WEEK 3 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

Beyond the walls – Confronting Loneliness

Introduction:

We all feel lonely occasionally, perhaps because of ill health, a busy work schedule, or moving to a new job or school. When that happens, we find it harder to reach out to friends. Our mind starts telling us no one’s interested in our thoughts or feelings, and we build walls around our hearts that let few people in. The more we withdraw, the worse we feel. But it’s important to distinguish between loneliness and aloneness because believers are never truly alone. Yes, everyone feels isolated at some point, but God never intended for us to live disconnected from one another. This message talks about confronting loneliness.

Bottom line:

Something To Talk About:

God didn’t create us because He was lonely, He created us because He is love: God created us for one reason: to know Him and love Him and have fellowship with Him. His motivation for creating us wasn’t out of a need for companionship or to alleviate loneliness, God is all sufficient. He doesn’t need anything and can’t need anything. No, God has never been lonely. His motive for creating the world and mankind is the same as His ultimate motive for all He does: to manifest His own glory. That is done partly in and through His genuine love for us, the sacrifice Jesus made to restore our relationship with Him. God created us because He wanted to love and be loved by us. Love is a fundamental part of His being, and because His very nature is love, He desired to express that love by creating beings capable of experiencing and sharing it with Him. God so longed for communion with you that He paid the ultimate price. He counts you worthy of the death of His Son. Let that truth shape your identity. Let God’s love be the foundation for your perspective, thoughts, emotions, and actions today. May your heart be stirred to live in light of God’s unconditional love.
The first century believers needed each other, and they knew it. Believers today need each other, and they have forgotten it: The first-century believers, as depicted in the Bible’s book of Acts, needed each other deeply because they faced significant persecution, shared a strong sense of community, and actively supported one another’s needs by sharing their possessions and resources, essentially living as a united family where no one was left without the necessary support. The Bible describes how early believers “had all things in common” 9Acts 2:44 ESV) and sold their possessions to distribute to those in need, demonstrating a high level of interdependence. They were involved in communal worship, breaking bread together, and supporting each other through difficult times. Fast forward to today. We often want to act tough and not rely on others. But the reality is we’re all not so strong in ourselves. We all have difficulties. None of us are perfect, and we need Jesus Christ. We also need other people who believe in Jesus in our lives. That’s what being a community means.
Jesus honoring small group: Small groups are a critical part of our ministry and our main channel for discipleship and care for each person in our family. Spiritual needs cannot be met through simply a once-a-week large group worship service every Sunday morning. While we need that, small groups help take us to the next level – to a genuine community. A small group will help you develop significant relationships with others who can encourage and challenge you to consistently apply the truths of God’s Word to each area of your life. A Jesus-honoring group should be modeled after the greatest small group ever. When Jesus started His ministry, He handpicked 12 men for His disciples. His small group. As the leader, Jesus was intentional with His time through fellowship, asking questions, and building relationships; we want to do the same thing. Small groups will challenge you, hold you accountable, and accept your flaws and all. It can and will make a significant difference in your life.

Discussion Questions:

What is loneliness? What are some typical factors that contribute to loneliness? Who is the least lonely person you know, and why do you think they are not as lonely as other people?
Why do we have a hard time acknowledging our loneliness to ourselves and others?
Sometimes, we are not paying attention, and lonely neighbors are in our blind spots. How do we identify someone in our blind spot?
How can we make a significant impact on the life of a neighbor who is experiencing loneliness?
What practical ways can you act like Jesus and love the lonely? What might be a useful way to connect with someone in your blind spot who is struggling with loneliness?
Do you believe that spiritual support is important? Why or why not?
When did you keep going through a struggle because other people faithfully walked with you?
Who are the people in your life that you can walk alongside? How will you show them today that they are not alone?
What are some of the benefits of being part of a small group?
How can we, as a community of believers, be a safety net for each other? Is there a person or family that needs someone or a small group to come alongside in their despair or waiting?
What is the biggest takeaway from this message?

Take one thing home with you:

If you ever wondered whether you should join a small group, consider that: Small groups are one of the most powerful disciplining mechanisms in the church. Through prayer, transparency, and time in God’s word, it is evident that God is at work in small groups. It may not be noticeable in the short term, but over time, you see the fruit of what God is doing. It is not that small groups are a necessity of church life–but it is true that if you do not have this kind of spiritual relationship in your life, you are missing out on a powerful way that God grows His kingdom, family, and you.