2-1-2026: Wisdom in Relationships
Sermon Title: Wisdom in Relationships
Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:1-40; Jeremiah 29:13-14; Matthew 7:7-12; James 1:5
Sermon Focus: In the next section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to trust God as a good Father who invites us to ask, seek, and knock—to be intentional in asking God for wisdom in prayer as we seek to be in right relationship with others. And the more we depend upon his Spirit and trust in his character, provision, and justice, we are freed up to treat others the way we want to be treated. In this message, Pastor David invites us to cultivate a dependent relationship with God that is built upon trust. Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:
1. Begin by reading Matthew 7:7-12 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How do the words of Jesus encourage you? Also, how do they challenge you?
2. Pastor David pointed out that “ask, seek, knock” is (in the context) about asking God for wisdom to apply the teachings of Jesus in our relationships with others, (e.g., “do not worry (money), “do not judge” and “do unto others…”). Ask yourself, what area of my life is God inviting me to ask, seek, and knock for wisdom and for greater understanding, rather than doing it myself or giving up?
3. Jesus indicates that belief in God as a good Father will lead to the “greater righteousness” of the Kingdom. Trust in the goodness of God will enable us love as he loves and believe in his good future. So, ask yourself, am I trusting in God’s goodness, provision, and justice? How can I trust him more so I can be freed up to respond in love, patience, mercy, and grace toward others?
4. Have you ever noticed that Jesus did not give us a “how to” manual for each situation? The Scriptures teach us that God wants a real relationship with us. He wants us to commune and interact with him. He wants us to ask for his wisdom and use our own free will to join it with his will for creation. In a sense, he wants us to discover what is right and then do it in his power. Do you view prayer in this way? How often do you ask God for wisdom and guidance?
5. Pastor David pointed out that the Golden Rule is active rather than passive. Jesus doesn’t say “don’t do unto others” but rather “do unto others.” In the same way he has called us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. Why is this significant? What do you think Jesus is getting at with Matthew 7:12?
6. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Is there something practical that you can do this week to implement what Jesus has said to us in Matthew 7:7-12? How is the Spirit inviting you to put Jesus’ words into practice in your current situation so that friends, family, neighbors, and enemies can experience God’s love, mercy, and kindness, rather than accusation, judgment, and condemnation?
Share with your group what God is asking you to do in the coming days.