Group Discussion Guide
Closer to God, Part 1
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 2:1-10; Philippians 3:12-16
Big Idea: The deepest longing of every human heart is ultimately satisfied in God.
Big Idea: The deepest longing of every human heart is ultimately satisfied in God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
- “Believing in Jesus” means placing our trust in who He is and what He has done. In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul states that we are made alive with Christ by grace, not through our own effort. What do you believe about God and His grace right now in your life? Where might your beliefs about God need to deepen or change for you to grow closer to Him?
- “Living His teachings” means allowing what we believe about Jesus to shape how we actually live. The truth is that no one accidentally coasts into a life that is closer to God. Where have you become spiritually comfortable, passive, or simply gone through the motions? What practice, act of obedience, or change might help you intentionally pursue closeness with God?
- “Becoming His people” means people following Jesus participate in the active life and mission of the His church, putting their hands to the work of the ministry. Ephesians 2:10 says specifically that we you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Where is God inviting you to move from simply attending or receiving to actively participating in the ministry for His people and with His purpose?
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.
- Tyler’s Big Idea was “The deepest longing of every human heart is ultimately satisfied in God.” What are you most tempted to look to for the satisfaction, security, or significance that God intends us to find in Him? How can you tell when a good thing has begun taking God’s place?
- In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul declares, “I press on…” because Christ has already made him His own. What is the difference between actively pursuing God and simply maintaining a Christian lifestyle? Where do you see that distinction in your own life right now?
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 some time to stop, pray, and ask yourself these questions:
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 some time to stop, pray, and ask yourself these questions:
- What step do I need to take to grow in my belief about Jesus?
- What routines and rhythms in my life need to change so that I can live a life that looks more like Christ?
- Where do I need to be more intentional and join the work of God in serving and outreach?