Key Thought: The Bible gives us examples of how we can have good and close relationships with others, even in a world of sin.

December 8, 2018

1. Have a volunteer read Philemon 1:15-19.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What was the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus and hoe did Paul go about mending that broken relationship?
3. Personal Application: Have you ever been jealous of someone whose gifts in ministry have made you envious? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “If Onesimus was a runaway slave, why did Paul send him back to Philemon? Why wouldn’t he just declare him free in Christ and keep him with him? ” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 10:12-15.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. Why is it wrong to compare ourselves with other people?
3. Personal Application: What ideas here can help you deal with stresses and fractures in your relationships with others? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How does pride and self-aggrandizement cause disunity among God’s people? Why do some of God’s people think they are indispensable in doing God’s work? Do members tend to lift up human beings above their real standing with God because of their spiritual gifts?” How would you reply to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 18:15-17.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What three steps does Jesus give us to resolve conflicts when we feel we are wronged by another?
3. Personal Application: When was the last time you were wronged by someone in the church? How did you settle the issue? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Most people I know don’t follow this counsel. They usually mention they are wronged to a lot of other people and complain to everyone about it instead of going to the person they have an issue with. How are you going to change human nature?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read 1 Corinthians 5:20,21.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What obstacles make forgiveness and grace difficult?
3. Personal Application: Why is it hard to offer grace and forgiveness when we have been repeatedly wronged? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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