Group Discussion Guide
Closer to God, Part 4
GETTING STARTED
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Scripture References from Message: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
Big Idea: God doesn’t simply save people FROM sin, He saves us INTO a family mission.
Big Idea: God doesn’t simply save people FROM sin, He saves us INTO a family mission.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 describes the church as one body made up of many parts, with every person having a role to play. Yet it can be easy to approach church primarily thinking about what we get out of it. Where does a consumer mindset toward church subtly show up in you? What would change if you saw yourself not simply as someone who attends church, but as a necessary part of God’s people?
- “Becoming His people” means being generous with our time, talents, and treasures, using what God has given us to serve others and help people get closer to God. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which requires greater trust or sacrifice?
- Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to “stir up one another to love and good works,” reminding us that spiritual growth was never intended to happen alone. Looking back over the past year, how has God used other people and your participation in the church to grow you closer to Him? Where might He be inviting you to take another step?
GOING DEEPER
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
- Read Ephesians 4:1-16 together as a group. If our confidence before God comes from what Jesus has done rather than what we do for Him (Ephesians 2:8-9), what should motivate us to serve, give, participate, and sacrifice? How
does grace change not only whether we serve, but why we serve? - Scripture describes Christians not merely as individuals who believe in Jesus, but as members of one body who belong to one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). What might we miss spiritually when we try to follow Jesus without deeply participating in His people?
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
The mission of BridgePoint is for all people to get closer to God by “Believing” in Jesus, “Living” His teachings, and “Becoming” His people. This is a mission that everyone can be a part of in our community and in our church. This week, take one intentional step toward becoming His people. Ask God to show you where you can more fully participate in the life and mission of His church through your time, talents, or treasures. Maybe that means serving, practicing generosity, encouraging someone, investing in a relationship, or helping someone else get closer to God. Don’t just ask, “What am I getting from church?” Ask, “How is God inviting me to participate in what He is doing through His people?” Then take one concrete step.
The mission of BridgePoint is for all people to get closer to God by “Believing” in Jesus, “Living” His teachings, and “Becoming” His people. This is a mission that everyone can be a part of in our community and in our church. This week, take one intentional step toward becoming His people. Ask God to show you where you can more fully participate in the life and mission of His church through your time, talents, or treasures. Maybe that means serving, practicing generosity, encouraging someone, investing in a relationship, or helping someone else get closer to God. Don’t just ask, “What am I getting from church?” Ask, “How is God inviting me to participate in what He is doing through His people?” Then take one concrete step.