We are taught from an early age to be independent, do it on our own, be our own person…individualism over collection…fighters for independence. As a result, we live in an increasingly fragmented and isolated society. But Scripture paints a different picture for the church. Christianity was not meant to be lived in isolation but as people interwoven by the person and work of Christ. A city on a hill is filled with the light of many people shining together as one collective body. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Describe a moment where you experienced what you would consider “real” fellowship. What made this fellowship so honest, vulnerable, and authentic?
Read: 1 John 1-4; Acts 2; John 15-17; Galatians 6:1-10; James 5:16
Discuss:
1. Have you ever felt lonely? Share your story. Describe loneliness. Why do you think that in one of the most connected societies in history, people are experiencing isolation and loneliness? How does the gospel overcome isolation and loneliness? Why is it important for us to understand that Christianity is profoundly corporate?
2. John writes to correct growing heresies. Describe the heresies that were finding their way into the church during John’s day (1 John 1:6,8)? How are these heresies still evident in our culture today? How do we naturally respond to walking in darkness? Have you ever withdrawn or “saved face” when you were walking in spiritual darkness? Share your story.
3. What is the difference between relationship and fellowship? How can we have a relationship with God and yet not fully enjoy fellowship with God? What gets in the way from fellowship with God? How have you seen this in your own life?
4. John describes both his historical knowledge of Christ (1 John 1:1-2) and personal experience (1 John 1:2-4). How does our personal experience with Christ bring us into a common fellowship together? How is this type of fellowship different than mere cultural fellowship? Name some places in culture where people attempt to find common fellowship.
5. How does Biblical community make our joy more complete? In what ways have you experienced joy in church community?
6. How does Biblical community guard us from sin and deception? Describe what it looks like to confess our sins to one another? Does this idea scare you? Why are we reluctant to share our faults with one another?
Pray: Pray that you would grow in fellowship with God and people. Ask God to surround you with people that will bring you joy and guard you from sin. If you are struggling with sin or are living in deception, confess your sin to God and to godly people who can walk with you.
Memorize/Meditate: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
