Love 2 session 1

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STRENGTHENED

THE SUPPORT OF SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIPS

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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 ]

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS,

BY DEFINITION, A LIFE TOGETHER WITH OTHERS.

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

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 one-on-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

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

connection. We want people speaking into our lives and

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

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 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

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

A SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED ON HELPING ONE ANOTHER SEEK GOD AND GROW IN FAITH.

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SHARE

YOUR STORY

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.

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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EACH OF US HAS A STORY. P | 8

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.

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

c) I recently started a relationship with Jesus.

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?

a) I feel lonely and disconnected.

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

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

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

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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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REFLECT

& REVIEW TOGETHER Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages ???-??? is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

IF YOUR GROUP IS NEW, WELCOME NEWCOMERS. INTRODUCE EVERYONE— YOU MAY EVEN WANT TO HAVE NAME TAGS FOR YOUR FIRST MEETING. We recommend that you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. We’ve come to realize that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30–44).

Look at the FAQs in the Appendix additional information about hosting or leading the group.

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WATCH THE DVD FOR THIS SESSION NOW.

HEAR

GOD’S STORY

God uses stories to guide us. When we read the true stories of Scripture, we learn what God is like. We see His plan unfolding. And we learn principles for our own lives. How can we become a part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His. By not just understanding what it means to follow Him, but actually doing it—changing our attitudes and actions to live as he would live. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the Bible passage below—which records the words of Jesus in a conversation with his disciples. (You may want to look up the full conversation in your Bible). The study notes on page ?? can help you understand more of the background of this passage.

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SUMMARY

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