Life Groups // Fall 2020 // Week 1
Posted September 12, 2020 — Lincoln Berean
That You May Believe: Jesus, One Another and the World // John 15:1-27
Introduction
Welcome to Life Groups Renewed! Over the next 10 weeks, it’s our hope to come to know Jesus better as we share, discuss and pray together. As you show up ready to engage with each other through God’s Word, we’ll provide relatable questions to help you apply key points from this week’s sermon in the gospel of John.
We don’t provide a lot of space for your answers to these questions, so we suggest having a journal handy to write down your thoughts. You’re not expected to have time for all these questions during your online meeting, but we encourage you to reflect on them and jot down thoughts on your own.
Getting to Know Each Other (Suggested time: 30 min)
Begin your group time by learning more about each other. Open up and have some fun! Here are some suggestions to get your conversation started:
- If this group is a new start, allow each person to share one reason they signed up for a Life Group this session.
- Can you remember your first childhood friend? Share something you recall about what made that friendship special.
- Share a memory you made with friends or family this past summer.
Getting Started
Begin to transition into group discussion.
1) Hosts can pray to open the group or ask someone else to lead out. Here are a few potential prayer items:
a. For the Spirit of God to lead you in truth
b. For openness to what you’re learning together
c. For friendships to deepen and grow
2) Invite someone (or a couple of people) to read John 15:1-27 to the group.
Study Questions (Suggested time: 40 min)
Please complete these questions prior to your group’s meeting time.
1) What idea or example has stuck with you since you heard the sermon this week?
2) Jesus’ imagery of the Vine (Jesus) and branches (His followers) would have seemed dramatic to the first listeners. Historically, Israel was considered the Vine, but here Jesus says He is the true Vine, and He goes on to describe an intimacy they have never known.
a. The word “abide” comes up often in this passage. How would you summarize what Jesus means when He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you”? (vs 4)
b. In 1 John 3:24, John explains what he means by abiding. What gives evidence of those who abide in Jesus?
c. How might others see that you are abiding in Jesus these days?
3) In the Old Testament, only two men were called friends of God – Abraham (2 Chron. 29:7, Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23) and Moses (Exodus 33:11).
a. What kind of impact might the words of Jesus, “you are My friends” (vs. 14-16) have had on those listening?
b. What impact does it have on you to know that Jesus calls you Friend?
c. If you have an example to share, tell of a time when you experienced true friendship with Jesus.
4) This chapter closes with a timely reminder for us today.Jesus states clearly that the world will hate His followers.
a. What are some examples of the ways Jesus responded to hatred?
b. Whether they are directed toward you or to others, how do you respond to acts of hatred?
c. What have you learned about abiding from the passage this week that might help you to respond with the love of Jesus when you come face-to-face with hatred?
PRO TIP: If you would like to learn more about opportunities to witness or participate in God’s kingdom in Lincoln and around the world, contact outreach@lincolnberean.org or checkout this Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/lincolnbereanlocal
Group Prayer (Suggested time: 10 min)
Take a few moments to prepare a prayer request. What did the discussion cause you to notice about your own relationship with Jesus?
A significant part of “coming together” is being open and honest with our lives. Sitting in a group of people for prayer may be new or it may be familiar to you. Whether or not you choose to verbalize your prayer, everyone is a participant in sharing this time before God together.