Summary

In this sermon titled "Find Your People," Pastor Kent addresses the tension between our need for deep relationships and the fear of betrayal. He shares a personal story of betrayal by a church elder who used Kent's own insecurities against him. Kent explains that while everyone has experienced betrayal, we were created for meaningful relationships, as evidenced by God's declaration that it was "not good for man to be alone." The sermon emphasizes that people are the only things from this reality that continue into eternity, yet many isolate themselves to avoid being hurt again.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the importance of deep relationships in our lives, we ask for Your wisdom and guidance. Open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us today about finding our people. Help us to overcome past hurts and betrayals that may have caused us to build walls around our hearts. Give us the courage to be vulnerable again and the discernment to recognize trustworthy people. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the longest friendship you've maintained in your life, and what has kept that relationship strong?

Key Verses

1. Genesis 2:18
2. Proverbs 3:3-4
3. Matthew 5:33-37
4. Colossians 4:12
5. Philippians 2:19-21

Questions

1. Pastor Kent mentioned that everyone has experienced betrayal. How has a past betrayal affected your ability to form deep relationships?
2. Genesis 2:18 says it is not good for man to be alone. Why do you think God designed us to need community with others?
3. The sermon suggests that people are the only things from this reality that continue into eternity. How might this perspective change how you prioritize relationships versus material pursuits?
4. What does it mean to "lead with loyalty" in your relationships? How have you seen this quality demonstrated in your life?
5. Pastor Kent talked about people whose "yes means yes and no means no." Why is this kind of trustworthiness so important in deep relationships?
6. How can we cultivate commitment in our relationships like Epaphras who was "always wrestling in prayer" for others even when physically distant?
7. In what ways have you seen Jesus' example of continuing to love despite betrayal influence your own approach to relationships?
8. What practical steps can you take this week to move beyond surface-level interactions toward deeper relationships with others?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who demonstrates the qualities of loyalty, trustworthiness, and commitment that Pastor Kent described. Reach out to them and intentionally deepen that relationship by sharing something meaningful about yourself that you don't typically share. Additionally, reflect on how you can become this type of person for others - someone who leads with loyalty, tenders trust, and cultivates commitment. Consider joining a connect group if you haven't already, taking that first step toward finding your people.

Key Takeaways

1. We were created for deep, meaningful relationships with others, as God declared it was "not good for man to be alone."
2. When looking for people to build deep relationships with, seek those who lead with loyalty, tender trust, and cultivate commitment.
3. People are the only things from this reality that continue into eternity, yet we often prioritize material pursuits over relationships.
4. Jesus experienced betrayal from one of his closest friends yet continued to love and invite people into relationship with him.
5. We cannot become trustworthy, deep friends until we've experienced God's grace and restoration in our own lives.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for modeling what true friendship looks like, even in the face of betrayal. Thank You for seeking us out and embracing us despite our imperfections. Help us to be people who lead with loyalty, tender trust, and cultivate commitment in our relationships. Give us courage to move beyond past hurts and the wisdom to find people who will walk alongside us in authentic community. May we become the kind of friends who pray for others even when we're apart and who genuinely care for others' welfare above our own interests. As we leave today, guide us to the relationships You have prepared for us, and help us to be the kind of people others can count on. In Your name we pray, Amen.