Hope 4 session 1

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SESSION ONE

STRENGTHENED THE SUPPORT OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIPS

MEMORY VERSE So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. [ COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 ] P | 3

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS, BY DEFINITION, A LIFE TOGETHER WITH OTHERS. IT IS LIVED IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMUNITY. WE ARE A PART OF THE BODY OF CHRIST— INTERDEPENDENT AND INTERCONNECTED, AND THAT IS A DISTINCTIVE OF THE LIFE OF FAITH. That doesn’t mean we never spend time alone. In fact, we need oneon-one time with God. This intimacy with Christ fills us, strengthens us. We receive his love, and then are able to share it with others.

In a church or small group, we love and are loved. But as our faith grows, we find ourselves hungry for deeper connection. We want people speaking into our lives and we somehow realize we might experience God by loving others. Part of this makes sense. Part of this is a mystery, frankly. How can it be that we are somehow not complete without others?

In our journey, we begin to see the value of accountability and encouragement that comes from one-on-one spiritual friendships.

Ideally, there are spiritual friendships within a small group as community deepens.

A SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED ON P | 5

HELPING ONE ANOTHER SEEK GOD AND GROW IN FAITH.

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SPIRITUAL FRIENDS WILL ASK EACH OTHER THE TOUGH QUESTIONS...

They encourage one another to stay strong in their faith, will “spur one

SHARE YOUR STORY

another on to good deeds” (see Hebrews 10:24).

SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP TAKES COMMUNITY TO A DEEPER LEVEL.

It requires vulnerability about our own struggles. Conversely, it also requires us to focus on another person and their journey. That balance and reciprocal nature of this relationship make it both risky and rewarding.

AS YOU BEGIN AT THIS FIRST MEETING...

Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page ???, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster.

Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

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EACH OF US HAS A STORY. The events of our life—good, bad, challenging or wonderful—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and he intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to himself. When we tell our stories, sharing them with others, we give others the opportunity to see God at work.

WHEN WE SHARE OUR STORIES, WE REALIZE WE ARE NOT ALONE. We have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can be a path to freedom for you, and for those you share it with.

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BEGIN YOUR TIME TOGETHER. 1. When you were growing up, who was your best friend? Describe your relationship with this person.

2. Circle the statement that resonate most with your current situation.

3. Where would you place yourself on this spiritual continuum: a) Not sure I believe in God.

a) I feel lonely and disconnected.

b) I have a lot of acquaintances but not many real friends.

b) I believe in God but am not sure about Jesus.

c) I’m connected with people but don’t always feel I can be myself around them.

c) I recently started a relationship with Jesus.

d) I’ve got just a couple of really close friends who encourage me and are helping me to grow.

d) I feel very close to Jesus and depend on him daily for guidance.

e) My relationship with Christ is the most important relationship in my life.

4. In this study, we will be talking about hope over the next six weeks. What gives you hope?

5. What are you hoping to get out of this group? What strengths do you think you bring to this group?

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SUMMARY

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