Real Relationships Study Guide

Name_______________________________________

Copyright: April 2023 Biblical References: New International Version

Christ Community Church Carmichael, CA

A Community of Love, Acceptance, & Forgiveness

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

All Church Block Party: Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-8:00pm.

Potluck tailgate party in the parking lot. Come with your family, your small group, or maybe a real relationship you are nurturing.

Last name A-L bring dessert to share. Last name M-Z bring a side dish to share.

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You can find both a video of the sermon and the sermon follow-up podcast on the podcast page at cccnow.com/podcoast.

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Table of Contents Group Agreement ______________________________________ 5 Introduction: Real Realtionships ______________________ 6 Gathering One: Person to Person ___________________ 7 Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness

Gathering Two: Male and Female _____________________ 13 Relating Between Genders

Gathering Three: Older and Younger __________________ 19 Bridging the Generations

Gathering Four: God and Us __________________________ 25 Knowing Your God

Gathering Five: Parents and Kids _____________________ 31 Raising a Person

Gathering Six: Co-Worker to Co-Worker ______________ 37 On the Job

Group Roster _________________________________________ 43 Leaders’ Notes _______________________________________ 44 Resources _____________________________________________ 45

Group Agreement We agree together to the following values: •

Purpose – Our group will honor God by promoting Christian friendship and deepening our understanding of God’s Word.

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Environment – Our group will be a safe place for people to connect, share, listen, grow, and be themselves.

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Participation – Everyone is encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the group: discussion, sharing, and prayer.

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Communication – Everyone will have the opportunity to speak.

No one will dominate the conversation. We will listen and share appropriately.

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Confidentiality – Discussions within the group will not be shared outside the group.

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Attendance – Our group time is a priority, and everyone should attend, arriving on time or notifying the group leader if they will be absent.

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Preparedness – Staying current with the sermons and following the study guide will help everyone participate at a better level.

We agree together to the following arrangements: •

Meeting place – _______________________________________

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Meeting day –

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Meeting start and end time – ____________________________

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Childcare arrangements – _______________________________

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Refreshment arrangements – ____________________________

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I agree, to the best of my ability, to connect with this group and to personally support each person in it. My desire is to grow spiritually with them during this study series.

Name_________________________________

Date__________

Group Agreement Page 5

Real Relationships If you are a celebrity, it is likely that you have millions of followers on social media. They track your every post. They want to know what you are wearing, where you are dining out, and who you are dating … today. I think you might agree that on the spectrum of human relationships, this level is the shallowest.

Okay, maybe you are not famous, but you still have a constant flow of people in your life. Every one of us exist in a web of relationships.

Now social media has added a virtual connection to even more friends.

But how many of these contacts are authentic in love, acceptance, and forgiveness? Where are the real relationships in your life? And how well do you manage them?

Long before Facebook there were faces. Instant impressions predate Instagram. Throughout all history people have loved, hated, befriended, and rejected the individuals around them. It is not surprising then that human interaction is one of the topics Jesus talks about in His teachings. In order to instruct us on how to get along with people, Jesus coaches His followers to practice a new rule. It summarizes many of the 10 Commandments. When it comes to relationships, treat people the way you want to be treated. Which automatically rules out murder, adultery, theft, and dishonor. This is great counsel. You might even say it is golden.

For the next 6 weeks, we invite you to shine up the tarnished Golden Rule with a group of real people. Examine how you treat those who are up close and personal, as well as those on social media. Take a good relational inventory of your Golden Rule skills and learn a little better how to get along with the people around you.

Here’s what to do ...

1. Connect: Talk about life. Start or join a group where you can be yourself. The first part of being in a group is simply sharing about your week and connecting personally.

2. Discuss: Talk about the Word. Each week there will be verses to look up in your Bible with questions to help you discuss the topic.

3. Pray: Talk with God. Praying for each other will knit your hearts together.

Welcome to Real Relationships.

Page 6

Introduction

Gathering One PERSON TO PERSON The Golden Rule Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:31 People like to be treated well. That should be simple enough to understand. No one wants to be bullied, abused, or manipulated. All of us desire to be shown courtesy and respect from our fellow neighbors on this planet. If we would all deal with people the way that we wanted to be treated, the world would be a much more pleasant place to live. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Jesus taught this principle during His ministry on earth. This little piece of relational advice was coined “The Golden Rule.” It is easy to memorize and to agree with, but terribly difficult to obey. Unethical businesspeople take financial advantage of employees and clients, neighborhoods disintegrate because of violence and fear, families erupt with tension and division, all contrary to the teaching of the Golden Rule.

Whether between teachers and students, political parties, ethnic groups, or generations, there is definitely a need to understand and practice mutual respect.

Unfortunately, even the church is not exempt from discrimination and division. The same mistreatment of people can occur within the body of Christ as it does in the world. But the Head of the church authored the Golden Rule. Jesus calls us to practice human decency, mature interaction, and personal consideration of others.

That is why Christ followers are given clear instruction with this code of care and kindness. When the Golden Rule is followed, we influence the world with authentic love and respect. We will refuse to treat others the way they treat us. Getting back is not our response to mistreatment.

Getting real in our relationships is our goal.

Can the Golden Rule use some spit and polish in your life? When we are willing to value and respect each other, we will cultivate more loving and caring environments in our world, church, place of employment, and family.

Person to Person

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SERMON NOTES

Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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Person to Person Page 9

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER 1.

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

2. Give everyone a chance to introduce or reacquaint themself. Use the Group Roster at the end of the booklet to capture the names and contact info of your group members.

3. Read the Group Agreement at the end of the booklet. These simple guidelines will help the group discussion run smoothly and allow everyone to have a meaningful experience.

4. Describe what you consider to be a “real relationship.” List at least five qualities that make a relationship authentic.

• • • • • 5. How do you think social media has impacted the genuineness of relationships?

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What percentage of your relationships are on social media?

6. How should relationships between Christ followers be different than the rest of the world?

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Is this true in your experience?

Give an example, either positive or negative.

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Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD

Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic.

What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Matthew 7:1-2. What is the distinction between “judging others” and having good judgment? Define and describe the characteristics of the judgment Jesus is talking about in the passage. Why should this attitude to be avoided?

2. Read Luke 6:27-30. How was Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” a revolutionary idea in His day? Does it still go against our human nature to practice this attitude today? Why?

3. Read Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. How does the Golden Rule sum up the law and the prophets?

4. Luke 6:32-36. How does our treatment of people (even enemies) demonstrate our relationship with our heavenly Father? How does practicing the Golden Rule reflect the character of God?

5. Why do you think teaching the Golden Rule is relevant today?

Person to Person Page 11

TAKE IT HOME

Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

Describe how you prefer to be treated.

• At work • At home • At church • On the road • On social media

2. Who is a good example of practicing the Golden Rule in your life?

3. How can you be more effective at using the Golden Rule with those around you?

TALK WITH GOD

Take a moment to pray as a group and dedicate this series to His will and work in your lives. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Page 12

Real Relationships

Gathering Two MALE AND FEMALE Relating Between Genders The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Genesis 2:18 Imagine a world with one gender. That’s how it was at the beginning of history. There was only Adam. Every cave was a mancave. Every toilet seat was up. Nothing needed mansplaining. It didn’t take very long before God pronounced for the very first time, “This is not good!”

Humanity was created in the image of God … and in two genders. Male and female together reflect the imprint of God’s qualities.

Consequently, both genders can think, converse, love, face challenges, and do great things. But unfortunately, both genders were also involved in the fall of humanity, therefore men and women have the capacity to insult, miscommunicate, hate, and do wrong.

Cultural issues like abusive male dominance, gender confusion, and militant feminism are the result of drifting away from the imprint of God’s image that was given at creation. The Creator’s intention was that male and female humans would co-exist in mutual love and respect, thus reflecting His character in this world.

The Golden Rule applies to gender relationships. Treating a brother, sister, parent, co-worker, or spouse with the same dignity and personal care that you desire becomes the key to relating with the opposite sex.

Surprisingly, Christianity champions this approach. Jesus included women in His close followers (Luke 8:1-3). He interacted with them without controlling or desiring them. The apostle Paul taught moral purity and dignity in gender relationships (1 Timothy 5:1-3), not by avoiding or exploiting the opposite sex but by treating them like family, hence the church community were “brothers and sisters,” implying a warm and wholesome relationship.

You need the other gender. God intentionally placed them in your life. Replace your complaints with gratitude for what they provide.

Remember it is not good for you to be alone … whether male or female.

Male and Female Page 13

SERMON NOTES

Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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Male and Female Page 15

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

1.

How many names can you remember in the group without looking at your notes?

2. What prayer requests were shared last week that need to be updated?

3. What percentage of your real relationships are with people of the opposite sex?

4. What are common misunderstandings between males and females?

5. What do you appreciate about the opposite sex (when they are not annoying you)?

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Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD

Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic.

What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Read Genesis 2:18-25. Describe how you think Adam felt being alone?

How do you think that changed when Eve was created?

2. Why was Eve created? How does that impact gender relationships today? Or does it?

3. How are both male and female a reflection of God’s image? List qualities of God that you see in each or both genders.

4. List five negative and five positive biblical examples of God-honoring gender relationships (they can’t all be married). What can be learned from each?

5. Read Luke 8:1-3, John 4:27, and 1 Timothy 5:1-2. What can be learned from these passages?

Male and Female Page 17

TAKE IT HOME

Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

Where have you seen abuse or discrimination between sexes in today’s world?

2. When have you experienced awkward or difficult relationships with the opposite sex? What are you doing to handle it?

3. Who do you think are good examples of godly gender relationship?

Who is full of respect and grace for the opposite sex? What can you emulate from them?

TALK WITH GOD

Pray for someone of the opposite gender. Thank God for their differences.

Ask God to give you grace and understanding for those of the other gender. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Page 18 Real Relationships

Gathering Three OLDER AND YOUNGER Bridging the Generations Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers.

I Timothy 5:1-2a Harrison Ford is 80 years old. This summer he is starring in another Indiana Jones movie. Isn’t he getting too old for this? Will a younger audience show up for this blockbuster or will theaters only cater to those with a senior discount?

Social experts tell us that each generation is distinct in its personality and values. From Boomers to Generation Z, each age group hammers out its own codes of conduct and morality. Unfortunately, this can create complaints between the young and the old. “Elderly people drive too slowly and don’t understand technology.” “Younger people never look up from their phones and seem entitled.”

Churches can reflect this divide. There are “70/70 congregations.”

Those are churches with 70 people who are all 70 years old. Those church doors will be closing soon unless they can cross the generation gap. What can we do to relate to those who appear so generationally distant from us?

The Golden Rule applies. It is always age appropriate. Once again, the Bible teaches that respect and courtesy go a long way toward establishing real relationships. Honoring a seasoned adult for their life journey or recognizing the potential in a younger friend can build a positive bridge across the ages.

You are somewhere on the spectrum from diapers to Depends, which means you can learn from those who are further along life’s road.

You will also be a model of Christ-like love and behavior to those following behind you. When you treat people like family, you see grandpa, sister, granddaughter, or mom, and extend the personal attention and care no matter their age. If we all have this golden attitude, we will enjoy intergenerational community and promote Christian purity and faith.

Older and Younger Page 19

SERMON NOTES

Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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Real Realtionships

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Older and Younger Page 21

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

1.

Name some of the annoying aspects of older people. Now do the same for youth. Are any of these valid reasons to show disrespect or abandon the Golden Rule?

2. Which generational category do you belong to? What are the perceived characteristics of your age group? Do you fit the description?

3. When have you felt discriminated against because of your age?

Where and when? Who dishonored you and what did they do? How did you handle it?

4. With whom in a different generation do you have a real relationship?

How many years apart are you in age? Why does it work with them?

How does this relationship make you feel?

5. Do you think our church should be intergenerational? What would that look like to you?

Page 22 Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD

Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic.

What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2. What is the significance of comparing generational relationships with family relationships? How does this help guide a person when dealing with those of a different generation?

2. What is the significance in the special mention of purity in relating to younger women as sisters? Why is this important?

3. Read 1 Timothy 4:12. What are youth to do even if they are belittled?

Give an example of each of the traits outlined to Timothy.

4. In 2 Timothy 2:2, who is the mentor? What responses are implied for both young and old? Why is mentoring an important role of someone who is older?

5. Read Titus 2:3-5. What is the responsibility of older women to younger women? How old is older?

Older and Younger Page 23

TAKE IT HOME

Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

Who are your mentors and who are you mentoring? How could this bridge the generation gap in your life?

2. Who is a person younger than you who needs some personal encouragement? Plan a special way to invest in their life and share it with your group.

3. Who is a person older than you who deserves some respect? Plan a unique way of expressing honor to them and share it with your group.

TALK WITH GOD

Pray for a different age group than your own. Ask God to bless and protect the _________________. Fill in the blank with people who are not your age (children, youth, college, young families, seniors, etc.). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Page 24 Real Relationships

Gathering Four GOD AND US Knowing Your God As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 Fathers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are athletic and some are overweight. Some dads are Mr. Fix-its and some are all thumbs. There are stepfathers, birth fathers, foster fathers, and godfathers. What was your father like?

One of the struggles with understanding the Fatherhood of God is the mistaken perception that God is like our earthly fathers. If you had a kind yet strong and loving dad, you may have little problem accepting the love of the Lord. Alternatively, if your own father was abusive or unfaithful, you may have difficulty understanding that your heavenly Father loves you and will never forsake you.

The Old Testament Jews did not usually refer to God as their father.

To Israel, God was a covenant deity who resided on the throne of heaven more than in the heart. He appeared to care more about law than love.

Consequently, it can feel like the God who destroyed the Canaanites is not the same Lord that Jesus describes as a kind and caring Father.

Did God change? Did He improve with time? No! The Lord never changes, but people’s perceptions do. Jesus tried to help us see God’s compassion by portraying Him as a father. Therefore, the New Testament is full of the Fatherhood of God imagery. It retains the strength of His sovereignty, and it balances His might with the warmth of love.

Accepting and feeling the love of the Father is foundational to healthy relationships. This is the one real relationship you need to get right. The Father’s love was demonstrated when He sacrificed His own son on the cross of Calvary so that we might become His children. Once a person places their faith in Jesus, they begin a lifelong pilgrimage of learning to live in His love as a child of God. As a result, they become capable of creating authentic relationships with others.

God and Us Page 25

SERMON NOTES Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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God and Us Page 27

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

1.

What prayer requests were shared last week that need to be updated?

2. Share a time this week when you had an opportunity to practice the Golden Rule. What happened? How do you feel about it?

3. Describe your earthly father in five words. How has this impacted your view of God?

4. How are your earthly father and your Heavenly Father different?

How are they alike? Why is it important to distinguish between the two?

5. What is the difference in knowing about God and knowing God?

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Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic. What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Read Psalm 103:13-18. verses.

Describe the heavenly Father from these

2. Describe the heavenly Father from these words of Jesus.

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Matthew 6:1

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Matthew 6:3-4

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Matthew 6:6-8

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Matthew 6:14-15

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Matthew 6:31-33

3. Read John 1:12-13. Is everyone a child of God? How does a person become related to the Father?

4. Galatians 4:6. What kind of relationship does this describe? In what ways do you experience a sense of “Abba” with God?

God and Us Page 29

TAKE IT HOME Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

Do you know the Father? How can you be certain that you are a child of God?

2. What do you know about the Father? How does that knowledge impact you? How are His grace, power, wisdom, and mercy evident in your life?

3. Why is it important in your real relationship with God to express your love to Him and accept love from Him? How can you transfer your needs of security and affirmation to your heavenly Father?

TALK WITH GOD

Praise your Lord for His many Father qualities. List them in worship and have an “Abba” time with Him as a group. ___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Page 30 Real Relationships

Gathering Five PARENTS AND KIDS Raising a Person “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise.

Ephesians 6:2 Children are wet cement! Whatever is imprinted on the life of a young child will eventually harden into their character and worldview. The first relationship a person has is with his or her parents. From the moment of birth, significant patterns are laid down in a child’s behavior that may affect them for their entire life. The very presence or absence of a birth parent can change the perspective one has of relationships from day one.

Parents are the people who shape the first few years of a little one. That is why it is so crucial that there is a real relationship between parent and child that reflects the Golden Rule.

Though many parents tend to repeat the mistakes of their own upbringing, the Golden Rule provides help. Raise a child the way you would want to be raised. Train up a little one by treating them with respect and appreciation, and they will have a better chance of becoming a welladjusted adult.

The parent’s biblical role is to be in control of the home without being militant, managing the family in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere without becoming permissive. Parents are called to nurture but not smother, discipline but not condemn, and above all, present an exemplary model of the character and love of Jesus. This may be an ambitious task, but it is imperative for the survival of the family. The spiritual upbringing of children is a primary concern in scripture. If parents abuse this role, whole generations will pay for it.

Likewise, a child is taught by the Bible to respond appropriately to their parent. Proverbs is clear that parental instruction should be valued.

The wise child is the one who learns from their parents, both valuing and obeying their instruction. The real task for parents is to lovingly guide children to follow Jesus. Though it might seem challenging in this world of cultural pressure, rebellious youth, and broken homes, God still honors His Golden Rule. He is still the One Who honors and protects the families of faith.

Parents and Kids Page 30

SERMON NOTES

Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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Parents and Kids Page 32

CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

1.

What have you learned about someone in the group? Encourage a group member by thanking them for showing up and sharing.

2. Share one unique aspect of your upbringing. How has it affected your success in life?

3. What are some of the “parenting issues” in our culture today? (Social media, blended families, role models, busy schedules, etc.)

4. How can practicing the Golden Rule impact decisions and behaviors in the home, by either the parent or the children?

5. Who do you think has a great parent/child real relationship? Why? What do you consider to be the key to their connection?

Page 33 Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic. What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Read Ephesian 6:1-4. What is the apostle Paul’s instruction for each person in the family? What do you think of his advice?

2. Which of the 10 Commandments refers to real relationships in the family? Look it up in Deuteronomy 5:16. Is this still a valid command for today? Explain how following it could influence the dynamics in a home.

3. Read Proverbs 22:6. How does this verse help us understand that each child has a unique learning ability and path to follow? What is the promise of the verse?

4. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. What must first happen before a parent teaches his or her child? Why is this necessary? What kind of teaching situation is described in Deuteronomy? How does this have advantages over public education?

5. Read Hebrews 12:9-11. What are the dangers of being too permissive or too controlling as a parent? Describe a balanced approach to discipline that honors the Lord.

Parents and Kids Page 34

TAKE IT HOME Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

If your parent is alive, what can you do to honor them this week? As long as they live, you have a role to play in respecting their role in your life. How can you express that to them?

2. If you are a parent or grandparent, what are you doing to shape the heart of a child toward God? What can you do this week that would show loving discipline in their life?

3. What specific family issues are most challenging for you? Do some homework on healthy ways to address it, then spend some time in prayer asking God to help resolve the issues.

TALK WITH GOD

Take time to pray by name for your parents, children, and/or grandchildren that they would be protected, blessed, and bring honor to God in their life. ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Page 35 Real Relationships

Gathering Six CO-WORKER TO CO-WORKER

On the Job Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23 Work environments dramatically changed after COVID. Many small businesses were forced to close. Employees learned to do their jobs from home, Zoom meetings became the norm, and those who were clever enough to adapt managed to pivot to stay alive. One thing, however, that remained the same throughout the pandemic was the need to interact with people.

The workplace is still the number one place most people connect with other human beings.

Though not everyone works the traditional 9-to-5 hours, we still invest a large percentage of our life working. It could be a part-time, after-school job at the drive-in or mall, or an all-encompassing career in medicine, engineering, or business. In every case, there are co-workers, colleagues, and bosses to contend with. They gather and gossip at the watercooler, sell merchandise from behind the counter with you, or share a drink after the garage closes.

Most people measure job satisfaction by their relationships at work. If you love your work buddies, you will stay put. If the office is full of stress, you might have your resume warm and ready to go. What’s your work environment like?

What can you contribute?

The Bible is packed with stories about workers who impacted their surroundings. Bezelel was a construction worker who crafted a place of worship. Daniel and Joseph were responsible managers who influenced their nations. Lydia was a seller of purple fabric who spread her faith. Paul was a tentmaker who changed the world with the Gospel.

In each case they did their job well and leveraged their work to be a light in the darkness. By treating people well outside the church in the workplace, real relationships can bloom, and God is able to do His work of reaching the lost.

Whatever you do as a job, employ the Golden Rule. Do quality work for the Lord’s sake, and treat your co-workers with the dignity, support, and friendliness you would want.

Co-worker to Co-worker Page 36

SERMON NOTES

Taking good notes helps you discuss the sermon. Note key statements or anything that especially touches your heart.

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Real Relationships

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CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER

Use these questions to review your week, open the topic, and get to know the people in your group.

1.

What have been some of the best parts of this study? How have they challenged you in your relationships?

2. If you could work anywhere, what would be your dream job? Why?

3. Share four jobs you have had in your life. Which job has been one of the most satisfying to you?

4. Agree or Disagree: Most people measure job satisfaction by their relationships at work. How has this been true (or not) for you?

5. How would you rate your work relationships? How many would you consider to be real relationships? Why?

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Real Relationships

DISCUSS THE WORD Look into these passages to dig deeper into the topic. What is God teaching in these verses?

1.

Read Colossians 3:23-24. How does this advice transfer to your workplace? Explain the attitude difference in working for the Lord instead of your boss?

2. List as many occupations as you can remember from the Bible for people of faith. Are the most spiritual people always pastors or priests?

Where did their occupations and faith intersect?

3. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. What kind of ambition is “quiet” ambition?

How does this work ethic affect the community outside the church?

4. Read Ephesians 6:5-9. On a separate sheet of paper, rewrite this passage for your workplace. What lessons can you learn from this instruction?

5. Read Matthew 5:15-16. How are your good works in your place of employment an illumination in the darkness of this world? What specific ways do quality workmanship and caring attitudes make a difference?

Fellowship Page 40

TAKE IT HOME Consider the implications for your own life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out in your world?

1.

What is a tangible way you can express appreciation for one or more of your co-workers this week? Donuts?

2. Would you like to continue as a group? Discuss what you would like to study next?

3. Congratulations: You completed this series on Real Relationships! How are you going to celebrate as a group? Make sure you thank everyone for coming. (Maybe you can meet for pizza?!)

TALK WITH GOD

Pray for your place of employment. Pray for your boss, colleagues, and/or employees. Pray that God would help them be productive and satisfied in their work environment. ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Page 41 Real Relationships

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Group Roster Page 42

Leaders’ Notes

Thank you for leading your group. You are key to this group’s spiritual growth and personal enjoyment during this series.

Here are some important reminders as you prepare to lead.

1.

You are the discussion leader, not the teacher. The dynamic of a small group is interaction. The sermon on Sunday is the primary lesson. Your role is not to re-teach the lesson but to get everyone to interact over the topic.

2. Use the study guide. The best way to get people to talk is to ask questions. The study guide is a resource for you to get good questions into the group for discussion. You do not have to answer every question. Use the ones that are most helpful and create your own.

3. There are three basic activities for leading an effective small group.

Spend around 20-30 minutes in each of these activities.

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Connect: Talk to each other about life. Encourage the members to share what is happening in their personal lives.

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Discuss: Talk about the Word. Go as deep as you want as you open the Bible.

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Pray: Talk to God. Take time to pray for each other and for our church to stay on mission.

4. Manage the conversation. The one thing that can destroy a successful small group experience is someone who monopolizes the time with talking … even if it is the leader. Your primary responsibility is to make sure that no one “over-talks” and everyone has an opportunity to join in the discussion.

Thank you for your shepherding leadership over your group.

Page 43

Leaders’ Notes

Resources Books •

Real Relationships. Les and Leslie Parrot, Zondervan, 2011

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Faithful Generations.

Publishing, 2013

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He Gets Us. Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 2023

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How to Really Love Your Kids. Ross Campbell, David C. Cook, 2015

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Honest, Direct, Respectful. Dennis D. Adams, VMI Publishers, 2007

John

R.

Mabry,

Morehouse

RightNow Media •

Real Relationships. Les and Leslie Parrot, 7 sessions

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The Art of Neighboring. Dave Runyon, 4 sessions

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So the Next Generation Will Know. J. Warner Wallace, 8 sessions

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Experiencing Your Best Relationship with God and Others. JP Jones, 5 sessions

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Parenting: Navigating Everything. Brett Ullman. 6 sessions

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God at Work. Ken Costa, 12 sessions

Resouces Page 44

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH 5025 MANZANITA AVE CARMICHAEL, CA 95608