ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. What is the farthest place you have ever traveled to? Where would you like to travel to?
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.
Main Scripture Part 1: Matthew 18:23–27 (NKJV)
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
Talk-it-Out: What was your reaction when you found out that all of your sins had been forgiven?
Main Scripture Part 2: Matthew 18:28–30 (NKJV)
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, “Pay me what you owe!” So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
Talk-it-Out: Why do you think it is hard for us to forgive others even after we have been forgiven for so much by God?
Here are 4 keys to being able to forgive others:
1. RECEIVE THE PROMISE.
Talk-it-Out: Do you have a difficult time forgiving yourself? Why or why not?
2. RECIPROCATE THE PRIVILEGE.
Talk-it-Out: Is there anyone that you need to fogive? If so, what is holding you back?
3. RECONFIGURE JUDGMENT.
Talk-it-Out: How will letting God deal with judgment help you to live your life with more peace?
4. REPURPOSE PAIN.
Talk-it-Out: How can you use your story to help others?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. Do the following exercises:
- Do a SOAP devotion on Genesis 43. 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.
- Offer forgiveness freely to people this week.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses at 11:30am.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.