Permission to Change

Permission to Change – Week Three

1. The sermon mentions “things we’ve always done this way.” What is one habit or pattern in your life that you’ve maintained simply because “that’s how it’s always been,” and after hearing this message, do you feel God might be calling you to reevaluate it?

2. What changes can you make in your life to resist this and instead focus on what truly matters?

3. In discussing 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, the sermon talks about building with materials that will last for eternity versus those that will burn up. Looking at your current time, talents, and treasure, which of your investments feel like “gold, silver, and costly stones” (lasting eternal value) and which might be more like “wood, hay, or straw”?

4. The message challenges us to examine whether our pursuits are self-centered or kingdom-focused. How do you distinguish between healthy personal goals (like the pastor’s example of wanting a lake house) and pursuits that have become too self-centered?

5. The sermon discusses finding God in mundane moments, like eating and drinking. What are some “mundane” parts of your daily routine where you could be more intentional about glorifying God? How might that change your perspective on these activities?

6. Looking at the examples of “kingdom fruit” mentioned in the sermon (helping the broken down car, visiting the lonely, making meals for the sick), which of these types of service comes most naturally to you, and which do you find most challenging? What might be holding you back from engaging more in the challenging areas?

Permission to Change – Week Two

1. Pastor Tim discussed four strategies for dealing with difficult relationships: confront, ignore, endure, and serve. Think about a challenging relationship in your life right now – which strategy do you think would be the most loving response, and why?

2. The sermon mentioned that “if they know how to push your buttons, it’s your fault, cause they’re your buttons.” How does this perspective change how you might approach difficult relationships? What “buttons” do you need to work on?

3. The pastor shared the distinction between helping carry someone’s “boulder-sized burdens” versus carrying their “backpack” (their personal responsibilities). Share a time when you may have enabled someone by carrying their “backpack.” How could you have handled it differently?

4. In the story about Tom Anderson’s marriage, what strikes you about how small acts of intentional love transformed their relationship? What would it look like to “start living” in your challenging relationships?

5. The sermon emphasized that even difficult people matter deeply to God, referencing Jesus’ prayer on the cross: “Father, forgive them…” Pastor reminded us that even those who challenge us are loved by God, just as we are, emphasizing a need for compassion. How can remembering that a difficult person is loved by God change your attitude or response towards them?

Permission to Change – Week One

Why is it important to remind others of God’s faithfulness in our conversations, and how can we do this effectively?

Why do you think it’s often difficult to change the way we talk to others, especially when trying to be more positive or encouraging?

According to James 1:19, we should be ‘quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.’ How can practicing this verse improve our conversations?

In the spirit of Eph 4:29, Pastor Josh emphasized the importance of using our words to uplift others instead of criticizing them. Think of a friend or family member who might need encouragement right now. What specific compliment or positive message could you share with them?

The sermon suggests modifying how we face inappropriate talk and exposing it. Pastor talked about exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness to raise the standard of our conversations.  Have you ever had to speak up about negative talk you heard? How did it feel, and what was the reaction from those around you?