Building Healthy Relationship Series part 1

Building Healthy Relationship Series

Wednesday Night Homegroup

Part 1: Thanksgiving and Prayer - Philemon 1:1-7
_________________________________________________________________Topics: Encouragement, Friendship, Prayer, Relationships, Slavery, Thankfulness, Words

"Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship and not as ends in themselves" ~ Francis Shaffer

"God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are." ~ Billy Graham

Philemon, the recipient of this letter,was a prominent member of the church at Colosse, which met in his house. Paul wrote this short letter to Philemon probably at the same time as he wrote Colossians, 60-62 AD. It was probably sent to Colosse, Philemon’s home, along with the letter to the Colossians. This letter is a specimen of the highest wisdom as to the manner in which Christians ought to manage social affairs on more exalted principles. We can learn many lessons of love, forgiveness, and christian character despite mistreatment. This book is key in the study of building strong relationships.

Open It

1. What role have someone’s words of encouragement played in your life?
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2. How much of what is said to you each week at work and home is negative or positive?
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Explore It

4. What two godly qualities did Paul desire for his readers? (1:3)
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5. How did Paul pray for his audience? (1:6)
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6. What had Philemon done for the other Christians in the region? (1:7)
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Get It

7. What are the subjects or concerns you most often address in your prayers?
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8. How can compliments and encouragement influence someone’s life?
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9. How does it help a person to pray for him or her?
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Apply It

10. Who in your life needs a word of compliment or encouragement at this time?
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11. Make a list of several people you need to pray for this week?
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