Dr. Jeff Holmes | Genesis 2 & 3
How do our hopes, dreams and ideas of relationship turn into expectations? When we elevate ourselves over the other person in our relationship, expectations steal away choice and intimacy. "I know better, I deserve more, I should have..." The reality of this is expectations are the acid of intimacy.
Download or listen to Hopes & Expectations to hear more.
These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.
- Describe a time you learned something important about relationships through a friend, relative, boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse, etc.
- Read Genesis 1:26-27. What do you think it means that we are created in God's image? Why do you think God uses a plural pronoun in verse 26 to refer to Himself? What does this imply about us and relationship?
- Read Ephesians 5:1-2. What are some examples of God demonstrating His love? Have you ever imitated God's love intentionally or inadvertently? What happened?
- Read Romans 1:18-23. What does sin do to the possibility of imitating God's love? Verse 23 speaks of "great" exchange. How does this apply to our relationships?
- Can you share a desire that moved into the "expectation box?"
- Have you ever experienced expectations as an acid to intimacy? What are ways you have seen this?
- Read Romans 5:8. What would this kind of love look like if you actively lived it out? (make this personal for you specifically and not people in general)
- Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study and what steps in response He might want you to take.
