The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.

You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.

If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.

ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:

If your life was a movie, what would the title be?

RELATIONAL VAMPIRES, PT 2
Critical people

SPEAKER: PASTOR DOUG GARASIC

Scriptures—

Matthew 12:1-8, 1 Peter 2:23, Proverbs 15:31-32

Key Takeaways—

• We live in a world full of critics, and it's impossible to avoid all criticism.

• God wants to put people in our lives who give life, not take it away.

• Drawing from 1 Peter 2:23, we're reminded of Jesus' example in the face of criticism - He didn't retaliate but entrusted Himself to God.

• When we do need to respond, we're urged to do so carefully, with wisdom and Scripture, not just emotion.

• There are three main ways to respond to critical people: 1. Often, don't respond 2. Sometimes, respond carefully 3. Occasionally, listen and make changes behavior.

Discussion Questions—

1. Share a time when you faced criticism. How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

2. Why do you think people tend to be critical? What might be driving their behavior?

3. Pastor Doug mentioned 1 Peter 2:23, describing how Jesus responded to insults. How can we apply this example to our own lives when facing criticism?

4. Discuss the statement: "At the end of the day, my job is to obey God, not respond to all my critics." How might this perspective change how we handle criticism?

5. What's the difference between reacting emotionally and responding carefully to criticism? Share examples from your own experiences.

6. The sermon mentioned being "emotionally sunburned." What does this mean to you, and how can we recognize when we're in this state?

7. How can we discern when criticism is valid and worth listening to versus when it's not?

8. Discuss the four sources of identity and guidance mentioned in the sermon: 1. God's Word 2. Those who want God's Word for you 3. Self-reflection (looking in the mirror) 4. Everyone else. How might prioritizing these sources in this order impact our lives?

Practical Application—

Identify Life-Givers: Make a list of people in your life who encourage you towards God's Word. Consider how you can spend more time with them.

Closing Prayer—

Lord, help us to be less critical and more grateful. Give us wisdom to know how to respond to criticism in a way that honors You. Help us prioritize Your Word and surround ourselves with people who encourage us in our faith. May we become more like Jesus in how we handle difficult situations and relationships. Amen.