Group Discussion Guide
So That You May Know, Part 7
This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
- What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
- How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
LEARNING
The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).
Scripture References from Message: 1 John. 4:1-4; 5:4-5
Scripture References from Message: 1 John. 4:1-4; 5:4-5
John warns believers to “test the spirits” because not every voice that sounds spiritual actually leads people toward the real Jesus. What are some voices, influences, or messages in our culture that most shape how people view Jesus today?
John says that Jesus Christ “came in the flesh,” emphasizing that Jesus truly entered humanity, suffering, and death in order to redeem us. Why does it matter that Jesus was not just symbolic or spiritual, but truly God in the flesh?
In what ways are you personally tempted to make Jesus more comfortable, convenient, or aligned with your worldview?
Discernment without abiding in Christ can easily turn into cynicism, fear, or pride. How can Christians pursue discernment while still remaining humble, loving, and deeply rooted in grace?
John says believers overcome the world because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you approach fear, temptation, suffering, or insecurity? What does it practically look like to live with confidence as a child of God in everyday life?
The sermon ended with the encouragement to anchor ourselves in the real Jesus rather than the competing voices of the world. What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally abide in Christ and grow more familiar with His voice?
John says that Jesus Christ “came in the flesh,” emphasizing that Jesus truly entered humanity, suffering, and death in order to redeem us. Why does it matter that Jesus was not just symbolic or spiritual, but truly God in the flesh?
In what ways are you personally tempted to make Jesus more comfortable, convenient, or aligned with your worldview?
Discernment without abiding in Christ can easily turn into cynicism, fear, or pride. How can Christians pursue discernment while still remaining humble, loving, and deeply rooted in grace?
John says believers overcome the world because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you approach fear, temptation, suffering, or insecurity? What does it practically look like to live with confidence as a child of God in everyday life?
The sermon ended with the encouragement to anchor ourselves in the real Jesus rather than the competing voices of the world. What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally abide in Christ and grow more familiar with His voice?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
This week, spend intentional time in 1 John 4. Don’t rush through it. Read it slowly, pray through it, and sit with it. But as you read, do so through the lens of: “I am a child of God.” Then, choose one practical way to intentionally abide in Jesus this week, whether that is spending daily time in Scripture, removing a distracting influence, intentionally praying, worshipping throughout your week, or reaching out to another believer for encouragement and accountability. The goal this week is not simply to identify counterfeit voices, but to become more deeply anchored in the real Jesus.
This week, spend intentional time in 1 John 4. Don’t rush through it. Read it slowly, pray through it, and sit with it. But as you read, do so through the lens of: “I am a child of God.” Then, choose one practical way to intentionally abide in Jesus this week, whether that is spending daily time in Scripture, removing a distracting influence, intentionally praying, worshipping throughout your week, or reaching out to another believer for encouragement and accountability. The goal this week is not simply to identify counterfeit voices, but to become more deeply anchored in the real Jesus.