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Unbreakable Community in a Divisive World

Walking with Community is the primary pathway to wisdom

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. PROVERBS 13:20 ESV

Wisdom comes through community by…

Listening with curiosity

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. PROVERBS 15:31-33 ESV

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. PROVERBS 15:22 ESV

Sharing with vulnerability

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. PROVERBS 27:9

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
PROVERBS 27:17 ESV

Staying through adversity

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? PROVERBS 20:6 NIV

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. PROVERBS 17:17

In our culture today, we love the freedom of choice, rather than the choice to love

Jesus invites us to his community in order to have his wisdom

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. MATTHEW 4:18-19 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, releasing any burdens from your day. Invite God into this time, asking him to help you be more real with yourself and him during this time. As you consider the wisdom that comes from other godly people, how open are you to receiving this? Ask God to reveal any obstacles that might stand in your way from receiving wisdom from others. As you reflect on this, has there been a time where you listened to life-giving reproof? What was it about that that was so life-giving? Are you in a community where this can happen? Ask God to show you how you can be an instrument of God’s life-giving words to those around you. Perhaps it starts with you opening up in vulnerability; perhaps it means gently inviting others to do the same. Ask God for clarity here, and write your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine your own willingness to be relationally vulnerable with others. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Being in Christian community is an invaluable resource that God uses to help us become more real with ourselves, him and others. What do you think are the main reasons for a lack of Christian community today? What are your personal challenges in experiencing this?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: How relationally vulnerable do you consider yourself? What obstacles have you overcome to make positive steps in this direction? (What further steps can you take to have more relational intimacy?)
  4. REAL WITH GOD: What are some of the ways that community is forming you into the image of Jesus?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: Would you say right now there is a rhythm to your life where you're regularly spending time with wise people? If not, what are the barriers keeping you from this?
  6. TAKE ACTION: What would you say are some of the benefits of being a part of this small group? Who can you invite into this community?