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As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
In this session you will explore practical ways that building a movement of churches and fellowships can result in positive change in society through blessing communities.
Read Luke 9:28-31.
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus.31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem.
Friendship and loving support of others is an essential component in the long and challenging journey of following Jesus. Without the encouragement, support and accountability of others, we are far more vulnerable to spiritual attack and discouragement. Even strong, gifted, deeply spiritual leaders need to build around them the support of an inner circle of close friends.
28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus.31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfilment at Jerusalem.
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.34 ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.36 ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’
Read Mark 14:32-36.
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.34 ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch.’
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.36 ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’
Jesus deliberately took His closest friends with Him to share the experience of His highest and lowest moments, His joys and His fears, struggles and victories. He wanted and needed their support, prayer and encouragement. In the garden of his tears He said “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death...stay here and keep watch with me.” Strong leaders know their need for others and cultivate their inner circle of ‘garden friends’. Who are your ‘garden friends’ and what can you do to grow them further?
Read your assigned verses and then tell the group:
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’
30 In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead.31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”
36 ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’
37 The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’
Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13 while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ,14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
The lawyer asked Jesus a question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus turned the question around and answered, “Who are you a neighbor to?” We have been practicing Prayer, Care, Share because we believe it reflects God's desire that people experience the tangible love of God through us. Most of the time we think about applying Care with individuals we want to lead to Christ. That is a good desire. However, the example of the Good Samaritan shows us that we may need to take even greater steps to show God's love and impact our communities.
As new groups and churches are added, our care and love for the community can take an even broader form. We can begin to help with issues that impact the entire community.
Version 2.10
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