One Another
Part 3
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
March 10, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: James 5:16, Hebrews 10:24–25, Galatians 6:1–2

Biblical Summary: Click here for a brief summary on the Book of James, Hebrews, and Galatians.

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

Read James 5:16. We are not required to confess our sins to one another for the sake of forgiveness… God is the only one who can do this (see 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 1:3). Yet, He tells us to confess to one another.

  • What are all the benefits of being mutually honest with another trusted brother or sister in Christ and why does God want us to do this?
  • Read 1 Peter 5:8. How do lions hunt? Do they go after an entire herd or isolate their prey?
  • Why does the devil like us to keep our sin secret or isolated?
  • How can confession to a trusted brother or sister in Christ help break the power of isolated and secret sin?

James 5:16 tells us to confess our trespasses to one another that we may be healed.

  • The same word used for “healed” (iaomai) in this verse is also used in 1 Peter 2:24. Based on the context used in 1 Peter, what type of healing do you think God is referring to… physical or spiritual?
  • Although both are important, which is of greater significance?

The Greek word used in James 5:16 for “effective” prayer is “energeo”, meaning energy.

  • Why is prayer a strong force for restoring struggling Christians?

Read Galatians 6:1-2. Brotherly accountability is a humble act meant to serve and restore a stumbling believer, not to condemn and accuse them.

  • Galatians 6:1 references “you who are spiritual.” Look at Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 8:5, and Colossians 1:10 then biblically define “you who are spiritual.”


This job of restoration is often neglected in the church. We have a tendency to either pretend the sin never happened, or we tend to react too harshly towards the one who has sinned. The balance between these two extremes can only be negotiated by the spiritual. It should be normal to do what God says here, but it isn’t. It is all too easy to respond to someone’s sin with gossip, harsh judgment, or undiscerning approval.

  • With what kind of spirit does Galatians 6:1 say we are to help restore one another?

Read Proverbs 15:32, Hebrews 12:10-11, Job 5:17, and Proverbs 10:17.

  • Have you identified an individual(s) in your life, walking with God, that is allowed to speak biblical truth into your life?
  • How should we respond if we are the one who is being held accountable for a specific failing?

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Thinking about James 5:16.

  • Are we developing relationships that would allow such transparency? If not, and we are willing, how might we begin to establish such relationships?
  • If not willing, what needs to be addressed to begin such an important part of our walk.

Hebrews 10:24–25 challenges us to consider one another and encourage one another. This would require us to take the time to get to know others within our circle on a deeper level.

  • What does it look like for you/us to build into our schedules the time and opportunity to allow such relationship building?

The moment we start pretending, we stop growing.

  • How have you seen this practical truth play out in your life?

We live in a culture where we post the best versions of ourselves on social media, enter church like everything is “fine”, and tell those around us (even your Small Group) we’re “good.” Yet, those posts and responses are far from who we really are and how we’re really doing.

  • Read Galatians 1:10. Discuss the statement, “If people don’t know what you’re really like, they don’t really like you… they like the idea of you.
  • What does it look like to truly be known by those around you?
  • Why should church be the place where you can truly be yourself, come as you are, or drop the image we often carry?

Part of being a follower of Jesus is our spiritual growth. Discipleship is a lifelong pursuit of following Jesus not a class, booklet, course we graduate from.

  • What does it look like to surround yourself with people that will help you grow spiritually and be more like Jesus?
  • Share about a season of life you’ve grown the most and who was around to help you.

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Reflect on Galatians 6:2.

  • What does it look like to practically bear another person’s burdens?
  • Who in your life can you support this week?
  • What spiritual and tangible needs do they have and how can you help meet some of them?

God wants us to have open, sharing, and praying relationships with other believers to provide us with spiritual strength.

  • Do you have someone like this in your life? If not, what steps can you take to find a relationship like this?

Sin is most dangerous to an isolated believer. Satan wants to keep us isolated and our sin private and secret.

  • Is there any area of your life where this is playing out? If so, after group, find a trusted group member and share.

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.