Puyallup Nazarene Church
These are days of great divide. As followers of Jesus, how could we begin to disarm ourselves and become people who de-escalate conflict in order to advance the love of Jesus into all our relationships? There is a way.
Romans 1:16-17 NIV
Romans 5:1-5 TPT
The Gospel and the Great Divides
James 1:19-22 NIV
Quiet down and listen.
Ephesians 4:20-32 NIV
Devote yourselves to 'learning Christ.'
This is your new self, your new God-created self. Live this way!
Keep your love on! Ephesians 4.30-5.2
At some point we will need to say, "I will do that!"
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities
We invite you to use the following questions as you dig deeper into the ways God equips us to be bold in our witness for HIm.
Read Ephesians 4:20-5:2
When is a time in your life when you have experienced the healing power of forgiveness in your relationship with someone else?
OBSERVE
What key words or ideas come to your mind as you read this passage?
How does Paul contrast the lifestyles of those in the community of Jesus and those outside the community?
What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
What is the relationship between anger and sin?
How do the images of sacrifice in 5:2 influence the thought in the whole passage?
INTERPRET
Why do you think Paul makes a great emphasis on speaking (words) in this teaching? See James 1:19-20 for additional Biblical instruction.
How can our thoughts or words ‘make room for the devil?’ Why are we warned against unwholesome talk? Does that include jokes?
Why do you think unaddressed anger leads to sin?
Why is forgiveness necessary when entering into difficult conversations?
APPLY
Where can you apply forgiveness in a relationship this week?
How can you detect negative thoughts or feelings that can derail good communication? How can an attitude of encouragement help you in a conversation and still get your point across?
Who are two people that you can offer words of blessing this week?
How can you make your conversations and attitudes resemble the inviting fragrance of Jesus this week?
Next Week's Study: Series: UnAshamed. Next week: Baptism- a symbol for the unashamed! Please join us for worship online Saturday at 6, Sunday at 9 and 10:45. Livestream online at pnconline.org.
