ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. Do you watch the Olympics? Why or why not?
TALK-IT-OUT
Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group. Encourage your group to pull this post up on their own device to follow along.
EVERY OFFENSE HAS TWO STAGES.
STAGE 1: THE FEELING OF OFFENSE.
TALK-IT-OUT: What are some of the biggest offenses you have carried in your life?
STAGE 2: THE CHOICE TO LIVE OR NOT LIVE OFFENDED.
TALK-IT-OUT: Do you think you could have chosen not to live offended in the situations you previously described?
STAGE 1: WHEN SOMEONE PRESENTS YOU WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE OFFENDED.
TALK-IT-OUT: What opportunities for offense are currently being presented to you?
STAGE 2: TO LIVE OFFENDED IS LIKE DRINKING POISON AND EXPECTING THE OTHER PERSON TO DIE.
TALK-IT-OUT: Do you currently have resentment toward anyone?
THE CHOICE TO NOT LIVE OFFENDED IS A CHOICE FOR A HEALTHY SOUL, PEACEFUL MIND, AND A BLESSED LIFE.
TALK-IT-OUT: How does offense affect your ability to have a blessed life?
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)
Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial . . .
Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
TALK-IT-OUT: How do you currently serve others? What can you do to better serve others?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. Do the following exercises:
- Do a SOAP devotion on Luke 17. Read the SCRIPTURE. Write down at least one OBSERVATION, at least one APPLICATION for your life, and one PRAYER inspired by this scripture.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Make the choice to forigve someone who offended you this week.
- Start a new year Bible reading plan.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses. Bellevue 9:45am & Tacoma 11:30am.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.