NEXT STEP 2017
NE
XT STEP 2017
MESSAGE: “FORGIVENESS” SERIES: ONECRY PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:31-32
FIRST STEP: (Pick one or more as a WARM-UP) 1. Did you have people that modeled the act of forgiveness as you were growing up? Do you have that role model now? 2. Why is it hard for many people to accept God’s forgiveness for their own mistakes? 3. What are some barriers when it comes to forgiving the people who have sinned against us? 4. What does a church filled with forgiveness look like? What would church look like next week if our entire church walked in forgiveness?
FOCUS OF THE WEEK: Ephesians 4:31-32 1. Ephesians 4:17-18: What are these verses telling us about forgiveness? How does unforgiveness alienate us from God? What does a hardened heart look like? Does a lack of forgiveness give us a hardened heart? 2. Ephesians 4:20: In what way did Christ teach us to forgive? How does Christ forgive us? If we know that forgiveness is a command, why do we struggle to forgive? How does our lack of forgiveness to others impact our relationship with Christ? 3. Ephesians 4:25: This verse tells us to speak the truth with our neighbor. How honest are we about our pain in general? How honest are we with the people who have caused our pain? Why do people hide their hurts instead of seeking reconciliation? How do we create a culture of authenticity? How do we create a culture of forgiveness? If the body of Christ walked in forgiveness would we still struggle to be truthful and honest with each other? 4. Ephesians 4:26-27: What is the sin that usually comes along with anger? Does lasting anger lead to bitterness and unforgiveness? How does our unresolved anger give the enemy a foothold? Is there a stronger foothold in a believer’s life than unforgiveness? 5. Ephesians 4:29-30: What part of unforgiveness grieves the Spirit the most? Why is it that when we feel wronged by someone we “rally the troops” by sharing the story with our friends? Does this help the situation? Is this biblical? Does this division grieve the Spirit? 6. DRAW A CIRCLE(S): Where do you/we need to forgive? Where is unforgiveness keeping you from experiencing the fullness of a right relationship with God? What is holding you back from seeking forgiveness from God? What is holding you back from giving forgiveness to others? 7. HOPE: Isaiah 38:17 says that God casts all our sins behind his back. How does this verse give you hope in seeking forgiveness from God? How does this verse give you hope in your path to forgiving others? FINAL STEP: Seek God. Allow Him to forgive you. Accept and feel his forgiveness. Take pains to make sure your conscience is clear with God. Seek out one or more people that you need to forgive. Take pains to make sure your conscience is clear with men as well. Pray through Acts 24:16. Ask God to show you where your conscience is not clear. REMINDER: Please use the OneCry tools such as Draw A Circle, the 40 Days of Prayer and the Prayer Cards.
DRAW A CIRCLE
A Promise
Family and Friends
A DREAM Our School and Church
SINS
XT STEP 2017
MESSAGE: “FORGIVENESS” SERIES: ONECRY PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:31-32
FIRST STEP: (Pick one or more as a WARM-UP) 1. Did you have people that modeled the act of forgiveness as you were growing up? Do you have that role model now? 2. Why is it hard for many people to accept God’s forgiveness for their own mistakes? 3. What are some barriers when it comes to forgiving the people who have sinned against us? 4. What does a church filled with forgiveness look like? What would church look like next week if our entire church walked in forgiveness?
FOCUS OF THE WEEK: Ephesians 4:31-32 1. Ephesians 4:17-18: What are these verses telling us about forgiveness? How does unforgiveness alienate us from God? What does a hardened heart look like? Does a lack of forgiveness give us a hardened heart? 2. Ephesians 4:20: In what way did Christ teach us to forgive? How does Christ forgive us? If we know that forgiveness is a command, why do we struggle to forgive? How does our lack of forgiveness to others impact our relationship with Christ? 3. Ephesians 4:25: This verse tells us to speak the truth with our neighbor. How honest are we about our pain in general? How honest are we with the people who have caused our pain? Why do people hide their hurts instead of seeking reconciliation? How do we create a culture of authenticity? How do we create a culture of forgiveness? If the body of Christ walked in forgiveness would we still struggle to be truthful and honest with each other? 4. Ephesians 4:26-27: What is the sin that usually comes along with anger? Does lasting anger lead to bitterness and unforgiveness? How does our unresolved anger give the enemy a foothold? Is there a stronger foothold in a believer’s life than unforgiveness? 5. Ephesians 4:29-30: What part of unforgiveness grieves the Spirit the most? Why is it that when we feel wronged by someone we “rally the troops” by sharing the story with our friends? Does this help the situation? Is this biblical? Does this division grieve the Spirit? 6. DRAW A CIRCLE(S): Where do you/we need to forgive? Where is unforgiveness keeping you from experiencing the fullness of a right relationship with God? What is holding you back from seeking forgiveness from God? What is holding you back from giving forgiveness to others? 7. HOPE: Isaiah 38:17 says that God casts all our sins behind his back. How does this verse give you hope in seeking forgiveness from God? How does this verse give you hope in your path to forgiving others? FINAL STEP: Seek God. Allow Him to forgive you. Accept and feel his forgiveness. Take pains to make sure your conscience is clear with God. Seek out one or more people that you need to forgive. Take pains to make sure your conscience is clear with men as well. Pray through Acts 24:16. Ask God to show you where your conscience is not clear. REMINDER: Please use the OneCry tools such as Draw A Circle, the 40 Days of Prayer and the Prayer Cards.
DRAW A CIRCLE
A Promise
Family and Friends
A DREAM Our School and Church
SINS
