Sunday 5 March
True Faith – Changes Our Relational Defaults
Phil Stedman
Phil walks us through Romans 12:14-21 and encourages us to look at our relational defaults and how we interact with others. Our faith in God, when it's genuine & active, can change our default positions. It enables us to: Bless those who give us a hard time. Have relationships that go deep. Live in harmony with all, as far as we are able. Allow no room for thinking we are superior to any others
Life Group questions
True Faith – Changes Our Relational Defaults
Changing our Relational Defaults.
Read Romans 12:14-21
In this passage, Paul challenges the Roman Christians to bless those who are giving them a hard time.
Can you think of any places in the gospels where Jesus did this?
Do you find a command like this difficult to obey? Why might that be?
In verse 15, Paul says “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.” Note how broad a command this is.
What do you think Paul means by this?
How might this command change our behaviour and choices?
Paul also challenges the Roman Christians to live in harmony with all.
What are some of the skills we need to do this well?
What’s one thing that limits you from living in harmony with others?
Finally, this passage contains a challenge to anyone who thinks they are superior to others. In Kiwi culture, this isn’t a huge problem, although we can find it hard to be patient or gracious with people who don’t think or act the same as us.
Why is it wrong for Christian people to think they are superior to others?
What are some of the practical ways that Jesus demonstrated this value?
Which one of these four messages do you want to work on this week?
– Bless those who give you a hard time
– Have relationships that go deep
– Live in harmony with all
– Allow no room for thinking you are superior
Past talks