Polarized, Part 1: The Messy Middle
February 4, 2024

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Message Review

In today's world, we are witnessing an increasing polarization where people are being divided into opposing groups. People are taking a stand on their positions, divided from people who disagree. This kind of division is not conducive to glorifying God. As Christ-followers, we need to be willing to stand with others in the "messy middle” even when we disagree.

Main Point: God cannot be glorified when the Church is polarized.

Scripture References: Esther 3:8-9; Esther 4:1-2; Esther 4:12-16; Esther 7:3-4; Esther 8:7-8  

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Romans 12:1-2. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?

  • What do you think has led to our world being so polarized?  How has this polarization impacted the country, families, relationships, and/or the Church?  

  • Ronnie said, God cannot be glorified when the Church is polarized.  Do you agree or disagree?  Why?

  • Read Matthew 22:36-40. What is Jesus communicating in these verses? 

  • Read John 13:34-35. In what ways has Jesus first loved us?  What does it look like to love one another just as Jesus first loved us?  According to Jesus, why is it important we do?  

  • Read Jesus’ prayer for His future Church (you and me) in John 17:20-26.  What did Jesus pray for?  Why did he pray for that?

  • What does it look like to be united with one another when we disagree with one another? 

  • Ronnie said unity happens by standing with people in the messy middle. What are practical ways you can relationally stand with those you disagree with?  

  • Being a God-glorifying church instead of a polarized church will require a posture of surrender from all of us.  Read Romans 12:1-2 again.  According to the Apostle Paul, why and how do we surrender?

  • What is something Jesus is inviting you to surrender throughout this series, for God to be glorified more at the end of this series?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.