All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!). Ephesians 2:3-5 (NLT2) Big Idea: God’s redemptive power removes our sins and calls us to return to Him. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT2) How To Embrace God’s Redemptive Power: 1. Work On Myself by Changing One Defect at a Time “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” Proverbs 17:24 (TEV) And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT2) “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT2) 2. Find People Who Can Help, Not Hinder You “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV) 3. Believe In Marriage Breakthroughs Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NLT2) • What step do I need to take to embrace God’s redemptive power? My Next right steps: Work on myself by changing one defect at a time Seek wise counsel Believe in marriage breakthroughs . Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you’re leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group. “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (NLT) Remember verse Big Idea: God’s redemptive power removes our sins and calls us to return to Him. Open in Prayer Icebreaker: What are some reasons why physical healing takes so long? How about spiritual healing? Where have you seen God bring healing into your life? Where would you like healing? How To Embrace God’s Redemptive Power: 1. Work On Myself, Changing One Defect at a Time Read Proverbs 17:24 Why is it better to focus on one thing at a time? Read: Philippians 1:6 How can I have confidence that I will finish well? Read: Philippians 2:12-13 What are we supposed to be doing? What does “work out” mean? What is God doing for me? Read: Philippians 3:13-14 How can I focus on progress? 2. Find People Who Can Help, Not Hinder You Read 1 Corinthians 15:33 Although we may know this teaching, what makes us think that we are an exception to the rule? Read: Proverbs 27:17 How can we sharpen each other spiritually? Read: Psalm 1:1 Regarding my current friends, what advice am I listening to? 3. Believe In Marriage Breakthroughs Ephesians 4:32 What are some practical ways to embrace God’s power? How much has God forgiven you in Jesus? Read: Galatians 5:16-25 How does this play out in your daily life? What is one craving that God is asking me to nail to the cross? Close in Prayer: Heavenly Father, We come before You as broken people in need of Your healing power in every area of our lives—our marriages, our personal struggles, and our families. Lord, we confess our imperfections and ask for the courage to focus on our own growth, rather than on the faults of others. Help us to be humble and willing to address the areas in our hearts that need Your refining work. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to soften our hearts, to remove pride and bitterness, and to lead us toward reconciliation in our marriages. Teach us to be quick to forgive, slow to speak in anger, and eager to show the grace and mercy that You have shown us. Let Your grace be the foundation upon which our marriages stand, and may Your mercy be reflected in how we love and care for one another. Father, we trust in Your power to break through any challenge we face. No matter the struggles in our marriages, we know that You are greater, and that with You, nothing is impossible. Bring restoration, healing, and hope to our relationships. We pray this in the powerful and transforming name of Jesus. Amen