Helena First
Discussion Guide

Great Expectations

Pastor Paul Feuerstein
|
January 31, 2024

Main Idea

The main idea of this message is that to enjoy the full potential of Christ-following relationships, we need to have healthy expectations and be devoted to four things: talking about the Bible together, building relationships, sharing meals, and praying together. These devotions should start with our devotion to Jesus, and not with devotion to others. We should also expect that some people will be higher profile than us and that God will work through different people in different ways. Additionally, we should expect to meet needs in these relationships and be generous in our giving. Finally, we should expect a lot of eating, laughter, and growth in the number of people following Jesus.

Scripture References

Acts 2:42-47, Proverbs 13:12, Genesis 2:18

What happens when people have unmet expectations? What does a sick heart look like?

Unity doesn't come from focusing on unity, but from devotion to following Jesus together.

Why did God create relationships? What is not good about being alone?

Discussion Questions:

Which of the early church activities is God prompting you to work on?

Have you ever had false expectations in a relationship? How did it affect that relationship?

How can we be more generous in meeting the needs of others in our Christ-following relationships?

Expect that some people will be higher profile than you, and that God will work through different people in special ways.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Paul Feuerstein from Helena First Church talks about the importance of having healthy expectations in our Christ-following relationships. He uses the example of soda and Mentos, which are good separately but powerful together. Pastor Paul also mentions that their small groups are kicking off this month, and highlights two essentials for every group: connecting with a Christ-following community and growing in our faith. He encourages us to give it a try and go all in. He then asks if we have ever had false expectations and gives examples such as a bad vacation or expecting someone to use their blinker while driving. He also shares the story of a man in the Bible who worked seven years for a wife, only to find out on his honeymoon night that it was her sister. Pastor Paul emphasizes that wrong expectations can be repulsive. To fully enjoy the potential of Christ-following relationships, we need to have healthy expectations.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Take a look at the early Christ-followers in Acts 2 and see how they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Let's also devote ourselves to these four things in our Christ-following relationships.

Adjust your expectations and attitude, and choose to devote yourself to one of the four habits mentioned by Pastor Paul. Also, be friendly and reach out to others first.

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