In week three of this series, Get in the Game we are talking about one of the greatest tools God has given to us as we fight in the battle that the enemy is waging against us: Christian community. We were never meant to live life alone. God has given us each other to live life alongside each other.
How has God used this group to encourage, help, or grow you?
SERMON RECAP
Bible Study
1. Why is community vital in the spiritual battles that we face daily?
2. Read Exodus 17:8-16. What are the impacts of community that we see in this passage of Scripture?
3. What was the result of the community demonstrated in Exodus 17?
4. Read Ecclesiastes 4:12. What is the benefit of living in community, according to this passage of Scripture?
Application
1. In what ways has living in community impacted you positively?
2. What area in your life do you need help? Will you open up to the group now and ask for help?
3. How has God gifted you to serve the community around you?
TAKE ACTION Take some time to think about how your small group can particularly encourage each other. Maybe you can pray for each other more consistently, serve together, or practice accountability. Whatever you decide, make a plan to grow in that area and implement it this week.
WEEKLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App) `
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Living life in community leads to remarkable growth. When we join with a group of people who are also following Christ, we are challenged to be more like Christ and walk toward Him. Let’s take a look at three ways that Scripture teaches we specifically grow in community.
We are held accountable when we live in community:
Living in community gives us an opportunity to practice accountability. When we live life alongside others, we invite them to hold us accountable. That means that we invite others to help us live in a way that honors God and to tell us when we are not living in a way that pleases Him. We also get to help others live a life that pleases Him and call out any behavior that needs changing.
1. Read James 5:16. Why does James call people to confess sin and pray for each other?
James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
2. Read Proverbs 28:13. Compare and contrast the person who confesses sin and the person who does not.
Proverbs 28:13
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
3. After reading these passages of Scripture, why is accountability vital? How does it lead to growth?
Our prayer lives grow when we live in community:
Living in community grows our prayer lives. One of the most extraordinary things about living in community is the opportunity it brings to be prayed for by a community of Christ followers. It also gives us an opportunity to pray for others. When we live in a way that is devoted to praying for others and being prayed for, our prayer lives grow.
1. Read Ephesians 6:18.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
2. Summarize Paul’s instruction in this passage of Scripture.
3. Why is prayer a vital part of living in community?
4.How does prayer, specifically praying for others and being prayed for by others, lead to growth?
We become more like Christ when we live in community.
Perhaps the most important result of growing in community is the fact that living life with other followers of Christ points us to Him. As we surround ourselves with and spend time with other Christians, we become more and more like Him.
1. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1.
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles[f] or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
2. What is Paul’s motivation for everything He does?
3. How would following His instruction lead to growth?
4. Why is community important when it comes to following Christ’s example and growing spiritually?
Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture we studied today with your group:
1. How have you personally experienced growth through accountability, growth in your prayer life, and spiritual growth through being in this small group?
2. When it comes to those three areas of growth that we looked at, which area would you like to see your group grow in the most?
3. What is a practical thing you and your group members can do to grow?
Take a few moments to share prayer requests with your group. Be sure that each group member writes down the prayer requests. Commit to praying for each other throughout the week, taking time to come to God on behalf of the others in the group.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
