Source SM Recap: Volume # 28

Current Series: Facebook OfficialTitle: “Relationship Status Update” Main Thought: The reality of what is inside a person is more important than what we see on the outside. The Word: Genesis 2:18-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, Proverbs 5:1-5

Message Explanation: We all face pressure, especially with our RELATIONSHIP STATUS. What happens on the inside is more important that what is on the outside.

Let’s go to the beginning as we discover what the Word says about relationships: 

Genesis 2:18: Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Genesis 2:21-23: So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. 23 “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone,
and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called ‘woman,’
because she was taken from ‘man.’”

“woman (WO-MAN!) is “isha” means she had her source in him.

Why do unhealthy relationships form?

Focused on lust not love. Love waits. Lust takes. As guys we have a built in desire to be conquerors and to “save the damsel in distress!”

 Guys need respect and struggle with insecurity. We look confident but under the exterior but want to measure up. “Mr. Confident and good looking is usually the most insecure!”

 Guys are visually driven. We want what we see, what we find so attractive in a person, to be a reflection of the entire person.

Proverbs 5:1-5: “My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel. 2 Then you will show discernment,
and your lips will express what you’ve learned. 3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
and her mouth is smoother than oil. 4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
as dangerous as a double-edged sword. 5  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.6  For she cares nothing about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.”

Why do unhealthy relationships form?

- Dating like you are married. Girls are emotionally driven. Girls will lie to themselves that “this guy will change.” Acting married shows up in how they talk, act and spend time. It creates an “ownership” mentality that is only meant for covenant marriage relationship.

Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.”

Truth: Inappropriate intimacy now will affect future intimacy with your future spouse.

There is no perfect relationship, but through Jesus’ power we can have lasting relationships. Here’s the truth: If you look at the opposite sex the way Christ teaches, you will learn how to make them last.

How to build boundaries in dating:  

1.  Know Your BOTTOM-LINE! (How far is too far vs. what’s best for future) 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— 5 not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.”

2. Communicate Your STANDARDS!

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” Job 31:1 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

 3.  Avoid COMPROMISING SITUATIONS! 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8: “God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 8 Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.”

4. Get OUT when Necessary

What can you do to fight the temptation to settle only for what you see instead of what is going on beneath the surface?

To love Christ above everything and anyone. Matthew 22:37-39: ^“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

How would you define the relationships in your life? Are you obedient to Christ and His Word? Are your relationships under Christ’s control?

Element of Fun: We showed a video called, “Guys to Avoid” as an illustration to show that we need to focus on what is inside and not what is on the outside.

Music: Praise Him, Forever Reign, Revelation Song, Only to You, All I Need  is You.

Favorite Moment: Students sharing they want to fall more in love with Jesus during this stage of life and prepare for dating for marriage later.

What’s Next: We will continue the new series, “Facebook Official” as we talk about the whole idea of living, "happily ever after."

Teaching Series - Awaken a Generation

We live a culture of distraction. Many things surrounding us capture our attention. People are searching for purpose and hope. This 3 week teaching series unpacks Isaiah 6:1-8. Students will discover that we must awaken to the presence of God, respond to God and answer His call. As a generation of students, we need be awakened to the calling of God!

Week 1 – “Awakened to His Presence” Main Thought: The most important thing about us is how we think about God. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-4, Ephesians 1:21.

Week 2 – “Awakened to a Response” Scripture: Isaiah 6:5-7, 2 Corinthians 7:10 Main Thought: Brokenness leads to being made whole through Christ.

Week 3 – “Awakened to a Calling” Scripture: Isaiah 6:8, Matthew 28:18-20 Main Thought: God calls but it is up to you to answer

Series includes:

- Teaching Notes - Bumper Video - Small Group Discussion Guide - Listening Guides for students - Slides for the screen (including powerpoint, jpegs)

Download HERE. 

Source SM Recap: Volume #27

Current Series: Facebook OfficialTitle: "New Friend Request" Main Thought: Conflict has the potential to make a friendship stronger—or tear it apart. We decide which.  The Word: Romans 12:14-18, Colossians 3:13

Message Explanation: This whole series is all about God’s “OFFICIAL” plan for relationships, dating and sex.

Facebook Facts: There are just short 1 billion Facebook users in the world.

-250 million photos uploaded daily. - Average number of friends 130. - 845 million monthly active users. -2.7 billion likes every day. -140.3 billion friend connections.

Some people build their lives around social networks. Facebook reveals a lot about us doesn’t it?

People closest to us have the potential to hurt us the most. It is not a matter of if but when you face CONFLICT with others. So how are we supposed to respond to friends?

We will find out how God wants us to build friendships not tear them down.

Christ calls us to a new way of living:

1. You do not have to get EVEN (v. 14) "Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.”

  Pray for your enemies. Live in peace with each other. A true friend stays loyal but also has the GRACE to forgive others.

Jesus didn’t feel like he had to GET EVEN, Jesus always…

2.  Consider others before yourself (v. 15-16) “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

One-Upper: If you are happy, they are more happy. If you are hurting, they are more hurt. ME Monster: selfishness is like every other appetite, the more you feed it, the bigger and hungrier it gets.

The Best way to build OFFICIAL friends that last is to…

3. Forgive others. Period. (17-18) Colossians 3:13: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

 7 most powerful words…“I was wrong, will you forgive me?” or “you hurt me, but I forgive you.” Forgiveness = admit your fault and release them to God. You will become bitter or better in your relationships

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (verse 17-18)

 Without forgiveness it leads to a cycle of revenge that consumes our lives. You will never have to forgive anyone more than God has forgiven you.

Forgiveness is given, not earned.

 When others hurt you – forgive as Christ forgives  Are you hurting other people? Are you at odds with anyone?  Are you looking to take revenge?

Review: A TRUE friend:

-       Does not have to get EVEN -       Considers others as more important than themselves -       Forgives others. PERIOD.

Element of Fun: We showed a video called, "Facebook friend race" as an illustration of trying to add friends on Facebook but missing what true friendship is all about.

Music: Not Ashamed, Praise Him, Always, Jesus Paid it all, Faithful (closing).

Favorite Moment: Students were great to wish me a happy birthday. I'm grateful for all the people who are investing into the students each week.

Planning Center:

What’s Next: We will continue the new series, “Facebook Official” as we talk about God’s plan for dating.