The Connected Life
8 March - 29 March 2026
‘Connection is the key to human thriving.'
(Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales and Professor Robert Waldinger, from a report about the dangers of hyper-connectivity called ‘The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World’)
We live in a society in which there is greater recognition about the dangers of hyper-connectivity. We’re always connected, but less and less content.
Always on, but never at rest. Maybe the solution is to reassess who, or what, we are connected with?
Join us for a for this four-week series re-evaluating some key 'connections' in our lives, based in Romans 12. Journey with us as we discover four key areas of connections that we commonly forget.
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In this first of our new four-part series, The Connected Life, the message of Romans 12 invites us to reconnect with the God who renews and transforms us. As we reflect on God’s mercy, we’re reminded that real change happens when we stay plugged into the source.
Romans 12:1-2
Study questions:
1. During lockdown, many people realised how important connection is. Did that season change how you think about connection - with people or with God? Is there anything you strangely miss about it?
2. When have you felt the strongest connection to God?
Was it in quiet personal time, during worship with others, or in another situation?Read Romans 12:1-2.
3. Paul begins this passage by saying “in view of God’s mercy.”
Why do you think remembering God’s grace is the starting point for a transformed life?4. What do you think it looks like practically to “offer your body as a living sacrifice” in everyday life (time, habits, media, relationships, priorities)?
5. Paul says not to conform to “the pattern of this world.”
What patterns do you see most clearly in our culture today?
Where do you feel the pressure to conform?6. Paul says transformation happens through the renewing of our minds.
What practices help renew your mind and keep you spiritually “plugged in” to God?7. Christians need to refuel with God’s word.
How do you personally get Scripture into your life (reading, listening, studying, memorising, discussing)?8. Can you think of a time when you grew closer to God without really trying - perhaps through a difficult situation, an unexpected moment, or someone else’s influence?
9. Have you seen a story - your own or someone else’s - that really shows God’s grace transforming a person’s life?
PRAY: ‘Lord, renew our minds, deepen our connection with you, and take away our love of sinning so that our lives become living sacrifices for you.’
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How do you really see yourself?
In the second talk of our Connected Life series, we explore Romans 12:3 and the challenge to think of ourselves with “sober judgment.” In a culture where we are so often dominated by pride or insecurity, this message shows how God’s grace frees us from both. When we begin to see ourselves through the lens of God’s mercy, it changes not only how we view ourselves, but how we live and relate to others.
Romans 12:3
Study questions:
Who is someone in your life who has helped change how you see yourself? What did they do or say?
Read Romans 12:3 together.
What words or phrases stand out to you the most?The talk described two unhealthy ways of seeing ourselves: thinking toohighly of ourselves (like the “narcissist”) or too lowly (like the “echoist”).
Have you ever encountered people like this? Why do you think both extremes can be exhausting or damaging?Which way do you think you tend to lean - towards pride or towards insecurity? How does that show up in your thinking or behaviour?
Isn’t it actually humble to think very little of yourself (like an “echoist”)? Why or why not?
Paul says not to think of ourselves “more highly than we ought,” but to think with “sober judgment.”
What do you think that means in everyday life?The verse says that faith itself is “distributed by God.”
How does it change your perspective to realise that even faith is a gift of grace?The talk suggested that we often need other people to help us see ourselves clearly.
How can Christian community (like a Connect Group) help us grow in a healthier view of ourselves?Think about where do you tend to struggle more: thinking too highly of yourself, or too critically of yourself?
Pray that God would help you see yourself through the lens of his grace and mercy, with humility, confidence, and freedom.
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Romans 12:4-16
Study Questions:
If you had to lose one of your five senses, which would you miss the most and why?
Read Romans 12:4–16.
Which spiritual gifts or characteristics stand out to you, and why do you think Paul highlights these?
Where do you most often see God working through people in the church? What kinds of gifts show up in real life?
If you could choose a spiritual gift or way of serving, what would it be? What draws you to it, and what might that reveal about you?
Nathanael said on Sunday that it’s often easier to see gifts in others than in ourselves. If you’re comfortable, have a chat in your group about the gifts you see in one another. Does anything surprise you?
If you’ve served in a church before, what did you receive from it? How did it shape you?
“Never be lacking in zeal…” (Romans 12:11). When have you felt more passionate about Jesus or serving than you do now? What helped fuel that?
How do you discern whether a role is a good fit for your gifting? Is it ever right to serve in something that doesn’t feel like a natural strength? Why or why not?
PRAY that God would help you recognise your gifts, serve with joy and humility, and guide you into the right place to build up the body.
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Romans 12:17-21
Study Questions
1. Think about your week - where do you naturally find yourself around people (work, street, gym, school, café)? What’s one place you regularly connect with others?
2. Read Romans 12:17–21 together. What words or phrases stand out to you most, and why?
3. Paul talks about not repaying evil for evil. Why is that so difficult in real life? What’s our natural response instead?
4. “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” What does that look like in practice and where do you find this most challenging?
5. How does trusting God with justice (“leave room for God’s wrath”) change the way we respond to being wronged?
6. What might it look like to “overcome evil with good” in your everyday context - home, work, or community? Can you think of a real example?
7. The talk highlighted being a presence in the community, not just doing big things. Where has God already placed you, and what small step could you take there?
8. What holds you back from engaging more with people around you - fear, time, confidence, or something else? How might God meet you in that?
9. PRAY that God would open your eyes to your community this week, give you courage to love others well, and help you respond with grace—even when it’s hard.