Icebreaker:    Describe the best friend you’ve ever had. What made that friendship so meaningful? 

 

Discussion Questions: Groups of 4

“...You are members of God's very own family... and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.”   Eph. 2:19 (LB)

“ I’m writing… so you’ll know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church...”   1 Tim. 3:14-15 (NCV)

“Open your homes to each other.”   1 Peter 4:9 (NCV)

“Share each others’ troubles and problems.”   Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together. Instead, let us encourage one another.”   Hebrews 10:25 (TEV)

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”   1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

1. Ephesians 2:19 describes the Church as a family. What are some of the characteristics of a family that would also apply to the church? 
2. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:10, “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble”.  Share either a time in your life when another Christ follower came to your assistance, brought you comfort, or met a need, or a time when you needed assistance, comfort or help but didn’t receive any because you had not been investing in God’s purpose of fellowship. 
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says we should “encourage each other and build each other up”, while Hebrews 3:13 advises, “warn each other every day, as long as it is called “today”, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.”  From these verses, what can encouragement look like, and what practical benefit comes from it?  Who has served as a source of encouragement in your life? 
4. Our goal is that small group be a place where we are able to share our true feelings (authenticity); differences are respected (courtesy); we are encouraged to grow spiritually (mutuality); we spend time with people, getting to know them (hospitality); and we are supported in our purpose and are accepted, despite our weaknesses (unity).  Which of these is most important to you right now, and what is the next step you can take to help bring it about?

 

Prayer: Please pray for the person on your left, based on his or her answer to question #4.  Feel free to use this simple prayer:  “Lord, I lift up to you _________’s request. Amen.”