Everyday Saints (part 5): Strength in Numbers

TO START

Share a story of a time you tried to do something on your own that definitely required a team. Funny stories get extra points!

TO DISCUSS

During our communion meditation this week we encouraged you to say to one another, “Strong in Christ. Stronger together.”

  • What does that mean to you personally?

  • When/How have you experienced greater strength because of your belonging within the family of God?

  • Is it possible to have a relationship with God outside the family of God? Can we do sainthood alone? How does that answer make you feel? Why or why not?

This week we focused on togetherness and partnership as one primary way God makes us holy. How are we “sanctified” (made holy) together? What is it about living in community that makes us more like God?

On Sunday we shared a few things saints do. Consider the list and offer examples of times you’ve seen saints showing up for one another in these ways (be specific and share examples from your personal experience):

  • Saints help people

  • Saints receive help

  • Saints explore and comprehend the love of God  

Consider the following scenarios. As you attempt to determine a way forward, ask yourself, “What would make me holy?” “What should I do if I want to be transformed to look more like God?” Explain how your answers lead to holiness.

  • Someone in my small group annoys me.  They are constantly getting on my nerves. Should I seek a different group? Drop out of small group altogether? Or should I talk to them and seek a way to be at peace?

  • Someone in my church has lost a loved one and the funeral’s coming up. Should I go? What if I feel uncomfortable at funerals? Does it really matter if I go?

  • I know I need an older mentor in my life, but I’m nervous to ask anyone. Should I bother? How do I proceed?

  • There’s a young woman at church who’s always struggling to care for her kids during worship. She looks tired. What could I do to help?

  • My church elders make a decision I don’t like. What should I do?

  • My wife nags me constantly. How do I handle it?

  • My husband lost his job. How do I respond?

  • My friend from church is struggling with depression and can’t get out of bed most days. What’s my responsibility?

  • Someone in my church family needs a place to stay for a couple weeks. What could I offer? How might showing hospitality make me holier?

  • I can’t afford my electric bill next month because I lost my job. Do I turn to my church family for help?

TO READ

Read Ephesians 3:17-19.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Tonight, help one another comprehend the love of God. Go around the room sharing ways you’ve experienced God’s love this week.


TO PRAY

This week, as usual, pray for one another. Consider one another’s needs. Lift up prayers for those among you who’re weak or struggling or doubting or discouraged. Be saints.


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