40 Days Discussion Questions | Week 5
A Better Way to Be Free – Matthew 18:21-25
We’ve all felt the sting of betrayal or hurt. These experiences have a way of chaining us to bitterness, trapping us in a cell of past hurts so we feel we can’t escape. But Jesus offers us a way to be free and find healing from past hurt: The power of forgiveness. This isn’t just your standard fare of life advice; it’s a call-to-action that brings life. The forgiveness found in Jesus does not just inspire us but empowers us to forgive. This week you will learn the tools you need to move toward the hurt, address the pain, set relational boundaries, and finally break free from the hurt of the past through forgiveness so you can experience real healing.
Memory Verse for Week 5 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
1. What thought or point from this week’s message stood out to you?
2. We’ve all had a point in our lives where someone betrayed or wronged us. In Ephesians 4:31-32, how does scripture’s advice for these situations differ from the world’s advice? What outcomes have you seen when you’ve followed the advice of scripture versus the advice of the world?
3. Read Matthew 18:21-22. When Peter approaches Jesus and asks how many times he should forgive someone who has wronged him, Jesus presents him with an incredible number (70x7=490). Jesus gave this answer before Peter had given any details of how he had been wronged. What does this teach us about how we should forgive others?
4. Read Matthew 18:23-35. This parable shows the incredible importance of forgiveness. You might think that forgiveness is for the benefit of the person you’re forgiving, but it’s actually to benefit you! How would looking at forgiveness in this way shift your perception when someone wrongs you?
5. How does the enemy use unforgiveness to keep us from the fullness of life God has for us?
6. Throughout this discussion, is there a person (or circumstance) who keeps coming up in your mind who you need to show forgiveness to? Consider sharing it with your group.
• Easter is just around the corner. Who have you shared an invite card with? How many invite cards have you given out?
• We still have three of our Night of Prayer events, which all start at 6:30 pm. Don’t miss these!
- Online (streamed) – March 17
- DeLand – March 19 – Chess Park in Downtown DeLand
- Deltona – March 21 – The Center at Deltona
• Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to attend Consume, our Good Friday Worship Service, on March 29, at 6:30 pm, on the Orange City location. Childcare is not provided for Consume.