Jesus walked with, wept with, listened to, taught and cared for His disciples. They learned from Him as they lived with Him, and they were transformed as they imitated Him. For us, Scripture is the primary means by which we encounter Jesus, the Living Word, in our lives. When you study the Bible together with other believers, you learn from, lean into and live with the Person of Jesus together.
Research shows that regular Bible engagement is transformational; those who ‘live in it’ at least four times a week are 30% less likely to be lonely, 230% more likely to disciple others, and 200% more likely to share their faith. It’s unsurprising, then, that getting into the Bible (and staying in it) can feel like a bit of a battle; the enemy of our souls wants to distract and divert us from becoming more like Jesus.
Group Guides: What will you do to point others to the Word? Regularly encourage everyone in your small group to share about how God’s truth is impacting their character and conduct at home, work, and church. You will watch one another become increasingly Christ-like as you see the Word breathe life into others’ everyday circumstances.
Mutual Discipleship Step 3. LET
… one others’ unique gifts enrich your group life
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace…” (1 Peter 4:10)
Every disciple has spiritual gifts to use for the Lord. The first disciples were not only diverse in background and occupation, but in personality and purpose as well. Impetuous Peter served alongside zealous James and compassionate John within Jesus’ inner circle. The Lord knew that Peter would be the passionate church planter, James would be the first Christian martyr and John would provide pastoral encouragement for the church in his epistles.
Jesus plans the part each of us will play in His purposes perfectly. Successful small groups rely on the Holy Spirit to reveal and release the gifts of every person who attends. Since spiritual gifts are not given for our own benefit but to bless and build up others to the glory of God, they are most often discovered and developed in the flow of serving and caring for one another.
