Becoming Real with Others – Real Community

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” JOHN 17:20-23 NLT

Real Community…

Is not just another set of relationships. It’s intentional.

21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you…. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. JOHN 17:21a, 22 NLT
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. JOHN 15:12 NLT

Is not a place where we stay the same. It’s transformational.

17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. JOHN 17:17 NLT
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 TIMOTHY 2:22 ESV
14 Then we will no longer be immature like children… 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. EPHESIANS 4:14-15 NLT

Is not just meant for ourselves. It’s missional.

21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. JOHN 17:21, 23 NLT
14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. MARK 3:14 NLT
6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” ISAIAH 49:6 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

Read John 15:2 together. How has Jesus loved us? Share a story about how your community group loved you in the same way Jesus has loved you.
Read Ephesians 4:14-16 together. What significant change(s) toward becoming more like Jesus have taken place in you as a direct result of being in your community group?
Give a specific example of an area where you know you need to become spiritually mature. Take turns praying for one another to grow more like Jesus in these specific ways.
In what ways are you currently leveraging your growing relationships to make an impact outside of your group?
How can your group become more missional as a group? What are some ways your group can purposefully reach out and impact your community?

Group Reflection Guide

Create a real moment together with your community group to honestly assess how your group is doing with being intentional. Set a timer for 10 minutes where you will be still and silent with God and one another. In the silence have each person in the group talk quietly with the Lord about the group’s intentionality. Ask some questions like, “Does community group often feel like just another thing on the calendar? Is there an area you could up our game in (e.g. praying together, confessing to one another, bearing each other’s burdens, loving your neighbors well together, etc.)?” When the timer goes off, have someone pray aloud as a way of bringing the silence to an end. Share your reflections with one another.