Main Point

Relationships are a beauty to behold, not a beast to handle.

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Start the Conversation

In a relationship what do you value most: honesty, loyalty, good humor, beauty, or something else? Why?

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Introduction

Too often we are like characters in Disney movies: vain and self-serving. We think that anyone would want us in a relationship because of how beautiful and popular we are. However, beauty is only skin deep and eventually fades away. Unless we look on others as worthy and lovely, we become lonely and broken.

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Encountering God through Bible Study

Read Philippians 2:5-8
1. How did Jesus think of himself?
2. To what extent did Jesus humble himself?

Read Ephesians 4:1-3
3. What does the apostle Paul mean in verse 1 by “…walk worthy of the calling with which you were called”?
4. What do these mean: “humble,” “long-suffering,” and “bearing with one another”? Can you give an example of how you have seen these qualities in a relationship you admire?

Read I Corinthians 13:4-7
5. These verses list 15 attributes of love. Choose one or two and tell your group why the quality is important to you.
6. These qualities of love guide us in how to conduct relationships with others. Which are the most challenging to practice?

Read Judges 16:4-5, 15-17, 20-21, 28.
7. To what extent was Delilah loyal to Samson?
8. How did she discover Samson’s secret about his strength?
9. Why had Samson lost his strength?
10. In the end why did Samson want his strength one more time?

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Embrace others in Biblical Community

Spend some time praying for the relationships in your life. Pray for the humility to put others first and serve.

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Expand God’s Kingdom

Who do you know who needs to hear this message? Whose relationships might be strengthened by hearing God’s word in this series?

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Leader Notes

We encourage groups to try the Discovery Bible Method as an alternative to these discussion questions. You will find details for this Bible study method here. For this week, please study I Corinthians 13.

3. paraphrased: lead a life with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service.
4. Unselfishness, patience, making allowances because you love one another.
7. See verse 5.
8. See verse 6.
9. See verse 20. He did not know the Lord had left him.
10. He wanted revenge for losing both his eyes.