THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Thrive Gathering is February 17 at the East Paris Campus and online. Join us with the women in your group as we discuss anxiety and how God can use this space to work in our lives. Register at adabible.org/ThriveGathering.
GROUP VALUES
This month we focus on Care. A small group shows care by encouraging each other and staying informed. Have a conversation about ways your group can stay informed and encourage each other.
GROW AS A LEADER
The Winter Leader Huddle is coming up soon. Join us for a Leader Huddle February 20 or 27. We’re discussing the thing we all want to happen in our small group: Spiritual Growth! Register at adabible.org/leaderhuddle.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the second week of INFLUENCE. We talk today about how to protect yourself and others against spiritual drift and negative spiritual influences.
Tell a story about a time you protected someone or someone protected you.
Have someone read Acts 20:25-38. What are some verbs Paul used, and what impact might they have on the listeners?
KEEP WATCH
What do you think Paul means by telling the elders to “keep watch over yourselves”?
We need to worry about ourselves before we can watch over, lead or influence someone else. What are some risks of not watching over ourselves?
Our small group is an important place for us to be able to be vulnerable with each other. It’s a place to value watching over ourselves. Do you think our small group is at a place where we can be open enough to help each other with this?
Is there anything we need to do differently to make this group a place where we can vulnerably share our trouble spots?
What is a habit our group could develop to help each other keep watch?
SHEPHERD THE FLOCK
Where else do we see shepherding imagery in the Bible?
What are some things a good shepherd does? How is Jesus the good shepherd?
What are a few reasons that it is important for the church to have a shepherding or overseeing structure?
BE ON YOUR GUARD
Have someone read Acts 20:30-31 aloud. What is Paul saying we should guard against?
There are so many ways truth can be distorted. How can our view of shame, God’s love or faith be distorted?
What can we do to help us think clearly about these truths?
ENTRUST THEM
How do you respond when someone you love chooses to embrace a distortion of truth?
What behaviors are for us to do in caring for others and what things are for God to take care of?
WRAP UP
Today we discussed what it could mean to keep watch over ourselves and others. What is one thing that has challenged you this week, and how will you act on it?