06-28-2020
06-28-2020
Rev. Trevor Johnston and Pastor Efrain Silva
“Be the Bridge, Part 4”
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Each week, our Sermon Discussion Questions are here to help the sermon go deeper into your life. You can think these through on your own, or discuss them with your spouse, family, or small group.
1. In this sermon series, we’re looking at Scriptures that can help us grow in our ability to do relationships better – in our homes, in our community, with regard to racial reconciliation as well as other areas of life. Today our focus is on how we communicate. What is one of your biggest challenges when it comes to communication?
2. Read Ephesians 4:25-32:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Today we will focus on verse 29 and break it down phrase by phrase.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up….”
3. The Greek word translated “unwholesome” here simply means “not good,” and one way this word was used was to describe rotten fish. Paul defines it further by saying Christ-followers should only say what is helpful for building others up. How would it impact the way outsiders view Christianity if believers were to live more consistently by what Paul says here?
4. The word “talk” here includes more than just talking. It includes all the ways we communicate. Why is it important for Christians to apply this passage to things like emailing, texting, and social media posts? What are some particular dangers of these modern forms of communication?
5. Most of us recognize that the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is completely untrue. Why are words so powerful – both to build others up and to tear them down?
6. Read Proverbs 18:21: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Describe in your own words what this verse is saying. What does it add to your understanding of the importance of our words?
7. Words create and destroy confidence. Words start and wreck relationships. Words land and lose jobs. Words have the power to shape your life and the lives of others around you. Talk about these and other areas where our words have power. If you have a relevant story from your own life connected to any of these areas, share that with your group.
“…according to their needs…”
8. Our human tendency is to focus on our own “need” to be heard, to vent, to be right, or to get in the last word. When someone else is talking, we’re often tempted to think about what we want to say, rather than really listening to the other person. What difference would it make if we followed Paul’s words here and cared more about the needs of the other person in our communication?
9. Read Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” What are the implications of this passage when it comes to our communication?
10. Stephen Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which was named the #1 Most Influential Business Book of the 20th Century. Here’s what he said about Habit #5: "If I were to summarize in one sentence the single most important principle I have learned in the field of interpersonal relations, it would be this: Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Why is this principle so significant when it comes to being an effective and successful person in all areas of life?
“…that it may benefit those who listen.”
11. It’s easy to forget that other people are often listening in on what we say. For example, kids may be listening to the conversations we’re having with others. How might it impact your children if they hear you say disparaging remarks to or about other people?
12. Especially when we speak out on social media, lots of people are listening. As Christ-followers, the most important way to benefit others is by helping them know Jesus Christ. How could our social media posts inadvertently push people away from the Christian faith?
13. Words are like toothpaste – it’s easy for toothpaste to come out of the tube, but once it’s out, you can’t get it back in. Similarly, once you’ve said something, you can’t unsay it. Read Proverbs 13:3: “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” What are the implications of this concept for our speech?
14. If you’ve said hurtful words to someone else – whether in person or on social media – you can’t unsay those words, but as a Christ-follower, you’re still called to seek to repair that relationship. What are some things you can do after you’ve messed up and said things you shouldn’t have said?
Ready for your next step?
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News and Announcements:
· If you’re new to Community of Hope, text “Hello” to 561-264-6079 to let us know who you are.
· No More Orphans Virtual Event: Join us online tonight, Sunday, June 28, at 5pm, 6pm, or 7pm for this powerful 30-minute event designed to help you get God’s heart for modern day orphans and foster kids and learn ways you can help them. Invite friends, and share it on your social media! Register at https://fornomore.org/rsvp/.
· Join us for Hope University, Tuesdays at 7pm – Online
All summer, we’re offering top-notch college-level teaching from some amazing Bible, Theology, and Ministry professors at no cost to you! This Tuesday Dr. Mark Witwer will teach on various ways believers can view the Genesis creation story. This session will be very helpful to anyone struggling to reconcile faith and science. We encourage you to invite friends, especially teens and young adults. Remember to register in advance at communityofhope.church/hopeuniversity
· If you’re not yet a COH partner, or if you just want to learn more about how to live the Christian life, sign up for our 4-week Connections Class. Our next Connections series will be Wednesdays, at 7pm starting July 22. This class will be online, so you can participate from the comfort of your own home! Register at communityofhope.church/connections
· The Community of Hope App is serving as our Connect Folder in this time. Download it to watch our services, register for events, and to stay connected with what’s going on in our church.
· Be the Bridge: We are forming discussions groups of people with a heart for racial reconciliation who want to listen, learn and grow in their love and understanding for all people. If you want to stay informed about this and possibly join a group in the fall, sign up at communityofhope.church/bethebridge
· Food Distributions: Our West Campus food distribution schedule is changing to the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 5pm to 7pm. Volunteers arrive at 3pm. Our East Campus food distributions continue to be each Saturday from 1pm to 3pm with volunteers arriving at 10am. To take part in this opportunity to serve our community, sign up at communityofhope.church/missions
· Go to communityofhope.church/coronavirus if you need help – like food or a face mask – or if you are available to offer help to others.
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