Episode 4 - Conversations

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 - Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. 21 To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. 23 Now I do all this because of the gospel, so I may become a partner in its benefits.

WHEN WE HAVE THE CONVERSATION WITH JESUS, LEADING TO SALVATION, IT WILL HAVE A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON OUR CONVERSATIONS.

Acts 22:6-10- “As I was traveling and near Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 “I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ “He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the One you are persecuting!’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 “Then I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that is assigned for you to do.’

WAYFINDING THROUGH OUR CONVERSATIONS:
– ASK QUESTIONS & LISTEN.
– BOLDLY & LOVINGLY SPEAK THE TRUTH.
– BRING OTHERS INTO THE CONVERSATION.
– OFFER GRACE & APOLOGIES.
– DECIDE WHERE TO GO NEXT.

JESUS IS THE FOUNDATION OF HEALTHY CONVERSATION, CONVICTION & DIRECTION.

JESUS, SHOWS US HOW TO LISTEN GRACEFULLY, RESPOND LOVINGLY, EXHORT APPROPRIATELY AND TO DIRECT DISCERNINGLY.

HAVING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS WILL ALWAYS BE MORE FRUITFUL THEN MAKING ASSUMPTION & JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS.

Acts 15:36-39 - 36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.

2 Timothy 4:11 - Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

"Who was right? It really doesn’t make much difference. Perhaps both men were right on some things and wrong on other things. We know that John Mark ultimately did succeed in ministry and that Paul came to love and appreciate him. Good and godly people in the church do disagree; this is one of the painful facts of life that we must accept. Paul looked at people and asked “What can they do for God's work? " While Barnabas looked at people and asked, " What can God's work do for them? " Both questions are important to the Lord's work, and sometimes it is difficult to keep things balanced.” - Warren Wiersbe

IF OUR CONVERSATIONS ARE LACKING JESUS' INFLUENCE IT MAY BE THAT OUR CONVERSATIONS & TIME WITH JESUS ARE LACKING.

OUR CONVERSATIONS CHANGE DRAMATICALLY AND ALWAYS FOR THE BETTER WHEN THEY'RE INFLUENCED BY JESUS.

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

Remember & Respond: (To Quotes & Main Points from the Sermon)

Reflect on the various conversations in Paul's life, especially those with significant impact. How did these conversations shape his journey?

Consider the notion that God is the only source of absolute truth. How does relying on God's truth, found in Scripture and through Jesus, impact our conversations?

Read & Reflect:(On Scripture(s) from the Sermon)

Examine Paul's approach to conversations outlined in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. How can we emulate his adaptability and intentionality in our interactions with others?

Analyze the conversation between Jesus and Saul in Acts 22:6-10. What elements of this conversation can serve as a template for our own discussions?

Relate & React: (Apply the Sermon to your life this week)

Evaluate your recent conversations. How has the influence of Jesus, characterized by grace, forgiveness, and conviction, affected the tone and outcome of your interactions?

Consider any difficult conversations you may need to have. How can you approach these conversations with a balance of grace, love, and exhortation, keeping Jesus at the center?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, as we bring our recent conversations to mind, we acknowledge the need for your influence in our interactions. Help us listen gracefully, respond lovingly, and challenge appropriately, always offering grace and apology willingly. Grant us the courage to engage in difficult conversations, asking tough questions that lead to godly outcomes. May our conversations, influenced by Jesus, lead us and others toward Him, embodying grace, love, and exhortation. In moments of assumption, guide us to seek truth, avoiding bitterness and grudges. We pray for your discernment and wisdom in our conversations, trusting that, like Paul, our words may contribute to godly purposes. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.