Matt Zainea Rockford Campus November 6, 2022
THE GLORY OF HIS PEOPLE
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
REMINDERS
- Fall Leader Refresh – 13, 10:45am in Portable 3 – Come gather with other leaders to be refreshed, filled up and encouraged in your leadership! RSVP to [email protected]
TOGETHER IN LIFE
**On Sunday, Matt asked us some questions about friendship. “What does friendship mean to you?” “Do you have any stress or brokenness in any of your friendships right now?” and “Is there a difference between just being friends and Christian friendship?” Talk about this as a group and answer whichever question appeals to you.
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:22-23
**Take time to read the full passage together (John 17:10-23).
John 17 is a prayer by Jesus to the Father.
QUESTION: Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus needed to pray? Since Jesus and the Father are one, why do you think an ongoing dialog between the two of them was and still is (Romans 8:24) necessary?
John 17:10
- How is Jesus glorified by us? Just as Jesus glorified God through obedience, we also glorify Jesus thru obedience.
QUESTION: Can you think of a time when you knew God wanted you to take a step in obedience in your Christian life, but it was a struggle for you to obey? If you’re willing please share your experience with your group.
QUESTION: Likewise, can you remember a time where you knew the Spirit was prompting you to take a step in obedience, and you were happy to do so? Please share if you’re willing.
John 17:13-14
- In scripture, sometimes “the world” means a physical place, other times it means the ethics of the world that are godless. Jesus uses it both ways in this passage.
John 17: 15-16
- Jesus prays for our faith. He doesn’t ask to protect us from trials or hard times, but He asks the Father to protect us from the evil one.
QUESTION: If you could remember that Jesus prays for you during your darkest times, how do you think your perspective on suffering would change?
QUESTION: Do you actively pray against the works of the enemy in your life, in the lives of others and in the church? If not, what do you think it would take for you to grow in this area?
John 17: 17-19
- Jesus’ mission is our mission.
- He sets Himself apart – He’s righteous.
- Jesus represents the Father, and we are to represent Jesus.
QUESTION: Representing Jesus to the world is a heavy calling! In the middle of a conflict, tense interactions in public or during discussions on social media, it’s so easy to forget that calling! Can you remember a time where you entered into a touchy situation well or you struggled? If so, would you be willing to share?
John 17:20-21
- Our oneness as believers, our life together, is to send a Jesus’ message to the world. Our oneness is to be proof of Jesus love.
John 17:22-23
- God & Jesus are one. We are to be perfectly one. What does it mean for us as believers to be one? It doesn’t mean that we’re in perfect agreement on all things, or that we like the same things. It’s much deeper.
ONENESS
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-28
- The foundation of our identity is Jesus Christ
- All distinctions that divide us should be refused
- Oneness is connection at the deepest level of our being – because Jesus is our savior, we have the deepest of bonds.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
- Oneness is relying on the Spirit to think like Jesus
QUESTION: If you had to give the global church a letter grade on oneness, what grade would you give the church and why? What about the local church? How about Magnify Church? How about your small group?
WORD
- The Word and our growing relationship with Jesus must be at the center of our lives in order for us to be one.
KNOWN
- Do you have a community where you are known?
- Our Small Group Ministry has defined being known this way, “Where we risk opening up and letting people into the dark places where we hide. This is a step by step process of growing in trust with people and with God. The more we are known the more we will taste of the love of God.”
QUESTION: When is the last time you felt alone? Share about that time with the group what do you believe you were longing for in that moment?
PRESENT
- Put ourselves undivided in front of others (put your phone away)
- Our Small Group Ministry has defined being present this way, “We want to be a safe place for others to risk being known. We want to listen well, pursue each other, and be redemptively curious about the lives of others as we’re open to the Holy Spirit’s leading.”
QUESTION: When was the last time that you felt that someone was truly present with you? Please share with the group how that made you feel.
FAITHFUL
- We need staying power and we must be restorative
- Our Small Group Ministry has defined being faithful this way, “God never gives up on us. We want to follow his example and not give up on others. We are broken people who will hurt each other, but God is up to something good in the midst of our trials and conflicts. We want to be a church that is committed to loving one another, even when it’s hard. That begins by being dedicated and showing up to group.”
QUESTION: Do you have an example of someone who’s been faithful that you can share with the group?
QUESTION: Do you have a relationship that’s been marred by resentment? What would it take for you to pursue restoration in that relationship?
John 17:26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.
**Jesus wants to be in a loving close relationship with you that’s grounded in His Father!
TOGETHER IN ACTION
Talk to your spouse, small group or a close friend and explore the questions, am I known, present and faithful?
What can I do this week to grow in those areas? Remember to take small steps.
TOGETHER IN WORSHIP
Meditate together on Philippians 2:1-2 from The Passion Translation. Read it aloud several times, taking into consideration each word. Let the words sink deep into your heart and stir up a heart of gratitude that spills over into love for one another.
“Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One! You are filled to overflowing with this comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy. So, I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity – with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.”
