Weekly Discussion Questions

Sermon Title - When the Body Breaks: How to Fight for Unity (Eph. 4:24-5:2)

ICE-BREAKER: 3 Myths to ponder and discuss.  

1. Myth: Christians should never have conflict. 
2. Myth: All conflict is Satan working against us. 
3. Myth: Christians should be able to just ignore conflict and move on. 
   

SERMON DIGESTION: Your chance to give any personal input on the sermon.

• How did the sermon personally impact you? 
• How were you encouraged, convicted, challenged, inspired? 
• What questions did it leave you with? 
  

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

Pastor Thomas repeatedly posed the question, “What are your goals for your relational conflicts?” 

• What are the primary possible answers (good and bad) to this question? What answers match your typical actions?
• Why is it good news for us that Jesus came to solve the conflict between man and God rather than winning the conflict? What can we apply from Jesus’ actions and attitudes to the way we view conflict?
  
  

The Gospel tells us that the remnants of sin still affect us and those around us. How can remembering this truth positively impact our attitudes towards others in a conflict?

Reflecting on Paul’s specific instructions:

v.25. 

-Do you manipulate the truth to avoid or minimize conflict? How is this a sinful and relationally damaging way to function?

-Is there any way that you need to be more honest or clear in the way you relate to others?

 v.26-27. 

-What are Paul’s 3 “do nots” in these verses for avoiding unrighteous anger? Put them in your own words. 

-Give examples of righteous anger in personal relationships. How can that anger be used to solve conflicts and mature relationships?

v.28. 

-What is most difficult for you to be generous with? Why?

-What biblical truths encourage us to generous? (not commands but reasons)

v.29. 

-If you could change one thing about the way you use your tongue what would it be? What are you doing to make that change?

v.31-32.

-Are you nursing any of the attitudes in v.31 toward any person? 

-How are the truths in 5:1-2 supposed to fuel you toward a 4:32 lifestyle? Do they? Why or why not?