Biblical Community – Wk 4
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
James 5:13-20 (NIV)
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
THREE WAYS TO PRACTICE PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER:
1. Pray, don’t complain.
2. Pray with a clear conscience.
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
3. Pray for the wanderer.
Romans 15:1-6 (NIV)
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Special note: If this is your first group meeting of the season, or first group meeting ever, feel free to take some time extra time introducing yourselves to each other and getting to know each other. Try one or more of these questions: Where are you from? How long have you been a part of Worship Center and what do you love most about our church? What drew you to this group? Maybe add a question just for fun – what is your favorite meal, including dessert?
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message and it’s point in brief.
Big Idea: Biblical community is built on the commitment to pray for one another.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Acts 2:42. Which of the four practices are you naturally most devoted to?
▶ Read James 5:13-15. Pastor Matt said, “Troubles are inevitable, complaining is optional.” What are some practical ways we could catch ourselves and shift a complaint to a prayer?
▶ Read James 5:16 and Proverbs 28:13. Which of the four reasons for withholding would most likely keep you from confession: shame, embarrassment, fear of response, or justification?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.
Read James 5:19-20 and Romans 15:1-16. Ask God to highlight one person who you know is struggling in their faith. Begin praying for them and ask God if there is a next step you can take to invest in your relationship with them. Consider inviting them to church with you.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Lift up the people highlighted and pray for them as a group.