small group questions

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SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK: 5

GOAL OF TONIGHT Help students see how God’s story intersects with their story and why that matters in their day-to-day life. WELCOME & ICE BREAKER Recently I heard a story about someone who struggles to make friends and it isn't because there is anything wrong with that person, they just have a hard time making friends. What are some things you do in your life to try to make and keep good friends? (Leaders - you should share too!)

BIBLE VERSES John 10:24-30, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Genesis 1:26

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS THE BIBLE VERSES Tonight we'll be tackling a new subject - RELATIONSHIPS. But we aren't going to be talking about romantic relationships (sorry!). Instead we are going to take a couple of weeks to discuss the relationships that God is a part of. Maybe you haven't really even thought about the relationships God has and how he handles them, but it's pretty cool. Tonight, we're going to tackle the relationships God has with HIMSELF. Say what? Read the Scripture and then we'll discuss. First, read John 10:24-30. 1. Jesus drops a bomb at the end of this Scripture passage - what is it? 2. If God the Father AND Jesus are represented by the shepherd in this passage, how closely do they have to work together to lead the sheep? (this is complex, guys, we just want them to see the UNITY of the Father and the Son from this passage) Now read 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 1. The author writes that the Lord is also who? (the Spirit) 2. The Spirit is a shortened way of saying Holy Spirit. What are some of the good things the Holy Spirit provides for those who follow Him? 3. How do the Lord (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit seem to be working together? (to make people more like God) Now read Genesis 1:26. 1. What pronoun does God use to refer to himself here? 2. What does he imply by using "us" instead of "my"? 3. All three (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) were there at the beginning of time and are still around now. That means if we follow God now, we are actually following all three. How would that be good for us? Leaders - at some point you'll want to let them know that this concept we are studying is called, "The Trinity." It's a very confusing concept, but it can help to explain that God doesn't exist under the same limits we do. So being "three-in-one" isn't really a big deal for him, just difficult for us to understand. Also, important to tell them that he is ONE God, not three.

LEADER INSIGHT Leaders - be sure to study this in advance and ask for help from your team lead, director or pastor if needed. Here are some AMAZING additional Scriptures to study as you prepare. John 1 (the Word, Jesus, was there at the beginning), Genesis 1:2(The Spirit was there!), Matthew 1:21 (God with us), 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (all three!), Acts 5:1-4 (Holy Spirit referred to as God).

APPLICATION SUGGESTIONS What difference does it make that we follow a Triune God? His unified relationship with himself is an example of how we are to live. It's also so comforting to know we have a Father God, a Spirit to guide us and Jesus to learn from and follow.