What kind of relationships are we called to build in God’s Kingdom?
This week, Marc Fey explores the power of sacrifice and how it shapes the depth of our relationships. Using the example of Epaphroditus from Philippians, we’ll see how his willingness to risk everything for the work of Christ challenges us to consider what we are willing to give up for the sake of others. We’ll also dive into Jesus’ words in John 15, where He calls us to bear fruit and live out the kind of love that transforms communities. Join us as we discover how living sacrificially leads to deeper, richer relationships and a fuller joy in Christ.
Discussion Questions:
- What does the concept of sacrifice mean to you in the context of your relationships with others?
- How does Epaphroditus’s example challenge us to rethink what it means to serve and risk for the sake of Christ?
- In what ways can we better accept others as Christ accepted us, even when it’s difficult?
- Why do you think accountability is an important part of building strong relationships? How can we practice that in our group?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus calls us His friends, and how does that affect your view of your relationship with Him?
- How does understanding that we are “fellow workers” in the kingdom change the way we engage in ministry and community?
- Can you share a time when you experienced the joy that comes from sacrificing for someone else?
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to lay something down in order to build deeper relationships?
- What does it look like in practical terms to “bear fruit” in your life, as Jesus talked about in John 15?
- How can we apply the four A’s of relationships (Acceptance, Affirmation, Accountability, and Authority) in our small group and in our personal lives?
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