gracious and kind with their words. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you where your words need to be more like the words of Jesus. Pray for strength and courage to speak words that are forgiving and compassionate more and more with each passing year.

“Live It!” Challenge

More Kind Words – Over the next week, really try to say three kind things every day to people you interact with. Be intentional. Plan to speak kind words. Look for changes in the flow of your day.

Small Group Discussion

1. Tell about a time a person’s words toward you (or someone you care about) were harsh, unkind, and hurtful. What did you learn about the heart and character of this person through hearing their words?

2. Tell about a time when a person’s words were kind, compassionate and forgiving. What did you learn about their heart and character through these words?

3. Read: Ephesians 4:29-31. What are ways that unwholesome talk and harsh words have become more common and acceptable in our world? Why is this so dangerous and harmful?

4. Why is slow and smoldering anger so harmful to us and those around us?

5. Why is explosive rage and anger so dangerous and what are some of the consequences of verbal outbursts?

6. Read: Ephesians 4:29 & Ephesians 4:32. How might our words and interactions with others change if we asked these four questions before we speak:
   - Is this helpful?
   - Does this build up?
   - Will this meet their needs?
   - Will this benefit the listener?

7. What are examples of kind and compassionate words? How can we increase these?

8. Tell about a person who you need to forgive (without using their name or gossiping). How can your group members pray for you and keep you accountable as you seek to express words of forgiveness?

9. Read: Ephesians 5:1-2. How has Christ been an example of kindness and what are ways we can be more like Him?

10. How has Christ been an example of forgiveness and what are ways we can be more like Him?