Week of November 17, 2024 – The Good Work Continues: Unity and Commitment

Small Group Study Guide

Icebreaker Questions

1. Who is someone in your life who inspires you with their faith and commitment?
2. Share a time when you went out of your way to help someone. What motivated you?
3. If you could do anything to lead a loved one to Jesus, what would it be?

Scripture Focus

Primary Passage: Luke 5:17-26 (NIV)

• Highlight: Luke 5:20 — “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.'”

Supplementary Passage: John 4:34-36 (NLT)

• Highlight: John 4:35 — “Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”

Discussion Points

The BIG Question: Who do you love the most that needs a saving relationship with Jesus?

• How can your faith inspire action for those you love?

• Why is it important to bring others to Jesus, even when obstacles arise?

The BIGGER Question: What would you be willing to do to get them to Jesus?

• Reflect on the actions of the friends in Luke 5:17-26. What does their commitment teach us about faith in action?

• What “roofs” may you need to tear through to bring someone closer to Jesus?

Faith-Led Unity

• How does the unity of the friends in the story encourage you in your community of faith?

• How can we support one another in our efforts to share the gospel?

Commitment to the Harvest

• How does John 4:34-36 challenge your perspective on evangelism and discipleship?

• What steps can you take to “wake up” and actively participate in God’s work?

Action Steps

Personal Actions:

• Pray: Spend time in prayer for the person you identified in the BIG Question. Ask for opportunities and courage to share Jesus with them.

• Invite: Commit to inviting this person to church, a small group, or a conversation about faith.

• Tear the Roof Off: Identify and overcome one specific obstacle preventing you from introducing someone to Jesus.

Group Actions:

• Partner with one or two others in the group to pray for each other’s loved ones.

• Plan a group outreach activity to connect with the unchurched or those in need.

• Share testimonies next week about actions taken and any spiritual conversations initiated.

Prayer Focus:

• Pray for unity and courage in your group to live out faith-led commitments.

• Pray for God’s leading in your interactions with those who need a saving relationship with Jesus.

• Pray for open hearts and opportunities to share the gospel.

Faith in Action: Campaign Goals

Connect the spiritual lesson to the church’s ongoing Unfinished campaign:

• Reflect on how faith-led unity can support the church’s vision to build, grow, and reach the lost.

• Encourage group members to prayerfully consider their role in supporting the campaign through courageous, consistent, or creative giving beyond the tithe.