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When you hear the word conflict, what emotions or thoughts come to mind?

·       What stands out to you most in Jesus’ teaching about resolving conflict between believers?

·       What do you think it means to “gain your brother” (v.15)? How is that different from “winning an argument”?

·       How does humility, seriousness about sin, and love for the lost (from the earlier teachings in Matthew 18)

shape the way we should handle conflict?

·       How does gossip destroy the process of restoration? Why do you think it’s so tempting?

·       How can we as a group or church create a culture that values honest, humble, and loving reconciliation?

·       How should our approach differ when the person we’re in conflict with is not a follower of Christ?

·       Why is forgiveness essential for restoration, and how do we practice it when it’s difficult?

Key Scripture
Rom 12:11z. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Fulfilling your purpose will require passion (zeal, fervency, or enthusiasm). 'Purpose' has to do with our head – thinking right about why we're here and understanding our calling. 'Passion' has to do with our heart – the internal fire that motivates us and energizes us to fulfil our purpose and do God's will. God is the source of spiritual passion. The Holy Spirit comes to ignite us with holy fire.

In the world we live in, natural passion is often a key to success and impact. Knowing information is valuable, but possessing the fire is invaluable. Nothing major in history was ever accomplished without zeal. It is the deciding difference between successful and unsuccessful people in every field of endeavor. The fire on the inside affects everything on the outside. 

William Ward says: “Enthusiasm and persistence can make an average person superior; indifference and lethargy can make a superior person average.”

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

1.      Of all the stories we heard tonight (George Washington, David Farragut, Clara Barton) what sticks out?  Do any of these inspire you to set goals for your own life, since they were about your age when they accomplished what they did?

2.      1 Peter 4:10 says we are to discover our gifts—what God has given us that we are really good at—and use those gifts in the service of others.  Are you doing that now?  If so how?  If not, how will you get started?

3.      Do you think our culture sets expectations too low for your generation?  Does it seem pretty easy to “stand out” given the level of expectation for people your age?

4.      How much have you thought about what it will mean to be an adult?  

5.      Where do you go from here?  Have you delayed “growing up” in some way?  What is your plan for learning to drive/finishing school/learning a new skill/doing chores at home without your parents having to ask you/setting standards when seeking a mate?

6.      If you take steps to “do hard things” starting tonight, how do you think that will affect your relationship with your parents, your teachers, and others?

Hope all of you are well! Praying that God is encouraging you in all you do this week. As we embark on another week talking about Passionate Faith we enter into the idea of Prudence. Some may ask, “Aren’t discernment and prudence close to the same thing?” Yes, they are related, but they are not the same. Here is the best way I can describe the difference.

Discernment is the ability to perceive and understand situations clearly, often involving spiritual or moral insight, while prudence is the virtue that involves making sound judgments and decisions based on that understanding. Essentially, discernment helps you see what is right, and prudence guides you in how to act on that insight. 

Whether they realize it or not, I really think discernment and prudence are so important for this generation. Praying they get it.

This week we look at the idea of discernment. The idea that all of us need to develop that internal understanding when we are put in a position where we must choose between things. Sometimes it is right and wrong, and sometimes it’s a choice between something good or something better. Discernment for some people comes naturally and sometimes it has to be learned. This week we are hopefully going to help our students develop a better biblical understanding of how to discern, and what Godly discernment can lead to in our personal lives.