Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Unity between believers is a precious gift from God that must be protected and encouraged. As we have read through Philemon, we have heard Paul urge Philemon to be reconciled to his slave Onesimus. But how does one know that reconciliation is complete and done? How can one be sure there are not lingering effects of resentment or the feeling that one is not satisfied with what has happened? Today, we will explore 6 marks of complete and final reconciliation.
1. You are welcome with each other
2. All outstanding debts are settled
3. There is a reminder of your own unpaid debts
4. You are now free to go beyond what is required
5. There is a sense of accountability
6. You are aware of grace
Opening Question
While growing up what were your parents’ rules about fighting and forgiveness, grumbling and complaining? Was it easy for you to forgive or did you struggle with getting even? Was it worth it?
Scripture
1. Read Philemon 17-25
2. Read Hebrews 12:14-15
3. Read Matthew 18:15-20
Study Questions
1. Who are you indebted to? List all the people who have helped you become who you are.
2. Make a commitment in your group, that you will write someone a note expressing gratitude for their impact in your life. Who will you write to? What will you say?
3. Do you have someone whom you are now helping, who is indebted to you? Explain how you are helping a younger believer to the rest of the group.
4. The result of not being reconciled is bitterness. List examples of the kind of things bitterness robs from you. Eg. joy, ministry, relationships etc.
5. According to Matthew 18, what should you do if you can’t resolve an issue between you and another believer? What are some wrong approaches that can be taken which will not lead to reconciliation? Why is it so important that we be reconciled with accountability to fellow believers in the church?
6. Does someone in your group have a good reconciliation story? Share it.
7. Why do you think that the book of Philemon was a cause for the destruction of slavery?
8. Can you think of a sinful practice in our culture that could be destroyed today if we were to carry out the instructions of this book?
9. Describe a time when you forgave someone and were reconciled to them. What happened?
To Small Group Leaders:
· Small Group Leader Resource CDs, cassettes, and MP3 are not available this weekend. They will resume next weekend.
· Please be reminded to turn in your pre-registration sheet for the spring quarter of small groups by next Sunday, March 9.
· Coach's Corner is on Sunday, March 9 at 6:00pm. RSVP required by this Tuesday, March 4.