Going Deeper

How Do I... Series

Luke 6:27-36 | Phil Christian | November, 16 2025
Jesus calls His followers to a radically different kind of love—one that goes far beyond natural inclination or human fairness. In passages like Luke 6 and Matthew 5, He commands us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat or persecute us. This kind of love does not begin with emotion but with a determined choice to act like our Father in heaven, who shows kindness and mercy to both the righteous and the unrighteous. By turning the other cheek, giving freely, and treating others as we wish to be treated, we step away from our natural biases and into a spiritual way of living that reveals the true nature of God and authentic Christianity.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?

2. Read Luke 6:27-28; Matthew 5:43-45. Jesus focuses on “Love for Our Enemies”:

o Which of the four commands—1) Love your enemies, 2) do good to those who hate you, 3) bless those who curse you, or 4) pray for those who mistreat you—is most difficult for you take action on? Why do you think that is?

o How can you choose loving action over emotion when your feelings don’t align with what Jesus commands? How does Romans 5:8 model and motivate us to love like this?

o What natural biases or self-protective instincts do you find yourself needing to “walk away from” in order to live out Jesus’ teaching?

3. Read Luke 6:29-31. The “Golden Rule”

o In what practical ways can you “do to others as you would have them do to you” in a current conflict or strained relationship?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. The Emphasis on Love

o How is Paul’s use of extremes emphasizing the important of you incorporating love in the various aspects of life? Does it matter how right you are if you don’t express love?

5. Read Luke: 32-36: What use is love if you…

o How might showing undeserved kindness or generosity this week help reveal God’s character to someone who doesn’t know Him?

o Where do you see an opportunity to reflect your Father’s mercy—to demonstrate the family resemblance of a Christian—in a way that costs you something?

Biblical Love Exercise:

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 13

List the following…

What Biblical Love Is / Is Not

What Biblical Love IS / DOES… What Biblical Love ISN'T / DOES NOT…
Biblical Love …does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

o Love does not mean acceptance and affirmation of sin.

o Love does not mean living without boundaries.

o Love does not mean lying to make someone feel good.

How Do I… Series

2 COR 8 and 9 | Chris Mead | November 9, 2025

2 Corinthians 8–9 calls each believer to live with a heart of generosity rooted in the grace of Jesus, not out of guilt, law, or obligation. It confronts our misconceptions about money in the church and emphasizes that generosity is not about wealth or percentage but about worship—flowing from a heart transformed by Christ’s love. Using the Macedonian believers as an example, the message shows that true generosity is born out of joy, even in hardship, and is a response to God’s extravagant grace. Giving becomes an act of grace itself—an intentional, cheerful investment in God’s Kingdom that results in greater thanksgiving, praise, and spiritual growth.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?

2. Heart Check: When you think about money, what emotions or attitudes come up first—trust, fear, defensiveness, gratitude? What might that reveal about where your heart finds security?

o Where does your heart go when the Church talks about money? Why? What has been your experience of church and money that affects your view (good or bad)?

3. Read 2 Cor 8:1-9. Motivation for Giving: The Macedonian believers gave out of joy despite their trials and extreme poverty.

o What are some circumstances that challenge your joy to give financially with generosity?

o How can their example challenge your view of what it means to be generous, regardless of circumstances?

o How does Jesus’ example, and saturating yourself in the Gospel (v 9) become a motivation to generosity?

4. Read 2 Cor 9:6-7. The Way of Generosity:

o Paul says giving is like sowing seed into God’s Kingdom. Where is God inviting you to “invest” more—your finances, time, or energy—to see His work grow?

o Have you ever prayed and asked God what He wants you (or your family) to give? What might it look like to make your giving a regular, prayerful, intentional act of worship?

5. Read 2 Cor 9:8-15. The Result of Generosity: We see that generosity leads to thanksgiving, praise, and prayer.

o Can you recall a time when your—or someone else’s generosity—resulted in gratitude or worship toward God?

o Reflect on v.15 and your thankfulness to God for His indescribable gift. List and share the various ways that God has shown generosity to you. How does that affect your heart toward Him?