Gospel Community
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What caught your attention this week in our study? What did you find encouraging or challenging
What do Genesis 1:27-28 and 2:18 teach us about our created design? What are the implications if we have been created in the image of a Triune God?
In what ways are you experiencing meaningful community with other believers? What are the various ways you can experience gospel community within the church?
What effects did the Fall have on our vertical relationship with God (cf. Gen 3:8), our inward identity (cf. Gen 3:7 and 10), and our outward relationships (cf. Gen 3:12, 14, and 4:8)? What examples can you identify and share from your own life in each of these three areas of alienation?
How does the gospel transform the effects of the fall and the fragmentation of relationships according to 1 Peter 2:9-10?
What is the common metaphor used for the people of God in Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 2:19, 1 Peter 2:5, and 4:17? How are the characteristics and attributes of a household or family different, deeper, and better than the characteristics of a club, organization, or business?
In their book, Gospel-Centered Community, Will Walker and Bob Thune make the case that, “Every one of us is a saint in isolation! That’s why community is essential—not optional—for transformation. We can’t become the people God wants us to become outside of community.” Do you agree or disagree? Why is gospel community so important to our spiritual growth and maturity?
What changes might need to take place in your life, schedule, and commitments to prioritize gospel community to a greater degree? Are there any personal characteristics or obstacles that keep you from deeper gospel relationships? How can you address those with other believers?
What will you take away and apply this week from our study?
FOR FURTHER STUDY ON YOUR OWN:
The “one another” passages refer to the specific commands in the New Testament on how we are intended to live together in gospel community, and they are included in our Mars Hill Membership Covenant. The following questions are based on an assortment of the “one another” passages and their meaning. After reading and reflecting on the questions on your own, sit down with a close brother or sister and talk through the questions, what you learned, and where you might need some help. Meditate on the love, sacrifice, and mind of Jesus and how he calls and enables you to love, serve, and sacrifice for others.
Do you show humility and gentleness to your brothers and sisters partially when it suits you? Or completely because you’re called to it? (cf. Eph 4:2)
Though you might be the expert in the room, do you regularly deflate your own glory and leverage your gifts, experience, and wisdom for the sake of others (cf. Eph 4:2, 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5)?
Are you quick to judge, or do you procrastinate judgment? Are you charitable in judgment, assuming the best, rather than the worst of your brothers and sisters (cf. Eph 4:2)
Is it your habit to do the long, hard work of listening, understanding, and communicating with a brother or sister when they wrong you (cf. Eph 4:2; Col 3:13)?
Do you find yourself eager to keep the peace Christ died to secure? Why or why not? Do you fight to maintain and keep it? (cf. Eph 4:3; Mk 9:50)
Do you give respect to your brothers and sisters preemptively (cf. Eph 4:2, Rom 12:10)?
Do you consider your brothers and sisters more important than yourself (cf. Gal 5:26, Phil 2:3)?
Do you stand isolated and alone singing your own tune from the Christian community (cf. Rom 12:16)? Or are you actively pursuing what brings oneness, rest, and spiritual strengthening to others (cf. Rom 14:19)?
Do you pray for and seek opportunities to encourage, build up, and provoke one another to love and good deeds (cf. 1 Thess 4:18, 5:11, Heb 3:13, 10:24)?
Do you readily welcome your brothers and sisters into your arms, your home, and your life (cf. Rom 15:7; 1 Peter 4:9)?
Is your yes, yes, and your no, no? Do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Is your speech full of grace (cf. James 5:12; Eph 4:15, 25; Col 3:9, 4:6)?
Do you degrade and slander others or look for ways to build them up (cf. James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1)?
Are you regularly looking for ways you can serve your brothers and sisters (cf. 1 Cor 12:25; Gal 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10; Phil 2:4)?
When your brother or sister is burdened, do you get under the load and lighten it, or do you heap more on top of it (cf. Gal 6:2)?
