1. If you had to switch careers and become one of the five least trusted professions in America—lawyer, politician, telemarketer, lobbyist, or real estate agent, which would you choose and do you think you’d be any good at it?
2. The sermon mentioned how we often make promises we don’t keep—to God, to others, and even to ourselves. Why do you think it’s so easy to break those promises, even when our intentions are good? Mark 10:18
3. Have you ever experienced deep hurt from a broken promise or broken trust in a relationship? How did that affect your relationship? How did it affect your faith?
4. Read Matthew 5:33–37. What does Jesus’ warning about making oaths say about the kind of person He wants you to become? Why do you think our word matters so much?
5. Jesus teaches that our “Yes” should mean yes and our “No,” no. In what areas of life do you feel tempted to over-explain, justify, or find loopholes around your words?
6. How might your relationships change if you truly lived as someone whose words didn’t need backup—if others always knew they could trust what you say? Spouse? Kids? Neighbors? Enemies?
7. Read Colossians 3:12-15 The sermon said we often treat marriage like a contract, not a covenant. What are some ways you have treated you marriage like a contract? What do you think your spouse “owes you?”
8. Read Psalm 105:1-8 Discuss the idea of “covenantal loyalty”? How does it differ from just following rules or fulfilling a contract?
9. Read 2 Timothy 2:13 Jesus points to God’s faithfulness as the example even when we are unfaithful. How does reconciliation and restoration help us pursue covenantal loyalty in our marriages, especially when our spouses don’t deserve it?
10. What is one relationship in your life right now where God might be calling you to pursue covenantal loyalty more intentionally? How can the group support you in that?
