LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA

In our world today, we see a society that is afraid of commitment. People are connected to others in a multitude of ways, but they want to keep their distance and not over-commit to anything. Reasons for non-committal range from fear of being stuck, fear of offending someone, and fear of failure. Others suffer from FOMO, or the fear of missing out. Commitment is often seen as the opposite of freedom.

This is evident in the life of many Christians today as well. Many people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but they don’t want to commit to a local church. A recent Barna study revealed the following: “Of those who attend church at least every six months, a little over half (54%) report being an official member at their place of worship, with just above one in three (37%) reporting they regularly attend but are not members.” Many would rather be a mere bystander or observer than being fully committed to Him. In today’s study, we will see how being committed to a local church is a decision that has endless rewards.

Passages we’ll review:
Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:23-25

OPEN
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

What is your greatest fear in life? How does this affect your decisions?

[WATCH THE VIDEO]
Make sure everyone can see the screen and the audio is at a comfortable level.

What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some of the key points that affected you more than others?

READ

Read Ephesians 4:11-14

Why is it important to replicate how the apostles launched the church?

Do you believe you are fully equipped for the work of ministry? Why or why not?

What are some of the worldly philosophies and practices that have taken away from the model God has given the church? Which of these has affected you most?

Why is this an especially slippery slope in the life of a follower of Christ?

Why is it so important to have “unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” as stated in verse 13?

How does the local church play a part in this?

Anytime we run from commitments in life, while we may avoid a potential consequence, we will also miss out on the fruit that comes as a result of our commitment to God’s work. When we choose to be a part of the local church, it is more than just checking off a box. It shows an increased level of commitment. Rather than just being a spectator and having our own cup filled, we can be an investor, pouring into the lives of those around us! —Editor’s Commentary

Read Ephesians 4:15-16

In today’s video, Myles mentioned the Sequoia tree. What is the benefit of its strong root system?

How does this apply to our daily lives?

In verse 15, we are told to “speak the truth in love.” However, people often overfocus on one, love or truth, at the cost of the other. What are examples of each that you have seen?

Is it easy or hard to speak the truth in love? What is hard about it?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Hebrews 10:23-25

In this passage, we are reminded that we must stand firm in our faith in Christ. He is the only way! As we grow in Christ, we are given the command to also build one another up in love. Why is it so important to be a part of a local church body?

Think about your own personal growth. What situations can cause you to grow more or less?

LET’S PRAY

“No one develops the proper spiritual symmetry just by listening to Christian radio, watching Christian television, or reading Christian books. You can’t get this kind of maturity merely by participating in a group Bible Study. Unless you’re an active part of a local church, your Christian life and ministry will be imbalanced.” —Donald Whitley

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Are you fully committed to CrossPointe church? If not, what is your next step? Pray and ask God to help you make the necessary commitments. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our pastors!
2. Do you know others that need to commit to CrossPointe? How can you encourage them?
3. What can we do as a church to draw others to Christ, not just to make converts but to make disciples?
4. Do you reflect Christ’s character and do your part in speaking the truth in love?

As you serve, don’t grow weary in your work! Always remember Galatians 6:9-10: “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”