Nuts and Bolts

For many of us, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of “church” is our Sunday morning gatherings for worship and a message. But real spiritual growth can’t possibly be contained to one hour a week! Instead, God has a plan for our lives and spiritual growth that can be refreshing to every hour of our week. Watch Full Service Discussion Guide  To view the Leader Guide, click here. To view a .docx version of this guide, click here. Begin your time together with prayer  Introduction  Take some intentional time to discuss how your group’s experience with spending time in the Bible throughout the week went. What did everyone learn and how are they trying to put it into practice in their lives so far?  This week we will be discussing how we can grow together through serving, living together in groups, and being generous with what we have.  Connect   What’s one skill you only discovered because someone else pointed it out to you first?  When have you done something with others (on a team, at school, at work, or at church) that felt better together than doing it alone?  Can you think of a time you stepped out of your comfort zone to help someone, and it ended up being a positive experience?  Opening   It can be easy to move through life focused on our own schedules, needs, and plans, but some of our greatest growth happens when we notice the needs of others and respond to God’s call. When we slow down and pay attention, we start to see opportunities to make a difference in ways that impact others and shape who we’re becoming. God invites us to a life of serving, gathering with others, and practicing generosity. These steps may take us out of our comfort zone but will lead us closer to who he is shaping us to be.  This leads us to our main idea for this week  We should utilize every chance to grow together.  Unpack  Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses:  Read   1 Peter 4:8-11  Matthew 5:14-16  Why do you think serving others is important? How could this show who Jesus is to those who don’t follow him?  These verses remind us that God gives everyone different spiritual gifts to use for others. What’s one ability, skill, or strength you think God has given you that might want you to use?  How could you use these gifts to serve others within the church? How could you use them to serve others outside of the church?  Jesus says that his followers are supposed to be the ‘light of the world.” What could that look like in your daily life, at work, with friends, with people you haven’t yet met?  When we serve others, how does it change us? How does it help us grow closer to God and closer to each other?  Read   Romans 12:9-13  Ephesians 4:2-6  What do you think it looks like to love people well?   Which part of Romans 12:11–13 stands out most to you: working hard for the Lord, being patient in trouble, praying, or helping others in need? Why?  How do you think the way we treat each other in the church affects how those outside the church see Jesus?  Why is unity with others important when it comes to following God together?  How can being unified with others help us grow together?  Read   Psalm 112:5-9  2 Corinthians 8:12-13  Why do you think generosity matters for someone who follows God? How can being generous help others experience God’s love in a real, tangible way?  What are some ways we can find joy in being generous with what we have? When has someone else’s generosity made a difference in your life?  How can giving to others help us grow together?  Action Step   Choose one practical way to put your faith into action this week and invite someone else to join you so you can grow together.  Think about the areas we’ve talked about: serving, being in a group, and giving. Which of these could you take a next step in?  Is there another way you could practice your faith with others and grow together? Brainstorm some ideas as a group.   Discuss this with your group ways you can all be involved in this process together.   Closing   Life can often feel busy and full of distractions, and it can be difficult to stay focused on God and his plan. But when we pause and pay attention to what God is doing, we start to notice opportunities to care for others, build deeper relationships, and give in ways that make a difference. As you go into the week, watch for those opportunities and take a step to grow together with others.   Pray Together  Pray for the Missionary Focus this week, then take prayer requests from your group and conclude your time in prayer for your group.  Missionary Focus  Dennis & Denise Ahern  Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries.  Prayer Requests:    To continue to thoughtfully care for ministry workers with counseling and spiritual direction    For personal wisdom for Denise and Dennis as they lead their ministry     Spend a few minutes in prayer for The Aherns  Reflection Verse for the Week   *Read this verse, then encourage the practice of reflection and memorization through the week.  Romans 12:7-8  “If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”  **When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us.  Daily Devotional Verses   Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below.  Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned.  Day 1: Proverbs 27:17  Day 2: 1 Corinthians 15:58  Day 3: Hebrews 10:24-25  Day 4: Galatians 5:13  Day 5: Acts 20:35  Day 6: Proverbs 3:27  The post Nuts and Bolts appeared first on Journey of Faith.