Message Notes for July 19th, 2020

Series: “Slow Down” 

Title: Opening the Door

Colossians 4:5-6

• We can ______ ____________.

  • Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:7-9, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

• We remember ______ We can ______ with a heart of _______ and _______.

  • Acts 17:26, Colossians 4:5,6, Luke 5:27-32

• We can have ______ /___________ conversations.

  • John 4

• We can initiate __________ relationships reflecting _______.

  • Philippians 2:1-5, Colossians 4:5,6

listen intentionally, oneness, lead, grace, love, real/significant, authentic, Christ

Family/Study Group Notes for Week of July 19th, 2020

Opening the Door

• How has this year changed your routine or relationship with others? What is it like where you live? Is there an increased sense of community? Is there less community?

• Often when life slows down, it has a way of speeding back up. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in the fast pace and miss God’s extraordinary message for our lives. Share an example of a unique “slow down” experience you have had over the past year.

• In our spiritual walks, God often calls us to slowdown and listen to him. Read Joshua 1:7-9. What was God’s command to Joshua and us? How does meditating on God’s word affect our lives? How does it affect how we interact with others during our day? When your day gets busy, what is the first thing to go? How can we prioritize our time each day/week to be listening for God’s extraordinary promise and calling?

• Have you ever started a conversation with someone you just met? What was it like? Read Acts 17:24-28. After reading that passage, how does it change your outlook with interacting with others? Does it change your view on those around you, in your community? How? Often as humans we see similarities with others like us but at the same time it also creates differences. With that in mind, how can we better see the unity Christ sees in all people?

• We all have people we consider friends. What defines a “good” friend for you? How does that relationship differ from others? Is authenticity an important part? How can we show the authenticity/genuineness of Christ to our communities through our relationships? Read Philippians 2:1-8. How do Christ driven relationships differ from the ones the world offers? Does it change the context of why we start an interaction in the first place?

• If you have time, read John 4. How does Jesus show us the importance of meeting someone where they are? How does this differ from the worldly normal? Have you ever done this, what was it like? Share a time when you have poured into someone else’s life or someone else has poured into yours. (built you up)

• Take a few moments to reflect on what or who God has put on your heart. Reflect why he might be doing this.

• Gather in small groups and pray for each other. Pray that God would open our hearts to be his hands and feed in the communities he has put us in.