Icebreaker Option: What's the most interesting or unusual hobby you've ever had or heard of someone having?
HOPE: Where have you seen God at work in the last week?
SERMON SUMMARY:
From 1 Corinthians 7:27-35 Pastor Justin Kendrick spoke on the benefits and challenges of both marriage and singleness and how each is a unique opportunity to show Christ’s love. He explored the biblical theology of singleness, highlighting the benefits of freedom, focus, friendship, and family and addressing the challenges, He encouraged creating a biblical community within the church family. The sermon concluded with a call to prioritize undivided devotion to the Lord in all relationships, trusting in God's plan for singleness or marriage.
HEART:
• What is the cultural perspective on singleness and how is that narrative communicated?
• In what way has the cultural narrative of singleness shaped your perspective?
HEAD: Read 1 Corinthians 7:27-35
• What does this passage say about the kingdom of God and how does this impact how we view marriage and singleness?
• How does this passage depict the gift of singleness?
• What goal does this text tell us to pursue whether married or single?
HANDS:
• Let's practice being a community that carries one another's burden and supports one another with empathy instead of comparison, criticism, or judgment.
• If you are single, what are some challenges that you face? How do you feel your married friends can enter in.
• If you are married, what are some ways you feel challenged to enter in?
HOPE: Prayer
• Ask God to help you embrace the gifts that comes from your current relationship status – whether married or single.
• Ask God to help you cultivate meaningful friendships within the church community, both with married and single individuals.
• Ask God to guide you in developing an undivided devotion to Him, regardless of your relationship status.
GOING DEEPER: Questions to reflect upon and encourage the conversation to go deeper.
This sermon delved into the importance of biblical community. Scripture uses a wide range of illustrations to describe the church: family, body, building, priesthood, bride, vine, flock.
• How do these images help us understand biblical community?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. How does this passage speak to our relationships with one another across different life stages and experiences?