THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Now is the perfect time to jump into a new group. GROUP LAUNCH is happening this month across our entire church. We offer groups for men, women, and young adults as well as for couples and single adults. God created us with a desire for community. Our healthiest seasons of life are when we surround ourselves with meaningful relationships. We need people like those in GROUP LAUNCH to encourage us in our relationships with others and God. To learn more, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. Our value for January is GROW TOGETHER. This week, we explored how being rooted in faith is key to developing healthy relationships. God designed us to grow in close proximity to others. Essential for our growth is keeping each other accountable in our relationships with God. Take time to discuss how you would like to grow spiritually this year. Choose one way you’d like to be held accountable by your group and commit to checking in with each other this month.
GROW AS A LEADER. The beginning of January is often a time when groups explore new topics to study. Being able to effectively choose the right study for your group can set your group up for success in the new year. When choosing your next study, it’s important to consider your group’s current needs and interests. It is also important to understand your group’s preferred study method. Does everyone prefer no homework? Would they rather study a book of the Bible or an important topic? Explore Ada’s tips for choosing your next study HERE.
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the first week of a new series, GROUNDWORK. This week, we explore how the gospel reshapes our identity and how believing who we are in Christ transforms how we care for our relationships.
ICEBREAKER
How did you approach relationships with others when you were younger?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Ephesians 1:3-14 aloud.
What stands out to you in this passage?
What reason does this passage give for God’s desire to adopt us as sons and daughters?
What does it mean that we have been chosen by God?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron launched our new series GROUNDWORK by exploring how being in God’s love is essential to our relationships.
In our culture today, how do people typically define successful relationships? Why do these definitions miss the mark?
When it comes to your relationships, why is it important to understand how God sees you?
Paul tells us why God adopted us as sons and daughters. What do the reasons for our adoption reveal about God?
How would you describe the way you currently show up in your relationships (spouse, children, roommates, co-workers, etc.)?
We all inevitably make mistakes in our relationships. In Christ, all of our mistakes are forgiven. How should this change the way we approach our mistakes in our relationships?
Being sealed with the Holy Spirit means that we are secure in our relationship with God. How might truly believing this change the way we interact with other people?
A harvest of healthy relationships grows from rooting our identities in the gospel. What is one practical step you can take this week to remind yourself of who you are in Christ?
WRAP UP
This week, Pastor Aaron identified three core truths that need to take root in our hearts for us to have Christ-honoring relationships. Those truths are that through salvation in Jesus, we are adopted, redeemed and sealed. Which one of these words do you most need to believe right now?