GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Internal competition severely limits the potential of any group or team and it’s no different in the Kingdom. In today’s passage, John the Baptist’s response to his eager followers provides the key to avoiding competition within the family of Christ.
Main Points:
Surrendering to Jesus is the key to serving God together without competition (27-30).
Surrendering to Jesus is a straightforward choice when we see Jesus clearly (31-35).
Surrendering to Jesus results in joy, confidence and eternal life (36).
On-Ramps:
Surrender yourself to Jesus, and receive eternal life.
Use any influence you have to lead people to Jesus.
Follow leaders who lead you to Jesus.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Share a few examples of times where you have been impacted by Christian leaders or ministries (1) competing with each other or (2) cooperating with each other. Please talk without specifics and without slandering others.
Talk about the metaphor of bride and groom representing church and Jesus. How does this imagery help you think in a more healthy way about competition between Christians? Can you come up with five principles out of this idea that could guide us as believers or as a church?
Are there leaders in your life that influence you towards Jesus, without getting in the way themselves?
Read verses 31-35. What truths about Jesus and his Kingdom can you pull out of this passage?
Read verse 36. How might this verse lead to a change in your motivations and pursuits? What challenge might this verse give to your small group or our church?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: John 4:1-42
