Discussion Questions
Sermon Recap
In the sermon "Intimacy & Community", Pastor Derek explores the significance of these aspects in the life of a disciple. He emphasizes that intimacy involves personal transparency and renewal, while community consists in living life with others faithfully. Pastor Derek uses biblical references to illustrate how God, Jesus, and the early believers valued intimacy and community. He urges believers to prioritize intentional relationships rooted in Christ, fostering deep connections and authentic community.
Discussion Questions 💬
- How does pursuing intimacy in our personal spiritual lives help us become more like Jesus?
Derek explains intimacy as a fully equipped disciple pursuing ongoing personal spiritual transparency and renewal, similar to how Jesus sought to know others and make himself known.
- In which areas of your life do you find it difficult to be vulnerable and transparent, and how can you work on developing this aspect of discipleship?
- Why is community essential in our journey as disciples?
Derek describes community as a fully equipped disciple living life with others who are also seeking to follow Jesus faithfully and explains that the Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation.
- How do you currently engage with a community of believers, and how can you cultivate deeper relationships within this community?
- Derek talks about the 'one another' commands in the Bible. Can you share your favorite 'one another' command and explain why it's significant for you?
Jesus modeled living in community by inviting people to do life with him, fulfilling the 'one another' commands in scripture.
- How can you actively work on fulfilling this 'one another' command in your daily life and interactions with fellow believers?
- What lessons can we learn from Jesus' inclusivity and sacrificial love both for developing intimacy and creating community?
Derek highlights Jesus' inclusivity and his ultimate act of sacrificial love on the cross, which created a community of believers united by his sacrifice.
- How can you practice inclusivity and demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships with others in your community?
- How can you apply the principles of love, unity, mutual support, purity, and forgiveness in your relationships within the body of Christ?
Derek emphasizes the importance of these principles in maintaining healthy relationships and intimacy within the Christian community.
- Which of these principles do you find most challenging to consistently apply in your relationships, and what steps can you take to strengthen those areas?
Prayer Requests:
• Ask God to help us pursue intimacy with Him through prayer and studying His word.
• Ask God to show us how to build and nurture a deeper sense of community with those around us.
• Ask for the courage to be vulnerable and honest in our relationships with others.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in living out these characteristics in our daily lives.