Study Guide for

We – Wii

May 31, 2009

Open Up

Wii is the brand name of a current video game console.  Chat with your group about a popular game machine from your past (video game, pinball machine, amusement park arcade, etc).  Was it possible to “win,” or did the game simply keep getting harder until you stopped? OPTIONAL: If you were not a game machine player, chat about the reasons why you didn’t enjoy those kinds of games.

TRANSITION: “Playing games” for fun may cost some quarters and time, but “playing games” in our relationships has a much higher, painful price.

Dig In

(1) Read 2 Samuel 12:1-10 and 2 Samuel 13:10-15. The Bible does not pull any punches in describing these two tragedies in King David’s life: his own sin of adultery and murder, followed by one of his sons raping one of his daughters. Discuss with your group the possible connection between David’s sin and the sins his children committed. Ask you group to share other examples of a specific sin that created a negative legacy of more sins. OPTIONAL Read 2 Samuel 13:20-22 and 2 Samuel 13:26-29. How does David’s action (or lack of action) lead to more tragedy?

(2) Read Psalm 51:1-10 and Psalm 139:23-24. David wrote many of the worship songs preserved in the book of Psalms, including these two.  What do these two excerpts show about David’s taking responsibility for sin?

(3) Read 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 and Romans 12:1-2. What do these verses say about our need to let God change us?  How does this change affect dysfunctional relationships?

Work On

Ask your group to share real-life examples of the dysfunctional games they see in family, work, and other relationships?  Do they know of any examples of genuinely “winning” by using guilt, manipulation, etc or do these games ultimately break relationships?  How does taking responsibility for my relationship mistakes help to end the dysfunctional game?

Lift Up

Reread Psalm 51:10-13 to guide your hearts in praying for the Spirit’s healing for dysfunctional relationships.

Another Step – Advanced Study

Read Exodus 20:4-6 and 1 King 11:1-6 and 2 Chronicles 12:13-14. David’s son Solomon and grandson Rehoboam made their own sinful choices, but how does the overall story of David’s family show the truth of Exodus 20? When comparing positive and negative legacies in Exodus 20, which is described as having the longer impact? Ask your group to share example of positive life choices having an impact on multiple generations.