Now I Belong to Jesus – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: How does it feel knowing that you belong to Jesus now, or that He wants you to belong?

Sermon Title: “Now I belong to Jesus” – John 17:9-10

Group Discussion:

Read Matthew 23:37 & John 15:15 – You can belong to Jesus. How can knowing that Jesus’ desire is to protect you “under his wings” and to call you His friend influence your relationship with Him? Identify one “hostile” environment you might face this week (e.g., workplace, school, social media) and discuss practical examples of how you can take refuge and “gather others under His wings.”

Read John 17:9-10 – Jesus pays special attention to those who are His. When you belong to Jesus, He focuses on you; this is the foundation for self-worth. Why do you think Jesus chose to focus His prayer on those who belong to Him, rather than the entire world in that moment? Discuss how we might be tempted to seek worth from people or performance instead of Jesus’ attention. How can we course-correct to receive His delight in us as disciples?

Read John 14:15-21 – Jesus’ disciples are gifts from His Father; He has entrusted us to His Father. Why do you think Jesus highlights this deep connection between Himself, the Father, and His disciples? Why do you think Jesus connects love for Him so closely with obedience to His commands? How is this different from simply following rules?

Read John 17:10 – “And glory has come to me through them.” Jesus acknowledged the blessing of those who belong to Him. What does it mean that Jesus receives glory through us? Discuss how this “mutual belonging” with Jesus and the Father as a “transformational” faith contrast with the notion of a “transactional” faith.

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

Action Steps: (1) Reflect on Jesus’ Commands (e.g., love, forgive, serve): Consciously practice obedience this week with the help of the Holy Spirit, (2) Practice Identity Awareness: Begin each day reminding yourself, “I belong to Jesus; He is glorified in me; He delights in me.” Write it down or speak it aloud to reshape your mindset, and (3) Glorify Jesus in Your Actions: Choose one specific activity this week (e.g., work, relationships, service) where you can intentionally share the gospel with others by reflecting His love and truth through your actions.