WEEK 7 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

Practicing the way – How we change: community

Introduction:

This series is meant to reshape how we live as followers of Jesus. Becoming an apprentice of Jesus requires us to work actively with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what He did. We want to follow in his steps so closely that we become covered in the dust of our Rabbi.

Bottom Line: There is the ideal of community, and then there is the messy reality of community, and discipleship happens in the space in between.

Something To Talk About:

Community is crucial to discipleship because it provides a space for mutual encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Through shared experiences and relationships, it fosters a deeper understanding and application of faith.

Community is non-optional for discipleship to Jesus: For those following Jesus, community is not optional but essential for discipleship, as it provides the context for spiritual growth, transformation, and accountability, as highlighted in the Bible and Christian teachings. Jesus’s ministry and the early church were built on the foundation of community, with Jesus calling His disciples to follow Him and live together, sharing burdens and growing in faith together. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of the church as a body of believers, where individuals are called to support and encourage one another. In a community, believers can find support and encouragement in times of difficulty, knowing they are not alone in their struggles. This mutual support is crucial for navigating the challenges of discipleship and remaining steadfast in faith.
Community is non-optional for a well-lived life: Christian community is vital for a well-lived Christian life because it fosters spiritual growth, provides support and encouragement, and allows for the sharing of faith and experiences, ultimately helping individuals become more like Christ. First, being a part of a Christian community is important because it’s vital for Christian growth. We need other Christians to teach us, encourage us, and pray for and with us. We need other Christians to hold us accountable and provide godly counsel. All of which are vital for Christian growth and a Christlike life. Ultimately, our calling as Christians is to live out a life that mirrors Christ’s love and grace in every area. Being a true follower of Christ means being a presence of love, peace, and encouragement in every interaction. We are building His Kingdom not only by what we do but by how we do it—within the context of relationships.
Community is the context in which we are transformed: Community provides a space for spiritual growth and transformation, where individuals can be challenged, encouraged, and held accountable in their faith journey. Through shared experiences, prayer, and fellowship, believers can learn from one another and grow closer to Jesus, in a world where people feel isolated and alone. Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled and taught about life in community. We are transformed one at a time, but we are not transformed alone. We are transformed in groups. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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” (Hebrews 10:24–25). This verse is often used as an admonition to come to church. Note that this is not what it is talking about. It is not talking about sitting in straight rows and watching the same events happen on the same stage. It is talking about meetings where we encourage one another, meetings where I encourage you, and you encourage me. As Andy Stanley says, “Circles are better than rows.” Circles encourage one another to start their day with the Bible. Circles ask hard questions. Circles probe. Circles admonish. Circles hug. Circles love. Circles transform.
Community is not necessarily the same thing as a group of friends: There’s nothing wrong with wanting friends, especially if you attend a large church. But there’s a difference between getting into a community group and having a group of friends to sit with at church and go grab dinner with on Friday nights. Being in a Biblical community is far beyond surface-level conversations and an occasional Bible study where everyone goes around the circle and gives a Sunday school answer. Biblical community is where spiritual transformation can happen deeply and intimately. But, for that to happen, group members must be willing to open rather than simply making small talk. But that takes time. It is good to have friends, but it is even better to have a group of people who truly know and accept you, and who are actively concerned with your well-being and helping you grow. That is Biblical community, and it is so worth it.
Community is the byproduct of commitment: A strong biblical community requires a conscious and sustained commitment from its members, fostering relationships, shared values, and active participation in ministry and service. One of the ways we can be all-in for Christ is to commit ourselves to a family of His people. “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….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” (Acts 2:42, 46). Devoted. This was not just faithful attendance or reliable, spiritual routine. It was relentless joy and love — together. What were they devoted to? To the Scriptures and to their fellowship (Acts 2:42). Not devoted like we might be devoted to a New Year’s resolution, but like we are dedicated to eating food and drinking water each day. They were daily devoted to God’s word and to each other like their lives depended on it because they did depend on it. We need a community committed like theirs.

Discussion Questions:

To enjoy God in community, we must share God in community, but before we can share God in community we must see God for ourselves. How might you develop the habit of seeing God for yourself?
What are some of the benefits of having meaningful relationships with other believers?
To enjoy God in community, we must share God in community. What makes sharing with other Christians difficult? What makes it easy?
Have you experienced deep fellowship with someone who you might not otherwise be friends with?
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?
How does connecting with other believers make it easier to understand the love of God?
How can we encourage one another, particularly in 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?
In addition to community groups, what other ways may you experience Christian fellowship?

Take one thing home with you:

Where is your support system?

Every one of us needs a support system. A brain surgeon wouldn’t operate without first hooking their patient up to a life support system. A deep-sea diver wouldn’t explore the ocean’s depths without first connecting to a life support system. As followers of Jesus, we need a life support system to help us navigate life’s challenges and grow spiritually. We can’t survive without a life support system. Small groups can be transformational. As small group members serve one another, both the giver and receiver are helped. The receiver gets a need met. The giver grows spiritually. Small groups are one of the most powerful tools your church has for spiritual development.