“Love does not boast, it is not proud” 1 Cor. 13:4
(This message is online at: nwbcspringfield.com) - Use this listening guide as you watch the video worship services online. This will also have questions you can use with your connect group.
Over ________________times—he speaks against boasting
that word _________________ – means to put you on ______________– to extol yourself excessively
That word boast can mean to exaggerate or ______________________ – to brag about yourself – it literally means to be a __________________ – to talk or act in a way to draw attention to yourself……
The problem with our _________________ and _________________ is that it steals glory from God—to whom all boasting is rightly due
the Greek word “Phusioo” – it means to have inflated ideas about your own ____________________________
1. You take everything ______________________
2. Your feelings are the most ______________________
3. Your ____________________ are the most important
4. You always think the _______________ needs to apologize or change
5. You tend to be ______________and _______________ instead of positive and grateful
6. You keep thinking of ______________________ who need to hear this
Ephesians 2:8-9 – says -- 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. Love never fails"
CONNECT GROUP
ICEBREAKER—Have you ever wanted to brag about something? Maybe you bought something and wanted to show it off or maybe you did or experienced something amazing and you wanted to share it?
APPLY THE BIBLE - Read Matthew 23:5-7— compare the Pharisees to yourself—are we guilty of the same thing?
Q1—What does it mean that Jesus gave up his divine privileges?
Q2—”Love is not proud”. When can pride be a good thing? How should we respond to our achievements? Explain.
Q3—Pastor Paul made the statement “that’s what pride does – it blinds us to our own weaknesses—and it magnifies the weaknesses of others .” What does that mean to you?
Q4—How do we destroy pride in our lives?
A LITTLE LOVE HOMEWORK:
Plan an “Honor Day.” Give your time to someone else: an older person, a child, someone sick. Demonstrate Christlike love to that person by helping him or her feel special. At the end of the day, journal all you’ve learned about serving and loving.
CHANCE TO SERVE Have you and your group determined how you will serve during LOVE WEEK? Discuss what kinds of events would fit your Group. Yes, you can participate in more than one outreach if that works for your Group! Thank you for your hearts of compassion towards our “neighbors.”