– The Living Differently Series –
SAY WHAT? . EVERYBODY’S NOT DOING IT . #MEASUREUP? . RIGHT NOW
*WHAT DO YOU THINK?
1) Have a mini debate (Break your group in half. Give them a minute or two to discuss among themselves then have each side present their case.)
- SIDE ONE: It’s okay to lie.
- SIDE TWO: It’s not okay to lie.
— Or —
2) Ask “Has someone you trusted ever lied to you or gossiped about you?”
- “How did it make you feel?”
- “Who benefits from lying and gossiping?”
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT THIS?
1. Read Ephesians 4:17–32. Where do you see the passage talking about the way we talk, and what does it say?
2. According to this passage, what are some reasons we would want to live differently than the culture around us in the way we talk?
3. What does Proverbs 6:12–19 say about God’s attitude toward lying and gossip? Why do you think he feels this way?
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO OUR LIVES?
4. How would you feel if someone you trusted lied or gossiped about you?
– Have you ever had that happen?
– How did it affect your relationship with that person and others? (You don’t need to name names or give specifics.)
5. In what kinds of situations are you most tempted to lie or gossip?
– What about those situations makes you want to say something that you shouldn’t?
– Do you find it easy or difficult to resist this temptation?
6. The passage in Ephesians 4 talks about putting off your sinful nature (former way of life) and putting on your new nature. What are some tools or people that God has given you to help you do this?
7. What should you do if you realize you have lied or gossiped?
8. Lying and gossip are so common in our culture that sometimes we are unaware we are doing it. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth and will guide us into all truth. (John 14:17) He also convicts us of sin. (John 16:8). Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you this week any time that your words are not pleasing to God.
What ideas do you have that could improve this study? Are there creative things you do to bring this topic home to your students? Please share with the community clicking the FEEDBACK button or leaving a comment below.
