WARM UP

1. This weekend, we talked about our discipleship journey. Share a funny or wild road trip story where things went totally wrong—maybe you got lost, ran out of gas, or had another unexpected adventure on the way to your destination.

These could be great to hear. Also, know that they could take a while. Putting a time limit here will be important if you want to hear from everyone. You may want to divide them into smaller groups to share.

A good segue from hearing these could be how it’s great to hear these stories went all wrong, but you made it through it. Isn’t it good to see how God works even when, at times, we really wonder what is going on when we find ourselves dealing with life’s difficulties, our own sinfulness, or find ourselves in a situation where God is growing us, and it’s not easy.

2. Chris taught about the “destination” of discipleship from passages written to church leaders. Did it encourage you to know we can all reach this place in our faith, or did it feel daunting to know that this is expected of everyone, not just leaders?Good question to have everyone answer.

Additional Questions:

• Have you ever found yourself trying to be better over and over again, to realize then you need to let God work in you and not just put in your own effort, then begin to see a change or growth?
• Does this mean we never work at putting into action the points Chris talked about? How does Philippians 2:12-16 help us understand the balance of this?

3. Is there a part of this weekend’s message that has lingered in your mind since hearing it?

 

KNOW IT

1. Read Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7, remembering that this is what discipleship looks like and that it’s the result of following Jesus. How do these qualities reflect the heart of a disciple rather than just a checklist of behaviors? Make a list of the areas that feel the most challenging to you. (Seriously, make a list! You’re gonna use it later.)

You could wait and use this when you get to Live It #1 or transition directly to that from this question. 

2. Read Matthew 15:8-9 and Ezekiel 36:26-27. In recent weeks, we’ve learned that true spiritual growth comes through the Holy Spirit’s work in us. What do these verses reveal about the difference between following Jesus in our own strength versus allowing God to transform us from the inside out?

Additional question – Do you know when you’re trying to live only by your own “will power” verses the spirit working in you?  How might Philippians 2:12-16 that we looked at above help you understand this?
Additional scripture – 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

 

SHARE IT

1. Have you witnessed a transformation in someone who is following Jesus? Perhaps it’s someone in your Life Group, a friend, or a family member whose change clearly reflects God’s work in their life. Share the changes you’ve seen!

 Another great question, yet because of time you may want to break into groups of 3 to 4 to answer this.

2. Have others seen changes in you, in relation to the list we read in Titus and Timothy? Would those who know you casually be surprised to learn you’re a Christian? How about those who know you best? In other words, are you a disciple everywhere or just in certain places? 

Additional Question – you could add this to question by saying is there a certain place you know you need to look at how you’re coming across to others? work, home, with my friends, family, a specific person, other?  

 

LIVE IT

1. Revisit the list you made in Question 1 of “Know It”. Spend some time praying and asking God to help you grow in these areas, then, think of an action step to help you remember. This could include seeking accountability, setting a prayer reminder, writing a note to yourself, or anything else that comes to mind. Share your action step with your group.

A good question, yet it is a bit like the question from last week that we closed with.  If you spent time on it then, use the question below to move into communion.

2. Taking Communion is an important part of being a disciple of Jesus because it reminds us of what He did for us and why He’s worth following in the first place. As you prepare to take Communion with your Life Group this week, reflect on why you choose to follow Him and share those reasons with your group.

Good question to lead your group into communion.  Have everyone answer with the option to include how they have seen him work in their life. If you have time, you can include their responses to verses about communion below.

 

 

COMMUNION

Jesus wants us to remember what He has done for us and that He is here to walk through life with us. That’s why He told the disciples at the Last Supper to keep coming together and taking Communion. Communion is about remembering all that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. It’s through His sacrifice that we receive His grace and mercy.

This week, your Life Group will wrap up by doing what the disciples did – taking Communion together. To get ready for this, read the following verses and think about Jesus’ commitment and work in your life. Jot down a few thoughts on how each verse impacts you.

If you have time, see what people observe. You can include it as an option in your answers in Live It #2 above.   

Romans 5:7-8

John 15:12-17

1 Corinthians 11:23-27

1. Introduce Communion by sharing with your group that today we gather to remember and celebrate what Jesus has done for us. Even God calling us to remember Him shows His understanding of us and how we forget.

• • Pass out bread and juice or put it on a table in the middle of the group so they can easily access it.

2. Take Communion Together

• • Option 1 Life Group Leader Leads Communion – Read Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
  • Option 2 – Communion Video – Use this Video with Pastor JD Larson to lead your group in communion and worship.
  • Have your take communion (Worship song option to play while they take communion – Remembrance by Hillsong)

3. Give thanks for What God has done for us

Close your time together, remind your group about the break, and that groups will start back up again on the week of March 30-April 4.

 

Take Communion with us this week! If you are not in a Life Group and would like to take Communion with us, see northcoastchurch.com/communion to follow along.