Sermon Guide

December 14: Matthew 18

Question: How do you overcome the hurt brought on by someone you should be able to trust?

Key Takeaway:

1. Offense is serious because it damages our ability to trust both people and God
2. Forgiveness is a process that requires intentional steps: accounting, confrontation, compassion, and release
3. Forgiveness is obedience, not based on feelings or the other person's response
4. We cannot forgive alone—we need community and the power of Christ
5. The debt we owed God is infinitely greater than any debt owed to us

Discussion Questions:

1. Offense is an action that damages a person's ability to trust. How does this definition differ from how we typically use the word "offense" in Christian culture?
2. Read Matthew 18:6-9. Why does Jesus respond so severely to those who cause offenses? What does this tell us about God's heart toward those who've been hurt?
3. When trust breaks horizontally, it doesn't just stay horizontal—it starts bleeding vertically. Can you share (without naming names) an example of how broken trust with people has affected your trust in God?
4. Jesus outlines a pattern through the king's example:

• Do the accounting (know what you're forgiving)
• Do the confrontation (address it directly)
• Have compassion (see them as God sees them)
• Forgive the debt (release them from owing you)

        Which of these steps feels most difficult for you personally? Why?

5. Forgiveness is about obedience, not outcomes. How does this change the way you approach forgiving someone who may never acknowledge what they did?
6. Forgiveness doesn't mean "forgive and forget." What's the difference between forgiving someone and trusting them again? How do we navigate that tension wisely?
7. Be honest: When you heard the question "How many of you know God likes you?" how did you respond internally? What does your answer reveal about unhealed hurt in your life?
8. Read the parable in Matthew 18:23-35 again. Bob was forgiven $98.5 million but wouldn't forgive $100. What "debt" are you holding onto that pales in comparison to what Christ has forgiven you?
9. Time heals no wounds by itself. Healing requires prescribed activity. What's one specific step you need to take this week toward forgiveness—whether that's doing the math, having the conversation, or seeking help from a mature believer?

Practical Applications:

1. Write down the name of someone you need to forgive. Do the accounting—what specifically did they do or not do? How has it affected your life? If you're not ready to confront yet, write a letter (you don't have to send it) working through the forgiveness process.
2. Share with one trusted person in this group (or a mentor) about a hurt you're carrying. Ask them to pray with you and check in on your progress.
3. Ask God to help you see the person who hurt you the way He sees them—not minimizing their sin, but recognizing their humanity and need for grace.
4. Read through Matthew 18 daily this week, asking God to reveal any unforgiveness in your heart. Consider meeting with a pastor, counselor, or spiritual mentor if you're dealing with deep trauma or abuse
5. Memorize Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter approached him and asked, 'Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?' 'I tell you, not as many as seven,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven.'"
6. How does Jesus' forgiveness of you on the cross motivate you toward forgiving others? What would change in your life if you truly released the debt you're holding against someone?

 Sermon Guide

December 28: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaway:

1. Shema is listening in a way that changes how you live. It's not just hearing—it's responding with obedience Biblical love is a decision and commitment, not just a feeling
2. There is only one true God—not competing gods or "choose your own adventure" spirituality. False gods always promise something but end up hurting people and destroying communities. Worshiping the one true God leads to life.
3. God's Word in All Times and Places: The merism (sitting, walking, lying down, rising up) means everywhere, all the time. God's Word isn't just for church—it should shape mornings, evenings, car rides, dinner tables, and daily decisions.
4. We need intentional practices to remember what matters most.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 together. What do you think it meant for the original audience (the children of those who wandered in the wilderness) to hear these words? How might their parents' failure have motivated them?
2. Discuss the concept of "Shema." Can you share an example from your own life where you heard something but didn't respond? What was the result? Now share a time when you heard and obeyed—what difference did it make?
3. Why do you think Moses emphasized "The Lord our God is one"? What competing "gods" do we face today that promise fulfillment but lead to destruction?
4. Moses says to love God "with all your heart, soul, and strength." On a scale of 1-10, how would you honestly rate your current devotion to God? What areas (heart, soul, strength) feel strongest? Which feel weakest?
5. We regularly forget important things. What strategies do you currently use to remember what matters most? How might you apply those same strategies to remembering God's Word?
6. The Jewish tradition of phylacteries and mezuzahs shows extreme intentionality. What physical or visual reminders could you put in place to keep God's Word central in your daily life?
7. "Talk about them when you sit in your house, walk along the road, lie down, and get up." When and where do you currently engage with God's Word? What times or places are missing from your rhythm?
8. The Every Word challenge invites us to read one chapter of the New Testament daily (about 3 minutes). What obstacles do you anticipate facing in maintaining this practice? How can this group help you overcome them?
9. For parents/guardians: How are you currently "repeating" God's words to your children? What's one specific way you could integrate Scripture into your daily routines with your kids this week?
10. Moses knew the Israelites would "drift, forget, and get distracted." When you look at your life, where have you drifted from God's Word? What would it look like to take steps back toward making it central? 
11. Since the goal is practice, not perfection, how does that perspective change your approach to Bible reading? What grace do you need to extend to yourself (or receive from God) regarding your spiritual disciplines?

Practical Applications:

1. Start the Every Word reading plan (begins January 5th, but you can prepare now).
2. Create a physical reminder of God's Word in your home (sticky note with a verse, screensaver, doorway reminder).
3. Have a conversation with your child (or a younger believer) about what you're both learning from Scripture.
4. Identify your "drift zones"—times/places where you consistently forget about God—and set a reminder to pray or read Scripture during one of those times.
5. Be creative about how you can talk to people about what you are reading. Is there someone that comes to mind to invite to join you?