Finding Alignment – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: Share an example of how people united around a common purpose made a big impact.

Sermon Title: “Finding Alignment” – John 17:20-23

Group Discussion:

Read John 17:21, 1 John 4:11-12, & 2 Peter 1:2-4 – To experience unity among believers, we must achieve alignment with the nature of God: we “may participate in the divine nature.” Our unity reflects the oneness of Jesus and the Father. What obstacles might keep us from experiencing Jesus and God’s relational unity? Discuss specific practices we might initiate to overcome these obstacles as individuals and as a church to achieve unity in our approach to discipleship.

Read John 17:20 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Alignment with the Gospel: “through their message.” When we follow God’s Word, we can be on the same page. Discuss strategies for how we can consistently align ourselves in unity with the gospel truth found in Scripture, especially with differing views among believers in addition to worldly influences. Discuss ways we can ensure that the methods we use to share the gospel (e.g., words, actions, behaviors) will faithfully and accurately reflect biblical truths.

Read Ephesians 4:2-6, John 13:35 – Alignment with the beauty of the Goal: Mission and purpose driven. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our unity propels us toward a specific mission and purpose-driven approach to discipleship? Discuss how we can overcome divisions, nurture genuine love in our relationships, and achieve goals with a Jesus-centered mentality and purpose.

Read John 17:22-23, Matthew 5:14-16, & Mark 8:34-35 – The goals for unity with others and with God are twofold: (1) effectively communicate Jesus’ mission (“the world will know you sent me”) and (2) effectively communicate that God’s love for believers is authentic and intimate (“loved them even as you have loved me”). As such, discuss intentional steps you will take this week to cultivate unity with other believers as a witness (salt & light) of Jesus’ purposeful mission and God’s profound love.

Spiritual Discipline: Review resources for this series at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources on the Church Center app, including this resource: John Chapter 17 Scripture & Commentary.

Action Steps: (1) Pursue Unity: Reach out to another believer with encouragement, spiritual support, or reconciliation if needed, (2) Reflect God’s Love: Show Jesus-centered love in a tangible way through service, kindness, or forgiveness, and (3) Live the Mission: Purposefully communicate the gospel in words and actions to help others recognize and receive Jesus’ gift of salvation.