KEY SCRIPTURE
- 2 Samuel 13; 14:23-24, 28; 15:6; 18:5, 29, 32-33; 19:4
- Ephesians 5:15-16
- “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
START TALKING
- What is something that brought you joy, delight, or unexpected happiness this week?
START SHARING
- The story from 2 Samuel 13-19 unveils parts of King David’s story many are unfamiliar with. What was your reaction to hearing such a hard, dark story from the life of one of the “heroes of the faith?”
- As the story ends, we witness the deep regret David had over not reconciling his relationship with his son, Absolam. What do you think prevented him from seeing the right path before it was too late?
- Matt pointed out that it’s often much easier to see what was right only in hindsight. Are there ways we can enable ourselves to see more clearly in the moment?
- Where has regret found it’s way into your relationships?
- Do you have any unresolved or languishing relationship right now? What’s holding you back from saying what needs to be said and restoring the relationship?
START LIVING
- What is one relationship you can focus on for the next few weeks or months? Maybe it’s a relationship that is broken, or one that doesn’t exist yet. Be intentional, decide what the next step looks like, and ask God to give you the courage and grace to step into better relationships.
- Over the course of this series, several questions and statements have been offered as ways to relate better and strengthen relationships. Which one of these will you make an intentional practice going forward?
- “What is it like to be on the other end of me?” (Week 1)
- “Do you know what part of the problem is here? I’m not getting what I want.” (Week 2)
- “Where do I need to “discover and forge” friendship?” (Week 3)
- “Identify who you’re angry with, determine what they owe you, cancel the debt, let the case go.” (Week 4)
- “Find the most generous explanation for others’ actions and behavior.” (Week 5)
- “Do not waste any opportunity to rebuild a relaitonship. Say what needs to be said.” (Week 6)
RESOURCES MENTIONED
The Apostles’ Creed – learn more about the creed on ExploreGod.com
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
WORSHIP SET
Revisit any message from this series by listening below, or find our podcast on iTunes or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Matt Carder - April 19, 2015
Inciting Incident (Your Story Matters, Pt. 2)
Characters in stories don’t change without being forced to change. There's an inciting incident, whether caused by accident or choice, which turns the character's life upside down, forcing him/her to grow, adapt, learn, and challenge themselves. Our lives are a lot like that too. As we think of the unique stories God has given us to pen with each of our lives, as well as becoming the people He created us to be, we have to embrace and even put into motion some inciting incidents of our own.
From Series: "Your Story Matters"
"Your story matters." It's an easy thing to say but sometimes a difficult truth to believe. Thus, knowing WHY your story matters can provide the context needed to actually live from a foundation of purpose and significance. YOU, yes you, are a crucial part of a story that God is crafting and has been since the beginning of time. We hope this series gives you the foundation to believe it.
