This weekend will look at excuses we make about or barriers we have to loving our neighbors, giving specific attention to barriers of time and fear. Dealing with disruption and obstacles to neighboring.
Key Passage: Luke 10:25-37
SERMON OUTLINE
Modern
American
Evangelical
Christian
Barriers =
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your family story? What lessons were you taught about loving your neighbor as you grew up?
- As you’ve gotten older, what has changed in how you love your neighbor? Have you done it more, less, not at all?
- For the purpose of today, we are focusing on just four components of our culture: modern, American, Evangelical, and Christian. What other parts of our culture influence how we love our neighbor?
- Any time we discuss culture, it is easy to focus on the negative areas. But culture is a gift from God in addition to being something that is deeply impacted by fallen mankind. Reflect on what parts of our culture are good and allow us to better love our neighbor.
- As we discuss culture, let’s shine the light of Scripture on it. Read the following verses and compare them to your culture: Luke 10:30-37 1 Corinthians 10:24 Philippians 2:3-4 Matthew 16:24-26 Mark 8:34-36 Genesis 2:8-9
- In light of this Scripture, and the story of the Good Samaritan, how to the barriers to neighboring in your life stand up to these truths?
- Now reflect on the centrality of relationship on God’s creation, design, and will for mankind. How do the priorities in your life align with God’s priorities?
- Finally, what role does hope play in our view of our neighbors?
- Spend time with God, asking for His Spirit to be with you and show you the ways you can open your life to loving your neighbors better.