Gripping the Word of Life | 12.11.22

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between 

(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Philippians 2:15-16 and John 1

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. 

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭

Apecho (epecho) - Grip onto it with all your might 

“I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭20‬ ‭

1.  What is your personal response to the truth that the fullness of Christ resides in you when you are born again as a believer in Jesus Christ? (John 14:20) 
2. Are there any doubts that you hold against this truth?
3.  Why must we hold firmly to the word of life?  What benefit will we derive from holding firmly to the word of life? How will others benefit from our effort to hold firmly to the word of life?
4. In what way is darkness working overtime in your life to steal from you and keep you from radiating Jesus like a star?
5. Discuss some practical ways in which you can hold onto the word of life.
6. Where does John's genealogy of Jesus begin? Why is this important?
7. In John 1:4 why does John connect life to light? What does John remind us about the light in John 1:5?
8. At the end of the service the worship team sang A Hillsong worship song titled Highs and Lows. The chorus is shown below. In what way does the song encourage you or connect to the idea of holding onto the word or life?

Highs and lows,

You surround me either way it goes

Should I rise or should I fall

Lord, You're with me through it all

Highs and lows

In the rhythms of Your grace, I know

You're too good to let me go

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.