Fractured – Part 1
Introduction
We live with information overload and algorithm driven polarisation. While these realities shape the world around us, they can also leave us feeling fractured on the inside. In Romans 7:15-25, Paul describes this same the tension between wanting to do what is right and finding ourselves doing the opposite. The greatest battles we face are often within, but through Jesus we are not left to fight alone. This week, Pastor Dale reminded us that while salvation is an instant work of God’s grace, sanctification is a lifelong journey. As we learn to surrender our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit continues to transform us from the inside out. The good news is that we do not fight this battle alone. Through Jesus, we have both the freedom and the power to walk in new life.
Discuss
- Read Romans 8:5–6. Paul contrasts a mind governed by the flesh with a mind governed by the Spirit. What do you think it looks like in everyday life to allow Jesus to shape your thoughts, decisions, and priorities?
- Read Romans 7:15–25. Paul is remarkably honest about his struggle with sin and the tension he experiences within himself. What does this teach us about the ongoing reality of the Christian life? Why is it encouraging that even Paul wrestled in this way?
- Paul concludes this passage by declaring that deliverance comes through Jesus Christ. Why is it important that our confidence rests in what Christ has done rather than in our own determination or willpower?
- Pastor Dale used the phrase from Martin Luther, “You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop it from building a nest in your hair.” How does understanding your identity in Christ help you respond when temptation, unhealthy thoughts, or old patterns resurface?
- The message highlighted the difference between conviction and condemnation. How would you describe the difference? Looking back, have there been times when you confused one for the other? What helps you recognise and respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction?
- Read Romans 8:1–2. Paul reminds us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Where have you experienced the freedom, life, and peace that comes from walking with the Holy Spirit? Is there an area where God may be inviting you to trust Him more fully in this season?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
We are not meant to journey through life alone; God designed us to grow alongside others. Have a look at the people God has placed in your life. Are you actively helping each other stay accountable, encouraging one another and growing together? How might you intentionally invest in those relationships this week?
Respond
Pastor Dale encourages us to identify our point of vulnerability and intentionally replace our old habits with Gods ways. He also shares five practical ways to engage in the process of sanctification: determine who God called you to be, be accountable for change with a trusted person, define and declare Gods ways (habit stack), get up quickly, and celebrate wins in a healthy way. Where do you recognise your greatest point of vulnerability in your walk with Christ? What is one practical step you can take towards sanctification this week?
Fractured – Part 2
Introduction
Pastor Dale continued the Fractured Series by shifting from the inward work of allowing Jesus to govern our thoughts and desires to the outward challenge of living faithfully with people who hold different political, social and moral convictions. The central message is that followers of Jesus must not allow cultural divisions to become greater than our unity in Christ. We are called to develop genuine convictions, but to communicate them with
the humility, grace, courage and love of Jesus.
Read: |
Discuss
Facilitators: Choose 3-4 questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading; there is no need to answer all questions.
- Read Philippians 2:5–8. Jesus modelled humility through obedience and service. How can humility shape the way we respond to people whose views are very different from our own?
- Read Ephesians 2:12–18. Paul says that Jesus broke down the walls of hostility between opposing groups and created one unified people. Why is Jesus our greatest source of unity?
- Read 1 John 3:18–19. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth. How do you communicate your convictions? Where do you sit on the quadrants of Hope vs Humility – are you Combatant, Cynic, Exhausted, or Disciple?
- Read Mark 8:15. Jesus confronts two extreme positions in Roman society. He called Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector into the same group of disciples, even though they represented opposing responses to Roman rule. What does this reveal about the kind of community Jesus was forming?
- Read 1 Timothy 2:1–2. Paul challenges us to pray for those who might have very different political views from our own and to seek to live at peace with them. Why might praying for someone who has an opposing view help us understand them before we embrace the proponent’s perspective?
- Read Ephesians 4:15. What is the difference between merely speaking what we believe is true and speaking the truth in love? How can grace, courage, wisdom and humility influence both our words and our tone?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Think of someone in your family, workplace, neighbourhood or church community who sees an important issue differently from you. Rather than avoiding them or trying to win an argument, ask God to help you listen well and understand their perspective. How might you demonstrate the love of Jesus through respect, kindness, prayer or a thoughtful conversation this week?
Respond
Pastor Dale challenged us to choose Kingdom priorities over reputation, politics or status, and to share our convictions with love and humility. Who is one person you can seek to understand more fully this week? What is one practical change you can make in the way you express your convictions so that your words reflect both the grace and truth of Jesus?
Declaration: This week, I choose Kingdom priorities over reputation, politics, or status, and I will share my convictions with love and humility.