A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES: Speak the Truth

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, July 21, 2013. To get the most from these questions, go to https://soundcloud.com/#graceplacehermitage and listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)

Have you ever served on a jury?

What type of case did you serve on?
Have you ever been a witness in court?
How did you feel about being a witness?

Worship: (Optional for communities who have the time and talent)

“We are one in the Spirit; We are one in the Lord”

Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it)

Ephesians 4:11-16

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)

Fragile Friendship – Ever known a 9-year old girl?  They make friends quick and quit friends quick.

How would you describe a fragile friend?

Faithful Friendship – Longtime friends, work friends, church friends, school friends and family members are friends developed over time.   Psalm 119:63 “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.”  

How many Facebook friends do you have?
How many of your Facebook friends are Faithful Friends?
When have you felt a bond of friendship with fellow Christians though you just met?
 
Functioning Friendship – Friends and loved ones are longtime friends who have been through the wars with you and remained loyal.  Maybe you will have one or two in a lifetime.
When have you had to speak the truth in love to a friend?
How do you feel when a friend speaks the truth to you?
Discuss ways your community group can be accountable to one another.
What are you doing to help build up the whole church community?
 
Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)
Share your burden with your friends.