Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
We must have real love for our real neighbors, right now!
Discussion Starter:
Often we refer to our fellow Christians and those who are less fortunate than us as our “neighbor.” We sometimes forget the people who are placed in our lives and who live in our actual neighborhood. When is the last time you just stopped by to say “hi” to the person living on your street, baked them a cake, or sent them a note?
Introduction:
God calls us to be stewards of those He places in our lives. Have you ever thought about this when your co-worker in the cubical next to you drives you crazy? You are where you are for a purpose. How bright is your light to the family living across from you? How are you demonstrating God’s love to rambunctious teenagers in your community? When we limit who our neighbor is, we limit God’s love.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37, Philippians 2:1-8
Discussion Questions:
- Read Luke 10:25-37. From this passage what can we determine are God’s greatest commandments?
- Who does Jesus say our neighbor is?
- How does Jesus say we are to act as Christians? Can you think of situations today where you are tempted to pass by on the other side of the road?
- Read Philippians 2:1-8. Jesus was a good neighbor, and in this passage Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Christ. Who in your life have you seen demonstrate these behaviors?
- Have you ever seen someone who is far from God respond to this type of love from a Christian? How did God use someone else as His vessel?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Philippians 2:1-8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
In Exodus 12:4 Moses gives instructions for the Israelites to prepare the passover. If any family is too small for a whole lamb they are to share with their nearest neighbor. Make sure everyone in your group has a place to celebrate Thanksgiving this week. If any family is too small for a whole turkey, invite them to share some of yours!
Engage the World Around Us
This coming week is Thanksgiving. What can your small group do for your communities that demonstrate God’s love?
Expand God’s Kingdom
As we move forth in the community this week, let’s not limit who our neighbor is. Instead, with intentionality, let’s start reaching out to those God has put around us in our neighborhood, at work, at church, etc. Who will you reach out to first?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
