Many people make plans and goals for the next 365 days at the start of a new year. These can range from self-improvement to career goals to financial goals. While there is nothing bad about the plans and goals that we make, they are not what will serve us the most. If we really want to grow in the next year, what is most important is that we grow in our relationships with God and in our faith.
What is a resolution or goal you have for this next year?
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1. Read Mark 1:35-39. What stands out to you about Jesus’ practice of spending time with God?
Mark 1:35-39
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 36 Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” 39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.
2. Read Psalm 1:1-3. What is the benefit of focusing on and meditating on God’s word based on this passage of Scripture? How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
Psalm 1:1-3
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
3. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Based on this passage of Scripture, why is meeting together so crucial for followers of Christ?
Hebrews 10:24-25
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
4. Read Matthew 9:35-38. What made Jesus feel compassion in this passage of Scripture?
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
1. When it comes to spending time with God and growing in your faith, what is one way you would like to grow?
2. How can this group help you over this next year to grow in your faith?
3. What is something you will be praying for over this next year?
One of the most important things we can do over this next year is share our faith with those who do not have a relationship with Christ. How is it going when it comes to sharing your faith with those who do not have a relationship with Christ? Share with your group how it has been going sharing your faith with those around you, along with one step you can start taking this week in order to grow.
In our Bible study, we discussed the importance of growing in community with other followers of Christ. Indeed, we all need each other to grow in our faith. As a small group, let's take the next few minutes to discover three specific ways that we can help each other grow over the next year.
One of the most important things that we can do as a group is encourage each other. When we encourage each other, we remind each other to stand firm in our faith and to stay away from sin. We encourage each other to keep going and not to give up. This encouragement helps us to keep living lives that honor Christ.
1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-11
For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
2. What is the warning issued in this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of encouraging each other?
4 How can our group specifically encourage each other?
Service is a key marker of followers of Christ. Christ set the example for us by the way He served those around Him. Because we are His followers, we are to love and serve each other and the people all around us. When we serve each other, we are stronger and more compassionate people, and we point others around us to Christ.
Galatians 5:13-15
12 After 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
2. How are we called to serve one another, according to this passage of Scripture, and what does it mean to serve in that manner?
3. How has God specifically gifted you to serve?
4. How can our group specifically serve each other over the next year?
One of the privileges that we have as Christ followers is the opportunity to pray for each other. When we pray for each other, we share each other’s burdens and bring them before God, our Heavenly Father. This prayer unifies believers and encourages us in our own faith and prayer lives.
1. Read James 5:13-16.
James 5:13-16
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 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.
Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
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. What can we pray about, based on this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of praying for each other, based on this passage of Scripture?
4. What is one thing that you are praying for right now?
End your time together tonight by praying together. Share any more specific prayer requests that have not been shared already, and then take time to pray for each one of them. Commit to praying for each other throughout the week and remind each other that you are praying for these specific requests.
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