Welcome to week three of our sermon series called The Power of Words. In this series, we study ancient wisdom from the book of Proverbs to better understand God’s practical advice for everyday life. This week, we discuss how we talk about people.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Share Part of Your Story
What’s your memory of heading back to school when you were a kid?
Safe Environment
With fall just around the corner, many groups will begin meeting regularly again. As a group, read through and review the small group covenant at www.adabible.org/sgcovenant to help reset expectations for your group.
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Have someone read Proverbs 18:21 aloud. What wisdom does this proverb convey? How does this proverb help us understand what gossip is? What are some of the things brought to life or death by words?
Firewood
Read Proverbs 26:20-21. What is this proverb about?
How do you feel our culture does with this?
What are some “logs” that we are tempted to throw on the fire? How can we pause and make good decisions before we throw a log on the fire by asking the following questions: Is it humble? Is it true? Is it kind?
What is one area of your life (work, family, friends, social media, school, etc.) where you feel like you struggle with this the most? How can your group be praying for you in that area?
Dessert
Read Proverbs 26:22. What do you think of when you hear the words “choice morsel”?
How is gossip like a choice morsel? Why do you think it is so enticing?
Do you feel like gossip will ever stop being enticing? Why or why not?
What do you think the author means when he writes, “They go down to the inmost parts”? How does Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:45 relate to this proverb?
How have you experienced the polluting powers of gossip to your heart? What do you think the risks are long-term?
Read Proverbs 20:19 aloud. What are some places in our culture where gossip abounds? Is there something or someone in your life you need to stop listening to, set strong boundaries around or avoid?
Traps
Read Proverbs 26:27. What do you feel like the proverb is trying to say? How does it relate to the way we talk about people?
What are some of the reasons we gossip or talk poorly about someone? How is that like setting a trap?
How can gossiping end up backfiring on us? What can it do to our relationships, families or careers if people think we are someone who gossips?
This week we discuss how we talk about people. Is there a specific relationship or location where you want to get better at the way you talk about people? What is one step you can take to work on that this week? How can your group be praying about it?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Discuss how you and your group can better engage the people in your life outside your small group.
Invite
With the launch of our fall series after Labor Day, who is new that you can invite to meet you at church? Maybe a friend, co-worker, or someone you volunteer with? It can be as simple as asking them if they go to church, inviting them to join you and then meeting them there (a specific service and campus). Consider who you could invite and how your group can pray for you and them.
Download a printable PDF here.