OUTLINE:

QUESTIONS:

(4:14-15) Have you ever idealized a person or a relationship? Have you ever begun a relationship with high expectations of all that this person would do to fulfill you? What has it looked like to move from the ideal to the real in your relationship with Jesus?
(4:16-27) Communication is complex. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who changes the subject, distracts from the topic, or is passive-aggressive? How does Jesus model good, honest, vulnerable, and loving conversation? Where do you struggle most with good, honest, vulnerable conversation?
(4:28-30) Jesus is the Light of the World. He exposes the fiction and fantasy in our hearts and moves us toward fact. When have you experienced Jesus exposing fiction and fantasy in your heart? How does fantasy in the heart lead to devastation in a relationship with Jesus and others?
How does Jesus’ example challenge the way you handle conflict, rejection, and unmet expectations?

Philemon