This week’s Main Idea:

We live in a world that values independence. We are happy to meet and greet, but we are terrified of truly needing others. God tells us that He created us to need each other, and that rather than being terrifying, it is an invitation to experience one of the most beautiful and life giving facets of the Christian life – Christian community. The problem is, we still have these negative views towards feeling dependent on anyone else, and we often see church relationships as superficial or unnecessary sources of potential pain. Is it worth the effort? Is it really necessary? 

Scripture:  

Ephesians 4:16; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 3:12-14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 27:6; 1 Corinthians 12:15-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

Connect: 

Did you ever play the Trust game where you fell back and trusted another person to catch you?  If yes, what age were you?  Do you think it would be more difficult to play as we age, or not?  It can be difficult to admit to needing others, but it can also be difficult to trust others, especially as we experience life’s challenges and pain.  We will look this week at how needing and relying on others is part of God’s design for His church.

Explore:

Read Ephesians 4:16; Proverbs 27:17. 

1. Why do you think God designed the church the way He did?  What benefits and/or challenges do you see? 
2. Has there been a season in your life that you were less connected to the church family, or a time in your life before you attended church?  Can you see or feel any differences in your life, growth or accountability during these times?  
3. Did virtual services over the Covid pandemic (when we couldn’t meet together) change how connected you felt to your church family?

Read Hebrews 3:12-14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 27:6. 

1. Have you been through a time in your life when you sought many advisors for a decision or challenge?  What benefit, or not, did your advisors bring?  If you feel you can share, please do so with your group.
2. We need help to see our blind spots.  Has there been a time in your life when someone pointed out one of your blind spots?  What other aspects of the relationship were present to make this an easier process for you?  If you were hurt at this time, reflect on how this could have been less hurtful for you, and if you can, would you share your thoughts with your group.  

Read 1 Corinthians 12:15-27; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

1. Have you ever felt like an insignificant part of the church and its mission?  What is God saying to you through the passage in Corinthians?
2. We live in a society where divisiveness is fast becoming the norm, and we can’t disagree without being personally attacked.  This can be pervasive, and drift into our churches.  How do you think we can “live peacefully with each other”, both inside and outside the church, at this time?  
3. What do you think your role could be in contributing to God’s dream of His church displaying the glory of God and extending the kingdom of God on this earth?  Is there something you can do this week to commit to this?  If you don’t know what this will be, or where to start, can you ask someone to help you?

Stretch:

What is God saying to you from His Word right now?  What are you going to do about it?

Pray