Questions about Slavery: Part 2

Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1, Ephesians 6:5-9, 1 Corinthians 7:22-23, 1 Timothy 1:10, Philemon 1

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1.   Even today there are still a large number of slaves (even in America).  Although some forms of slavery are obvious, some are not.  Discuss how different forms of slavery exist in the world today.

2.  Although owning slaves is permissible by God, it is not in God’s ultimate design.  Can you think of other human conditions and systems where this might be true?

3.  Using the two weeks combined, how could you better defend the Bible in regards to slavery?  In other words, what important and critical facts did you learn that you had not known before?

4. Slavery is often misunderstood and sections of Scripture have been misused for evil intent.  Give an example of when you have encountered someone misusing Scripture.

5. How could you respectfully correct a person who misuses Scripture?

6. Try reading the book of Philemon.  (You can do it; it’s only 25 verses!)  What do you notice about Paul’s language?

7. Share what you think is particularly interesting or special about the book of Philemon.  What to do you think its purpose is in the Bible?

FOR MORE INFORMATION about slavery in America and around the world, click here or here.

Questions for Parenting: Part 2

Texts: Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 6:1-4, Hebrews 12:6-11, Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead-In] Disciplining children is similar to when you first decide to live like a Christian.  Share your trials of when you first committed your life to Christ.

2. [Lead-In] Why will children who fail to respect their parents also refuse to respect other authority figures, adults and teachers?

3. [Heb. 12:5-11] Saying yes or always agreeing with your child can be addictive and unhealthy for the entire family over time. What might be some of the consequences of this?

4. [Eph. 6:1-2] Paul commands two rules for the children: Obey your parents and honor them.  Give some examples in what obeying and honoring parents looks like or doesn't look like.

5. [Eph. 6:1-4] We love God because He loved us first... and He showed us what that love looks like.  How does this love work in parenting?

6. [Eph. 6:1-4] Is it okay for parents to admit their wrongs to children?

7. [Deut. 11:18-19] How should parents work Jesus into everyday situations (including discipline)?

8. [App] How do we teach children to take the focus off themselves and onto Jesus?

9. [App] How should parents discipline their children without provoking anger?

Questions for Parenting: Part 1

Text: Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 6:1-4

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead In] Discuss some of the ways you were raised or how you have raised your children.

2. [Eph 2:1-3] Paul states here that all humans are fallen by nature. What does “by nature” mean? And what evidences do we see of this truth?

3. [Eph 2:1-3] American culture in particular views children differently than Scripture. Discuss some of these views and the reasons why they might be incompatible with a Biblical worldview.

4. [Eph 2:8-10] Paul also states that we were designed to enjoy and to glorify God. What are some things that please God, which are also things you love to do?

5. [App] How does our fallen and disobedient state distort the fact that we were made to find joy in God by glorifying him?

6. [Eph 6:1-3] Why does God want children to obey their parents? What benefit is there to the child physically, mentally, and spiritually?

7. [Eph 6:1-3] Put the promise in verses two and three into layman’s terms.  Also, why does this promise make sense in a practical and spiritual way?

8. [App] In light of these questions, prioritize the goals of parenting. Please share and discuss your reasoning with the group.

Questions about Husbands

Text: Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:21, 25-32

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Col 3:19] Think about what type of love is being mentioned here.  In other words, how is a husband supposed to love his wife?

2. [Col 3:18-19] Paul takes extra effort to address wives and husbands with separate commands.  This is done to intentionally “delink” the two verses.  Why is this important?  Also, do you think the order of the verses have any significance?

3. [Ephesians] Read Ephesians 5: 21, 25-32 as it is an extension of Colossians 3:19.  Discuss what “head of the household” means in this context.

4. [Ephesians] Should husbands be prepared to follow Christ in ways that might make them feel uncomfortable?  Why or why not?  (Note: This is a trick question. The answer is “yes.”)

5. [Eph 5:25-27] Look again at Ephesians 5:25-27.  How does a husband do these things?  What happens in a marriage where this is happens?

6. [Eph 5:28-29] What is Paul getting at when he writes that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies?

7. [App] Although a disputed translation, harsh could also mean embitter.  Politely, discuss situations where you have embittered someone.  How can we adjust ourselves so this doesn’t become habit?

8. [App] Politely, discuss a situation where you have been subject to embitterment.  How should we address our loved ones when we’ve been hurt.

Questions about our Sin Nature

Text:  Ephesians 1:3 – 5, Colossians 3:12 – 25

1.  (Lead-in) Can you think of a time where someone’s hypocrisy frustrated or angered you?  Please refrain from using specific names.

2.  (Eph 1:4, Col 3:12) God is intimately aware of our sinful and hypocritical thoughts and actions before the Creation of the universe, yet still chooses to love us.  How should we approach ours and other’s hypocrisy?

3.  (Eph 1:4, Col 3:12) Discuss the difference between “Jesus died on the cross because He loves us” and, “Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross.”  Is there even a difference at all?

4.  (App) Why does God clean up our sin lives, when He knows we will never be perfect?

5.  (Col 3:12) Through Paul, God calls us chosen, holy and beloved despite our imperfections.  How are we bestowed with such unworthy titles?

6.  (Col 3:12 – 25) What particular characteristic(s) in Colossians 3: 12 – 25 strike you as the most difficult as an individual or as a community?  (We will be investigating these in more depth in future weeks.)

7.  (App) Our sin nature tempts us away from commitment.  What reasons and excuses do people, including us, make to avoid commitment and accountability?

8.  (App) When we refuse to let Christ in our lives, we choose to commit to ourselves and not to a community of believers.  What is the consequence of that choice?