Category: Small groups

Challenge

In your mind, choose one sin to avoid and a spiritual replacement. whenever this sin comes to mind, remember your spiritual replacement. Involve your confession father in this matter so that he can hold you accountable

Focus Quote

St.Tikhon of Zadonsk was a Russian Orthodox monk who lived in the 18^th century (1724-1783). He discusses some practical steps to struggle against sin:

1. Repent; “Virtue is not true virtue when it is not within the heart. Therefore, correct your heart and your will and you shall be good and your outward deeds will be good, for the inwards is the beginning of the outward”
2. Listen and obey the word of God
3. Arm yourself for the battle through prayer
4. Remember the presence of God
5. Avoid all occasions that lead to sin
6. Mediate upon your own death and final judgement

Readings

New Testament passage

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Discussion Questions

As Christians in a modern world, we consistently find ourselves fighting against the flesh and against the ever-changing social norms, particularly in a society which prides itself on subjective morality. Often in these times, we feel that we are so different from those around us which can make us feel isolated and can make us question whether we want to continue down the narrow path. Yet, we are in a battle in this world – we might not see it and we might forget about it, but it is real and ever present. How do we remind ourselves of spiritual warfare?

What are some struggles we face as Christians in modern day society?

What are some practical ways to overcoming feelings of helplessness in the spiritual struggle?

Another New Testament Passage

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against thewiles of the devil.¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but againstprincipalities, against powers, againstthe rulers of^]the darkness of this age, against spiritualhostsof wickedness in the heavenlyplaces.¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstandin the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Ephesians 10:9-18

Discussion questions

When St Paul originally wrote this passage, he was using jargon familiar to his audience. What are some modern-day equivalents of the armour of God proposed by St Paul?

How can we utilise each aspect of the armour of God?

Challenge

Find someone at church on a Sunday or at a youth meeting who you notice is alone and go speak to them. Try and follow up with them at least once before the next meeting*

Focus Quote

“If God seems far away, find someone to pray with and for you. You will experience His Presence and that will become your reassurance. He never, ever, leaves His children orphaned.”

– Fr. Johannes Jacobse

New Testament Passage

Mark 6:7-13

⁷ And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. ⁸ He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— ⁹ but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. ¹⁰ Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. ¹¹ And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” ¹² So they went out and preached that people should repent. ¹³ And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

Discussion Questions

1. Christ could have sent the disciples out one-by-one to reach more people, and yet, He chose to send them out two-by-two. What are three things Christ may be revealing about the power of friendship by doing such a thing?
2. Outside of service, how else is friendship given for us to be used? What are the benefits of a friendship outside of service?

Old Testament Passage

1 Samuel 18:1-4

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the^]soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. ² Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. ³ Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. ⁴ And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.

Also read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

⁹ Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
¹¹ Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Discussion Questions

1. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan, discuss how the two of them epitomized the concept of Spiritual Friendship.
2. What are some other Biblical examples of friendship that you can think of in the Bible?
3. Some of us consider ourselves to be “lone wolves”, not requiring the company of others. How do we reconcile this lifestyle with what we are taught about friendship in the Bible? Is it wrong to not have close friends? Furthermore, if I struggle to make friends, how do I overcome this?