JULY 31
VOICES 2022- DR. TIM ELMORE
Dr. Elmore has trained more than 500,000 leaders in hundreds of organizations worldwide. He’s also the Founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, a non-profit team that equips students & young professionals around the world to become life-giving leaders. Author of the well known Habitudes: Images that Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes and Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population, rather than hearing his story, he is going to help us understand the emerging story of the next generation.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Describe your relationship with your smartphone/tablet or technology in general. How much does it impact your life on a daily basis?
2. What stood out to you from the message?
3. Read Galatians 5:19-26.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
4. Dr. Elmore said, “The world of technology makes a wonderful servant, but a terrible master,” and, “As technology increases, empathy decreases.” Do you agree? How have you seen this to be true in the world around us and in your own home?
5. Read Romans 12:1-2. According to Dr. Elmore, “Emotional intelligence is the sum total of my self-awareness, my self-management, my social awareness, and my relationship management.” Which of these areas needs the most attention and growth in your life? After looking closely at Galatians 5:19-26 and reading Romans 12:1-2, what central truth can you apply that will help you grow in that area of emotional intelligence? How might your life look different as a result?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Galatians 5:19-26 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
DIGGING DEEPER
1. Talk with God this week about how much technology might be intruding in your emotional, physical, relational, or spiritual health. Is technology helping or hindering your relationship with God? Are you free in regards to your devices, or are you enslaved? What new habits can you implement that will help free you even more? Consider sharing what you learn with trusted community and inviting them to help keep you accountable.