STAY CONNECTED
We want to ensure that you continue to receive relevant communication from us. Update your email, phone number, or address to stay connected.
Supportive Community | One Another | Week Two
March 7, 2025 7:21 PM
Opening
What are some famous friendships in film, television, literature, and popular culture that you’ve been inspired to follow?
Overview
Scripture: Proverbs 27:5; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1-5
Main Idea
Following Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit, which helps us develop skills in love and friendship. However, simply being a follower of Jesus doesn’t automatically make us supportive and loving individuals. Jesus-centered friendships take work, as emphasized by the New Commandment and the frequent use of the phrase "one another" throughout the New Testament.
Jesus-centered friendships rely on loving correction, where friends care enough to point out mistakes and sins and help each other grow. Those who merely offer praise, agree with everything we say, or display excessive sympathy may not genuinely have our best interests at heart and are not truly authentic friends. Paul emphasizes this in Ephesians 4:15, reminding us that speaking the truth in love strengthens our relationships.
Discussion Questions
(Read Galatians 6:1-5)
- How does Paul instruct believers to restore someone caught in sin, and what attitude should they have while doing so?
- What warning does Paul give in verse 1 about the potential dangers of helping a fellow believer?
- What does it mean to “carry each other’s burdens” in verse 2, and how does this fulfill the law of Christ?
- In verse 3, Paul warns against self-deception. How can pride hinder a believer from helping others?
- What distinction does Paul make in verses 4-5 between carrying one another’s burdens and carrying one’s own load?
Closing
Pray together for God to help you cultivate Jesus-centered friendship within our church community.