Fletcher Church

Knowledge Test: God-Glorifying or Self-Justifying …

I. Inner Test: Does it Grow Pride or Love? (1-3) II. Upward Test: Does it Grow my Allegiance and Affections for God? (4-6) III. Outward Test: Do I lovingly Sacrifice for Others or Claim my Rights? (7-13)

Practical Implications o What areas have you had a decisive break w/ old life/culture? o What problematic areas of your life do you still justify or ignore? o What do the tests (in, up, out) cause you to reexamine?

Eternity must Shape our Lives and Priorities . . .

I. We can Live in the World without being Owned or Defined by it! (29-31) II. We can Prioritize Maximum Service to Jesus in any Relational Status! (32-40)

Practical Implications o Which of 5 areas do you most need an eternal perspective? Why? o What 1 change does your relationship need to maximize serving Jesus? o Prepare for the Supper: Warning, Welcome, Worship

The Gospel Empowers You to Be Faithful & Fulfilled in Any Circumstance . . . I. Who You Are: Use Your Unique Design & Experiences to Usher in Holiness! (18-19) II. What You Do: Use Your Positions of Influence to Usher in the Kingdom! (21-23) Practical Applications o How has the hand of God worked in your life to form godliness? Who/what do you need to be thankful for? o How has God uniquely gifted and positioned you for kingdom influence? o What does it look like for you to practically live the faithful and fulfilled Christian life in your season?

The Literal Bodily Resurrection is Central to our Faith . . . I. It gives us a Gospel Built on Historical Realities! (3-6) II. It has Radical Practical Implications for Life! (12-20) Practical Implications o What will you do with the reality of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection? o What are a few truths that are a treasure to you? o What most shapes your functional identity & purpose?

For Gospel People, Divorce is not an Option, but it is a Reality . . . I. Jesus’ Command- Avoid Divorce, Seek Reconciliation! (10-11) II. Paul’s Application- Spiritual Mismatch doesn’t Negate Marriage but May give it a Mission! (12-16)Practical Implications o How can you genuinely check up on the health of each other’s marriages? o What would grieving well or repenting well look like in this area? o What actions can help you divorce-proof your marriage?

Jesus Centered People Solve Problems God’s Way . . . I. The Origin of Problems! (Ja 4; Mt 15:18-20) II. A Process for Problem Solving! (Mt 7:1-5) - Own Your Part - Repent of Your Part - Attack the Problem - Forgive and Move Forward III. Some Principles for Communicating Well! - Be Honest in Love - Keep Current - Act vs. React - Take Time for Positive Communication Practical Implications o What idea or insight did you find most helpful? Why? o How well do you give and receive correction? Adjustments? o Where do you see the most failure in your own problem solving? o Which communication principles do you do well? Violate?

Redeemed Marriages Embrace God’s Pattern . . . I. Understand a Working Definition of Love! Definition: Value someone so much that you joyfully sacrifice for their highest good without needing to be repaid. Chosen Value - Loving Action - Loving Feelings Are we currently in a distance spiral or an intimacy spiral?

II. Wives: Respect and Nurture Leadership! (22-24)

III. Husbands: Sacrificially Love and Lead! (25-33)

Practical Implications o What about the roles is challenging or unclear? o Journal: how can I cultivate and show value of spouse; what consistent loving actions could I start doing today? o What one marriage builder will we start this week?

Our Marriages Will Faces Challenges . . .

I. We Have an Enemy! II. We are Sinners Married to Sinners! III. We Face External Pressures! IV. We Need a Redeemer! (15) Practical Implications o What are a few key personal takeaways from each area of challenge? o What are a few practical ways you can spiritually engage your family? o Take Survey on Back- note 2 areas for focused change. o Prep for Supper.

Marriage is a Lifelong Covenant that is Intimate & Sanctifying

I. God’s Story of Marriage that Ours is Meant to Portray! (Various) II. God’s Design for Marriage! (2:18, 21-25) III. A Diagram of Marriage’s Purpose!

Practical Implications o How does God’s story give you hope or encouragement? o Which component of marriage is most helpful, challenging or needed? o What practical step will you take in 2 areas of the selfevaluation?

Steward Your Seasons of Singleness . . . I. Singleness Is a Gift to Be Enjoyed! (6-7) II. Singleness Is Good for Growing & Going! (8-9, 32-35) III. Principles & Pitfalls of Dating. A. Cultivate Love not Lust B. Set Proper Standards & Expectations C. Understand God’s Sovereignty & Your Responsibility D. How to Start Moving Forward in DatingPractical Application o How are you stewarding the season you are in? Are you bitter or content? o In what ways are you growing? Going? o What principle of dating did you most need to hear? What pitfall of dating are you most prone to?