Bible Study: Living Out Our Faith in a Divided World

Crosspointchurchtx   -   November 4, 2024

Objective: To explore how Christians can live out their faith in a divided world by embracing community, addressing heart issues, serving others, and prioritizing faith over politics.

Session 1: The Beautiful Messiness of Community

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some challenges and benefits of being part of a church community?
  2. How can we encourage and support one another in our faith journeys?
  3. In what ways can the church be a refuge for those experiencing loneliness and sadness?

Activity: Break into small groups and share personal experiences of how the church community has impacted your life. Discuss ways to strengthen community bonds.

Session 2: From ‘You and Me’ to ‘We in Christ’

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean to be part of the body of Christ?
  2. How can we celebrate diversity within the church while maintaining unity?
  3. What role do you play in the body of Christ, and how can you contribute to its mission?

Activity: Create a “body map” on a large sheet of paper, labeling different parts with various gifts and roles within the church. Discuss how each part is essential to the whole.

Session 3: Addressing the Heart Problem

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 51:10

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the condition of our hearts affect our relationships and communities?
  2. What steps can we take to allow Jesus to transform our hearts?
  3. How can we support one another in addressing heart issues?

Activity: Spend time in silent reflection and prayer, asking God to reveal areas in your heart that need transformation. Share insights with a trusted group member or leader.

Session 4: The Call to Wash Feet

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet teach us about service and humility?
  2. How can we apply this example in our daily lives?
  3. What are some practical ways to serve others in our community?

Activity: Plan a service project as a group, focusing on meeting a specific need in your community. Discuss how serving others can be a powerful witness of Christ’s love.

Session 5: Prioritizing Faith Over Politics

Scripture: Philippians 3:20; Matthew 6:33

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can we maintain our identity as citizens of heaven in a politically divided world?
  2. What challenges do we face in prioritizing our faith over politics?
  3. How can our faith influence our political views and actions?

Activity: Engage in a respectful discussion about current events, focusing on how biblical principles can guide our responses. Emphasize the importance of unity and love in these discussions.

Session 6: Loving as Jesus Loved

Scripture: John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-12

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does Jesus’ command to love one another challenge us in our daily interactions?
  2. What are some barriers to loving others as Jesus loved us?
  3. How can we overcome these barriers and demonstrate Christ-like love?

Activity: Write down the names of people you find difficult to love. Pray for each person, asking God to help you love them as He does. Share any breakthroughs or insights with the group.

Session 7: A Unified Voice for Christ

Scripture: John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why is unity among believers important for our witness to the world?
  2. What are some practical steps we can take to promote unity within the church?
  3. How can our unified voice point others to Christ?

Activity: As a group, create a “unity covenant” outlining commitments to promote unity and love within your church and community. Discuss how you can hold each other accountable to these commitments.

Conclusion:

Reflect on the key themes of this study: community, heart transformation, service, prioritizing faith, love, and unity. Encourage participants to continue living out these principles in their daily lives, trusting that their actions will be a powerful testimony of Christ’s love in a divided world. Close with a time of prayer, asking God to empower and guide each participant in their journey of faith.