SERIES TITLE
Relationship Memes Week 5
SERIES OVERVIEW
Our world has turned into a giant meme. Whether it’s a dance move, a confused look, a cute baby, a total triumph, or an epic collapse – the choices are endless. Instead of treating our relationships casually, what if we actually communicated face to face to say what we needed to say? What if we humbled ourselves and allowed God to lead us in all of our conversations? Join us for a practical series on navigating through our most valued relationships.
SERMON TITLE
Codependency + I Can Fix This
WEEKEND IN REVIEW
In the sermon “I Can Fix You,” Pastor Mike Breaux discusses codependency in relationships. He explains that people often compare themselves and try to outdo each other. Breaux explores the concept of Mike Foster’s book, The Seven Primal Questions and how they drive people’s happiness and fulfillment. He highlights the characteristics of codependent behavior and suggests that finding worth in God’s love is the key to breaking free from codependency.
WARM UP
Mike shared a video of two kids dancing and talked about the comparison trap and the need to “one-up” someone. Share a time either you felt the need to “one-up” someone or you were “one-up.”
DISCUSSion
- How can we identify codependent behavior in our own relationships?
Pastor Mike Breaux discussed codependency, highlighting characteristics such as constantly striving to earn love and acceptance, being unable to say no, and attracting people with negative behaviors to fulfill the need to be needed.
In what ways do you demonstrate these characteristics and how can you work towards healthier relational patterns?
- How do the primal questions affect our relationships and our faith?
The sermon referenced the 7 Primal Questions from Mike Foster’s book, pointing out that our happiness and fulfillment depend on whether we answer these questions affirmatively. The questions are:
7 Primal Questions
- Am I safe?
- Am I secure?
- Am I loved?
- Am I wanted?
- Am I successful?
- Am I good enough?
- Do I have a purpose?
Which of these primal questions resonate with you the most, and how can focusing on God’s love help you find the answers to these questions?
- What are some strategies for setting boundaries in our relationships?
Pastor Breaux emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and finding worth in God’s love in order to combat codependency.
What boundaries do you need to establish in your own relationships, and how can your faith play a role in maintaining those boundaries?
- How can we find healing from the root causes of codependency, such as patterns, trauma, and scripts?
The sermon discussed root causes of codependency, encouraging self-reflection, and understanding these root causes to break free from codependent patterns.
What are some of your own root causes, and how can you seek support and healing through your relationship with God and others?
- What scripture passages can we reflect on to help find our worth and security in God’s love?
Pastor Breaux listed biblical verses that demonstrate God’s love, acceptance, and care for His people, encouraging us to marinate in His love and truth.
Am I safe?
Proverbs 18:10(NLT) The name of the Lord is a strong fortess; the godly run to him and are safe.
Am I secure?
Romans 8:38-39(NLT) And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Am I loved?
Psalm 130:7(NLT)…hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is UNFAILING LOVE and an overflowing supply of salvation.
Am I wanted?
Ephesians 1:3-6 The Message (MSG) Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.
Choose one of these verses to memorize and reflect on daily and share how doing this has impacted your sense of worth and security in God’s love.
wrap up | prayer
- Ask for prayer requests from the group, giving everyone a chance to share their burdens and joys.
- Pray that God will help us to recognize if we have any codependent tendencies in our relationships. Ask Him to reveal any patterns, traumas, or scripts that might be causing these behaviors.
- Pray for the strength to set healthy boundaries in relationships, and the courage to say “no” when necessary. Ask God to help us find our worth in His love, not in the approval or acceptance of others.