THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. The holidays are a beautiful reminder of God’s goodness. However, the holidays can also be a season of paradox for people experiencing grief. Join guest speaker Gwen Kapcia for a conversation on healing in grief. GRIEF AND GARLAND is November 14th at the Kentwood Campus. Learn more and register HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This November, we’re focusing on RELATIONAL INVESTMENTS. This value is about developing a heart for those in our lives who don’t know Jesus. Share with your group about the people God used in your gospel story and what stands out about them. Say a prayer of thankfulness for those people. Then, ask God to cultivate a posture of openness for those individuals in our lives who don’t know Jesus.
GROW AS A LEADER. Understanding emotional health is essential for any leader or small group to grow as Christ followers. Check out The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast by Pete Scazzero for tips and encouragement in helping your group grow emotionally resilient, discipleship tips, and more.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the sixth week of our sermon series, UNSHAKABLE. This week, we examine how the Christian community is called to be distinctly different from the surrounding culture while maintaining a heart of hospitality for those seeking something better.
ICEBREAKER
Share about how someone showed you unexpected kindness or hospitality when you were going through a difficult situation. How did that affect you?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 aloud.
What stands out to you about Paul’s tone and approach in addressing this sensitive topic?
How does Paul connect holy living with the character and mission of the church community?
What reasons does Paul give for why these instructions matter so much?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff Manion continued our Unshakable sermon series by discussing how the church is called to be distinctly different in its sexuality from the surrounding culture. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
In what ways does our current culture’s view of relationships and sexuality differ from God’s design? How have you seen this impact people’s lives?
What are practical ways we can create a church culture that upholds biblical truth while being welcoming and hospitable to those who are hurting or seeking something better?
What role does genuine Christian community play in helping people break away from sin patterns and grow in Christlikeness?
Who is a good example of someone who lives counterculturally while maintaining a heart of genuine love for others? What about them inspires you?
Paul writes these instructions in the context of church family relationships. How will thinking of other believers as brothers and sisters change how we treat and understand one another, particularly in the area of relationships and sexuality?
When someone is struggling with sexual sin, what usually keeps them from seeking help? How can we create a culture in our group where people feel safe enough to be honest about their struggles and receive support?
Consider the specific things in your life – habits, relationships, media consumption, apps or behaviors – you need to “break away” from to honor God and others with your sexuality. Share with the group as you are comfortable.
How can our group support and encourage each other to live holy lives in an unholy culture?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed how God calls us to be distinct from the surrounding culture while maintaining hearts of hospitality. What from this conversation or the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most, and why?