Forgiveness
Mike Romberger | Matthew 18:21-35 | July 6, 2025
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Why does Jesus use parables?
3. In the sermon it was said, “Forgiveness is something every one of us wants from others yet find it hard to give to others.” What are some reasons it is so hard to forgive those who have hurt you?
4. Please read Matthew 18:21-22. At what point can you stop forgiving someone?
5. Please read Matthew 18:23-27. Which statement is correct: “Forgiven people should forgive people” … or “Forgiven people must forgive people”? (Also see Colossians 3:12-14)
6. Please read Matthew 18:28-31. What was the biggest problem with the actions of the forgiven servant? How does that apply to us today?
7. Please read Matthew 18:32-35. From these final verses of this story, what hits you the most personally?
The Persistent Widow
Kyle Broyer | Luke 18:1-8 | June 29, 2025
Digging Into the Passage
o Why do you think Jesus told this parable about the persistent widow? What does Luke 18:1 tell us right from the start?
(“Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”)
o What is surprising or strange about the judge in this story? What kind of person is he?
o The widow doesn’t give up even though the judge ignores her. What does her persistence show us about faith and prayer?
Making It Personal
o Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening to your prayers? What did you do?
o What does this parable teach us about how God is not like the unjust judge?
o Kyle shared that sometimes we think God is too busy or uninterested. Why do we sometimes believe that? How does this story challenge that view of God?
Prayer and Perspective
o How does praying persistently shape our perspective, even if we don’t get the answer we want right away?
o Have you ever prayed for something for a long time? What did that do to your faith, your relationship with God, or your trust in Him?
o What does it mean to you that God listens—not because we annoy Him, but because He loves us?
Scripture Connections & Application
o Read Revelation 8:1–4 together. What stands out to you about heaven going silent for prayer? What does this tell you about how God values our prayers?
o “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” – David Augsburger.
What does that quote mean to you? How does that relate to how God hears us in prayer?
Next Steps / Challenge for the Week
o What’s one thing you can pray about every day this week—something you want to be persistent about?
o Who in your life needs to know that God hears them and cares? How can you encourage them this week?