INTRODUCE: Living in this country which offers freedoms based on the Bill of Rights, for which one are you the most grateful? Why is that?

READ: Philemon 1-16, Galatians 5:1-6

WATCH SERMON

DISCUSS
1. The pastor added two words to the phrase he has been challenging us to consider…that of falling in love with love again. This week, he expanded upon it by saying we needed to consider “falling in love with the transformative power of love again.” How do those two words help you understand the challenge better?
2. In verses 10 & 16 of Philemon, in what two ways was Onesimus transformed when love was shown? We are all slaves to sin. Into what were you transformed because of Christ’s love?
3. What do you think holds you back from loving unconditionally…from being free to love?=
4. Paul told Philemon that there were individuals watching his actions. We were reminded that the whole world is watching our actions as Christians. How should knowing that impact the way you treat others?
5. When have you questioned the ability of God to do a transformative work? How does that bring into question the power of the cross? What Biblical examples can you think of as an illustration of the power of transformational love?
6. Give a practical example of how you (or someone you know) have chosen to freely love rather than exercise a “right.”

PRAYER
Spend time asking God to show you any ways in which you are living out your rights rather than living out love.

Pray together the Prayer of St Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.