TCA-YWAM Austin November 4, 2018 Topic: Are You a true Friend to Others? (Compiled by Jon Dorris) (Permission granted for anyone to use freely) Q-Have you ever been misunderstood? Q-How did that feel? Q-Have you ever misunderstood others? Q-Why did you misunderstand them? Q-What are some of the reasons why we would misunderstand people? White Board Q-Would you like people to take time to understand you? And Befriend You? Q-(White Board) What things could someone do to understand you? SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND THE OTHER PERSON Discussion Points – Journal answers to these during sermon 1. What are at least 2 things you would want someone to do to deeply understand you? 2. Think of a friend you want to be more understanding to – how will you work to understand them this coming week/month? Q-Have you ever had a crisis that someone helped you walk through? Q-Did you feel a lot closer to them after the problem was solved? EX. Ben, Maddie, Shelly, Jordan, and Eric – -They helped each other walk through difficult things they were each facing -Because of that, they formed deep friendships CRISIS Q-What can you do when you see someone going through a crisis? White board EX-Sarah Y’s boyfriend broke up with her ( me with her and her parents parents) -We listened to her -We asked questions to help bring comfort and hope back to her -Holy Spirit prompted me to hug & pray for her. (Her dad said that needed to be someone other than he and his wife) ALONE Q- Have you ever felt alone? Q-What would you have liked other people to have done for you? White Board -You have Jesus you can always talk to -Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. JUDGMENTS Q-Have people ever judged you wrongly? Q-Have you ever judged someone and later found out it was wrong? EX. I have had both T&I have misjudged each other (Probably because we did not take the time to SEEK TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER) Matthew 7:1-3 Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Do forgiveness exercise Q-How would it have made you feel if the other person tried to understand you and your situation before jumping to conclusion? Ask Tanya Q-How would you feel if someone really tried to understand you? white board Q-What are some of the elements we can do when seeking to understand another person? white board Q-What can you learn from these Romans 12 verses to help you understand others? white board Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. EX – we all rejoiced with Sarah over her movie she produced and wept with her for her boyfriend break up – SHE FELT UNDERSTOOD, COMFORTED Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. EX – Q – Can you befriend an un-popular person at school ? Romans 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Alter call in your heart – Jon prays – say in heart I WANT THIS