Spiritual growth means daily and to Jesus.
2 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Leviticus 1:3; John 1:29; Romans 12:1-2.
Spiritual growth leads to more and in life.
2 Peter 3:14-18; Philippians 4:7; John 15:1-17.
How to build a solid spiritual root structure:
John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 8:7; James 4:16; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:24-25.
Small Group Questions
What do you think?
- What struck a chord with you from City Church’s most recent service?
- If you had to narrow down your favorite verse from 1st Peter or 2nd Peter, which would you choose?
The story of your life.
- Peter chose to end 2nd Peter talking about spiritual growth. What spiritual disciplines or practices have you found to be most helpful in keeping you growing spiritually and on track with God?
- We wrapped up our 2nd Peter series titled “Final Words” this past weekend. Though this may be a bit of a heavy transition, what “final words” would you want to communicate to loved ones and future generations if you knew your days were numbered?
Digging deeper.
- In Matthew 13, Jesus shares the famous Parable of the Sower, combined with a few other insightful parables about the Kingdom of God. Read Matthew 13:1-23 and have a few members of the group unpack the key points of the parable using their own words.
- What does this parable tell us about God? People? You?
- Now read Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-40. What further insight do we find about God/people/you?
- Another key passage about spiritual growth is John 15:1-17. Read it together and have a few members of the group unpack the key points of the parable using their own words.
- What does this parable tell us about God? People? You?
- Does it come naturally for you to be connected to God and people or is it more challenging? Explain.
- This weekend we looked at the need to build a deep root structure in God’s word and in community to grow spiritually. The Bible has more than 30 “one another” commands in the New Testament (ex: spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and “encouraging one another”). These commands are lived out in their highest form in a small group. Read the following “one another” verses one at a time and share any insights you find about building a deeper community.
- Romans 12:10.
- Romans 12:16.
- Romans 14:13.
- Romans 15:7.
- Romans 15:14.
- Which of these verses is hardest for you to maintain or put into practice? Which comes more naturally for you?
Personal reflection and application.
- Have everyone in the group share one thing (that someone else said) that resonated with them from this discussion.
- Take some time to pray for one another before closing the group.