AUGUST 25
LEAN INTO COMMUNITY
We live in an individualistic society. We are more connected than we’ve ever been and yet more lonely and isolated than ever. We’ve replaced physical proximity to others with superficial digital access to the world. If we really want to grow in Jesus and make Him known in the world, it’s time to reclaim what makes us unique and lean into community, look up to God through Scripture and prayer, and step out in practice. We grow in Jesus when we LEAN INTO COMMUNITY.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own or get together with your group, spiritual running partners, or family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who are your communities in life? How have those communities shaped you (whether in good ways or bad)?
- Read Colossians 3:12-17.
Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say?):
- What do you notice and what are you curious about?
Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean?)
- What do you learn about Jesus?
- What do you learn about humanity?
Now make some applications (what’s my response?)
- How are you encouraged, challenged, or convicted by this passage?
- What should be our response to this passage?
3. Read 1 Peter 2:9-10.
- What are the implications of the descriptors of Christ-followers in these verses?
- If you are a Christ-follower, how seriously do you consider the calling of believers to be priests of one another? Have you been obedient to this calling? How? How has someone acted as a priest toward you?
4. How well are you currently leaning into community? Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus as a result?
5. What needs to change in your life to cultivate deeper relationships in Christ? How can you start practicing this today?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Colossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
PRAYER
It’s a beautiful thing to pray in community. Read Colossians 3:12-17. As the beloved, in what ways would you like to see God grow you in the ways you operate in community? Do you need more compassion, humility, patience? How are you doing at extending forgiveness? Etc. Spend time praying for these things.
PRACTICE
How can you practice leaning into community this week? You may begin by choosing a community to participate in. We have many different groups to choose from. Check out our groups page to find the one that’s right for you!