1. What are qualities of a bad boss who makes it hard to obey or listen to them? Why do we often project these qualities on Jesus?
2. How do you enjoy God's presence throughout the week?
1.
John 15:9-11 tells us that love and obedience go hand in hand. What are some ways that make this statement easier to understand? (Think of relationships in your life or situations you've been in when this statement has proven true.)
2. Read through
1 Peter 5:7 and
Psalm 46:10. How do these two verses call us to obedience?
3. Others see how we bear fruit in our lives and often want to know more about The One who causes us to bear this fruit. Read
Galatians 5:22-23 to see the list of the Fruit of the Spirit. Which fruit do you feel you exhibit the most? Which fruit do you feel you need God's help to exhibit?
4. In
John 15:17, we see the command to "love each other". While this command is very clear, what things or circumstances in life make it hard to follow?
5. Ben talked about sacrifice being more than just physical things as we find big and small ways to care for one another. He talked about many ways this can be done at church (serving on the weekends, participating in outreach, giving of tithes). What are ways you can sacrifice at work? At home? In living your everyday life?
1. If you've never taken our class called Explorations (or if it has been a while since you've taken it), the fall semester session begins soon and this might be your next step! You can go to
https://thecrossing.church/calendar/26 to get signed up!
2. How can you "go and love as you have been loved" throughout this week?
3. What fruit of the spirit do you hope to bear this week?
Jesus, help us to be intentional in our everyday lives as we work to love others and be obedient to You. May others see the difference You make in our lives as we take steps of obedience, as we allow joy to be present in storms, and as we continue to pursue a genuine friendship with You. Keep refining, correcting, and transforming every aspect of our lives. Like Pagratius, may we each be ones who bear much fruit. So be it and Amen.