Proverbs 17:17

-Our spiritual friendships and our spiritual family (the church) are designed to love us, support us, and help us find strength in God as we face the adversities of life.

Q: What kinds of adversity or challenges do you think you will have or have had already as a disciple of Jesus?

-Persecution, temptation, family challenges, health issues, financial hardships, conflict in relationships, problems at school, problems at work, etc.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Q: What is the advantage of having a close spiritual friend?

-We need people in our spiritual lives to help us up when we struggle and fall or it is only a matter of time before we will experience grief and despair!

CONFESS TO ONE ANOTHER

1 John 1:5-10

Q: Can we be close to God and others if we live in darkness or dimness (living in a little darkness)?

-Claiming to be without sin equates to deceiving ourselves and calling God a liar. Confessing our sin allows us to “walk in the light”

-If we walk in the light: We have fellowship with one another (builds deep, authentic friendships) and Jesus’ blood purifies us and allows us to have a relationship with God.

Q: What are some obstacles that would prevent you from being open about your life and confessing sin?

Q: What should we do when someone confesses their sin to us?

Galatians 6:1-2

-NEVER be harsh! Do not overreact. God calls us to “restore gently.”

-Make sure that they bring things into the light (no dimness). Make sure you are getting enough information to really pray specifically and also help them to come to repentance.

-Ask “What do you think repentance looks like?” The goal is to help them to bring everything into the light and help them to repent (be restored) so that times of refreshing can come (Acts 3:19)

-Pray! Praying together after confession is always helpful (James 5:15-17)

HELP ONE ANOTHER BE LIKE CHRIST

1 Corinthians 11:1

-In our discipling relationships, Christ is the standard and our lives are examples.

Q: What is the difference between setting an example with our lives and making our lives a standard?

Q: Why is it important to know this distinction?

-We need to have the humility and desire to imitate the Christ-like qualities in one another. However, the foundation and focus of our discipling relationships should always be our desire to be just like Jesus.

Proverbs 27:5-6

-The Bible teaches us that it is better to be corrected harshly in love, than to have someone who does not love you enough to correct you at all.

Q: Do you have spiritual friends that you trust enough to allow them to correct you on a regular basis?

Q: Are people who tell you “what you want to hear” rather than “what you need to hear” really a good friend?

-Have a designated discipleship partner and/or group in your life and meet regularly.

-When you meet: confess sins, share burdens, talk about what you are learning from God, pray together, share your faith together, challenge one another’s faith, etc.

Spiritual Exercise: Do a study of “one another” passages in the New Testament.