After God created the first man, Adam, in the book of Genesis, He saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone. He knew that Adam did not need to be alone. As a result, He created Eve, someone who could help him and live life alongside him. It has been clear from the beginning that human beings were not meant to live life alone, in isolation. That is why we are so glad that you are a part of your small group. As followers of Christ, we need to be part of Groups, other followers of Christ to live life alongside, if we want to become fully devoted followers of Christ.
You have a free evening with no obligations or places you have to be. Would you spend the evening alone or try to gather with friends for a meal, movie, or something else? Why?
1. What are the disadvantages of living life in isolation?
2. Read Genesis 2:15-22. What did God reveal about human isolation in this passage of Scripture? How have you experienced the negative consequences of isolation in your own life?
Genesis 2:15-22
15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. 16 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—17 except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” 19 So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. 20 He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
3. Read Acts 2:42-47. What stands out to you about the way that the early church lived?
Acts 2:42-47
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. How does growing in groups with other followers of Christ fit into this instruction from Jesus in this passage of Scripture?
Matthew 28:18-20
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
1. When it comes to your life, are you leaning more toward isolation or surrounding yourself with other followers of Christ to grow with? Why?
2. What separates groups (or gatherings) of Christ followers from all other groups of people who gather together?
3. How can this group help you over the next year to grow in your faith?
Now that you have all shared one way that you can help each other grow, break up into groups of 2 or 3 and pray together. Ask God to help each one of you have the boldness and confidence to take steps to grow in your faith. Commit to helping each other grow and encourage each other to take the necessary steps to grow throughout the week.
Now that we have discussed the importance of letting go of isolation and living in community together, let's take a few minutes to explore how we can grow together as a group and encourage one another as we seek to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Specifically, let's examine three ways that Scripture says we can help one another grow: by praying for each other, confessing our sins to each other, and serving together.
At the top of the list of ways we can help each other grow and become fully devoted followers of Christ is praying for each other. We have the privilege of approaching God the Father and praying for one another. This includes praying for each other's needs and worries so that we would all have the courage to obey and follow Christ.
1. Read James 5:13-15.
James 5:13-15
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.
2. What can we pray about, according to this passage of Scripture, when we pray for each other?
3. What is the impact when we pray for each other, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. How can your group grow when it comes to praying for each other?
Confessing our sins and acknowledging the ways we have fallen short is never easy. Confession requires courage and humility to admit our mistakes and the areas where we have disobeyed God and broken His heart. Even still, followers of Christ are called to confess their sins to each other, which will lead to freedom and healing.
1. Read James 5:16.
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. What does it mean to “confess your sins to each other?” What does confession look like in our lives practically?
3. What is the benefit of confession? How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
4. How can your group grow when it comes to confessing your sins and struggles with each other?
Finally, one of the greatest ways we can grow together is by serving one another and the people around us. Serving causes us to take our eyes off ourselves and our needs and focus on the needs of the people around us. As you and your group serve both one another and the people whom God has placed in your lives, you will grow in humility, model Christ's servant leadership, and become stronger and more unified as a group.
1. Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.
1 Peter 4:10-11
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
2. How are we to serve each other (and those around us) according to this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the benefit of serving together, according to this passage of Scripture? How have you experienced the benefits of serving together in your own life?
4. How can your group grow when it comes to serving together?
Take a few moments to discuss what you studied in Scripture today as a group. When it comes to growing as a group by praying together, confessing sins, and serving together, which of these areas do you want to grow in as a group? Decide on one way that your group can grow in this area and begin taking steps to grow in that area this week.
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