Romans 12:9-21

Grow

• For more on “genuine love” consider this article and the many scripture references within it.

• Copy verses 9-13 on a card or set it as your phone background. Read it regularly this week until you have it memorized.

Share

• Consider one way you could show love by honoring another person (verse 10). Then, plan to do it this week.

• Verses 14-21 command us to engage in counterintuitive ways with others. Choose one of these ways to love a difficult person this week.

Connect

• Paul calls the reader to “abhor what is evil.” What are some evils we don’t abhor or may even justify in every day life? Why?

• Why is it so hard to love our “enemies” (who hurt us, are different from us, etc). How can we help each other move towards Christ in this calling?

• Explore Romans 13:1-7 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

! John 3:11-18

Grow

• To better understand biblical unity, check out this article.

• Copy verses 16-18 on a card or set it as your phone background. Read it every morning when you wake and every evening before bed, until you know it by heart.

Share

• Verse 18 urges us to not love in word or talk but in deed and truth. When has your love for a fellow believer been all talk and no action? How can you love them better this week?

• Is there a believer God has given you influence with? How can you challenge them with this truth this week?

Connect

• Discuss how self-centeredness leads to disunity. What would change if we treated others better than ourselves?

• What tangible step(s) can we take together to pursue unity at a deeper level?

• Explore Romans 12:9-21 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Mark 12:28-34

Grow

• The call to love is everywhere in the Bible. Learn more through this page

• Copy Mark 12:30-31 on a card. Read it every morning as a prayer and every evening to evaluate your day.

Share

• This week, how can you tangibly show love to a “neighbor” who likely won’t love you back.

• Who in your life doesn’t yet know Jesus? Look for opportunities to both love them in action and share Jesus with them in words.

Connect

• In what situations is it hardest to love others? Why do you think that is?

• Consider one tangible step we can take to grow in genuinely loving others. Then do it together.

• Explore 1 John 3:11-18 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Psalm 135:1-21

Grow

• To better understand and read the Psalms, watch this video.

• For additional perspective on being transformed, read this article.

Share

• Today’s verses urge us to “Praise the Lord.” How can praising Him help you share God with others this week?

• Make a list of things you’re grateful to God for. Intentionally share your gratitude with anyone God has put on your list.

Connect

• If we become like what we behold, in what ways does treasuring anything above God actually hinder our transformation?

• Try using the suggested approach pursue transformation: 1.Name your idols (confession)

  2.Neuter your idols (identify how weak/destructive they are). 3.Replace your idols by praising Jesus, thanking Him for prevailing!

• Explore Mark 12:28-34 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.