Can a Christian Say “No”?

State College Access Church

Spring 2025 Life Group

Pastor Jonathan Srock

Overview

Jesus’s teachings and the rest of the New Testament describe Christians as the kind of people you can count on. We’re supposed to be full of grace, compassion, and hospitality. But how do we keep ourselves from getting hurt by people taking advantage of such traits? Can we say “no” to people who abuse our good graces? Does the Bible provide wiggle room and boundaries for us?

These are the questions this life group is all about. Through looking at the teaching of the New Testament and what is expected of us by Jesus and the apostles, we will discuss how we can be that kind of Christian they call us to be while not getting hurt by others or trampled over.

Schedule

Sundays 1:00-2:30 PM

Agenda

10 minutes – Opening Prayer

30 minutes – Teaching

50 minutes – Discussion and Application

More Details

Week 1: What Does Jesus Expect of Me?

We will explore the Gospels and see what Jesus’s teachings call Christians to be like. What’s it like to act like a Kingdom citizen? The most important question we will ask is, “Does Jesus give me any wiggle room?”

 Week 2: What Do the Apostles Expect of Me?

We will explore Acts and the New Testament letters. Went to the apostles and those writing the New Testament outline as Christian character and behavior? Do they give me any wiggle room?

Week 3: How Do I Know If I Have the Gifts of Compassion or Hospitality?

What are the gifts of compassion and hospitality? Do all Christians have to be compassionate and hospitable? What makes the gifts different? We will also discuss how to practice these gifts and have a compassionate heart without getting hurt by people who might abuse or take advantage of you.

Week 4: How Do I Confess to Others, Forgive Others, and Make Peace without Getting Hurt?

The Bible gives us clear commands to confess our sins to others, forgive others, and make peace with others. Even within the Christian community, this can be difficult. We will discuss what the Bible teaches about these three topics and how to handle Christians and unbelievers who do not accept these approaches in our lives.

Week 5: How Do I Treat My Relationships with Christians and Unbelievers without Getting Hurt?

Even among Christians, we do not always get with the Bible says we should get out of our relationships. There are serious disagreements among Christians, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Have you ever met the Christian who shares way too much? Or maybe you are the type of Christian who likes to keep to yourself. We discuss Christian relationships and how we can have relationships with unbelievers.

Week 6: How Do I Find the Right Spiritual Mentor?

Jesus didn’t design our Christian rock to be a solo one. We need friends and confidants. We discussed what a spiritual mentor is and how to find one who has your best interests at heart. We also discuss how to become a spiritual mentor and do the best job you can.

Week 7: How Do I Keep from Getting Hurt or Taken Advantage of?

Unfortunately, sometimes no matter what you do or how you approach your walk with Christ and helping others, you will get hurt or taken advantage of. What do you do if this happens? How do you keep it from happening again? We will discuss how to deal with the damages of a hurtful relationship.

Week 8: How Can Wisdom and Accountability Help Me?

No matter what relationships you are involved in, you need biblical wisdom and accountability. They will help you a great deal in your relationships. We will discuss the best ways to find wisdom and set up accountability to help you practice compassion and hospitality without getting hurt.