Sermon Recap
Pastor Justin Kendrick shared a message on integrity through the lens of the power of words, both the words that we speak and those that are spoken to us. Starting with the summary of Jacob’s life in Hebrews 11:21, he showed from Jacob’s story how words shape our identities and relationships. He illustrated how Jacob’s story teaches us something about ourselves and how we have a need for affirmation. Sharing how Jacob wrestled with God, he showed how this led to Jacob’s transformation. From Jacob’s life, we can learn to speak from faith and speak from a posture of personal brokenness. Ultimately, Pastor Kendrick advocated for becoming a community that actively speaks blessings into the lives of others.
Icebreaker Option
What is a positive word or compliment someone has spoken to you that you still remember?
HEAD
• Read Genesis 27:6-10,14-29. What do we learn about Jacob from this account?
• Read Genesis 32:24-29. What does this encounter tell us about Jacob’s deepest need?
• Read Hebrews 11:21. What do we learn from this verse about God’s transformation of Jacob?
Option to encourage more participation: Break your group into smaller groups and assign each one of the following passages. Ask them to read the passage and be prepared to summarize what they learned about Jacob from the passage. Genesis 27:6-10,14-29; Genesis 28:10-22; Genesis 30:31-32,37-43; Genesis 32:24-29; Hebrews 11:21
HEART
• When has someone's words significantly influenced how you felt about yourself? Has there been a time when words have not been spoken, which had a profound impact on you?
• How does speaking from a place of faith, having confidence that there is a good God who loves me, change the way you interact with your friends or family?
• How does growing deeper in our knowledge of and dependence on God change how you speak?
HANDS
• What changes do you need to make in your words this week to reflect your identity as blessed and accepted by God?
• Because of what you have learned about the significance of blessings in our relationships, how is the Holy Spirit prompting you to respond?
• Who in your life could you bless with kind words this week? Craft a blessing for this person. Ask God to lead you to a scripture that can encourage him or her. Give the gift of this blessing in person or in written form.
PRAYER
• Pray for a deeper awareness of God's blessings in your life.
• Ask for help in speaking words of life and encouragement to others.
• Seek healing for any negative words spoken to you or by you.
• Pray for opportunities to bless others in your community.
Going Deeper:
“I believe that God's intention with his church is that one of the great defining marks of this community of faith called the church would be that we are people who speak blessings.” Paul began and ended his letters with blessings for the church community and for individuals. Spend time reading and meditating on some of these passages.
• Using what you have learned, write out some sentences that you could use to encourage someone.
• How would you feel if you were the recipient of these words? How might it impact your thoughts and actions?
• Pray that God will bring your attention to someone that needs to be encouraged this week. Respond to His prompting.
Passages to consider:
Romans 1:7-8; 16:1-2
1 Corinthians 1:4-9; 16:17-18
Ephesians 1:15-16; 6:21
Philippians 1:3-6
Colossians 1:3-4, 7; 4:12
1 Thessalonians 2:2-10; 4:9-10
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
2 Timothy 1:4-6
Philemon 1:4-5