Week of February 2, 2025
Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you are leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group.
Discussion
Walking In The Light
1 John 1:5-10
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (ESV)
① A Truth Declared (v. 5)
You can’t walk in darkness and have fellowship with God.
What is a metaphor? Give some other examples of metaphors describing Jesus. Discuss what is meant by light and darkness in these verses. Can light and darkness coexist?
② A Transfer Needed (v. 6)
To have fellowship with God, you must first be transferred from darkness to light through faith in God’s Son.
How does one transfer from darkness to light? Can one live in the darkness and have fellowship with God? Can one “visit” the darkness and have fellowship with God? Discuss this in terms of Christians being the light of the world.
③ A Treasure Received (7)
By walking in the light, you receive the blessing of fellowship and cleansing.
Discuss these blessings. What is “fellowship”? What is the “cleansing”? What is the condition of receiving these blessings.
④ A Task Required (8-10)
To continue to walk day by day in fellowship with God and with fellow believers, you must confess your sins.
Does one have to be sinless to be a Christian? If not, does that give us license to sin? How are we to deal with sin our life? Discuss Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s term “cheap grace”. (Not part of Dave's teaching. This may require a little research.)
Next Steps
#1 : I will stop ignoring, denying, hiding, or justifying my sin. I will admit it, own it, and confess it to God, trusting that He will forgive me and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus.
#2 I will daily purse walking in the light with God and His people in close and complete communion, asking God to help me by His grace to become more like Him and to shine as a light in this dark world.
Talk to God
- How can we pray for you?
Small Group Guidelines
Small Group Guidelines
Though we call these Basic Group Guidelines, these are also effective in all relationships and environments. We believe it is wise to observe these whether in a one-on-one conversation or in a group discussion.
• Guidelines give boundaries for people to operate within.
• They help with the flow and pace of the discussions.
• They help us value one another.
• They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.
This is a Safe Group
Confidentiality is key, what is said in the group stays in the group. Be aware how you are affecting the environment: words, actions, and non-verbal communication. This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing.
No Crosstalk
Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations, checking phone, responding to text or email, etc.
Listen
Let’s value one another by listening to what is being shared. Allow a pause after someone shares to allow them to finish and others to consider what was said. Eye contact and body posture play key roles in creating a positive or negative group environment.
No Rescuing or Fixing
We are not here to fix each other, Jesus does that part. Avoid the tendency to rescue when someone is struggling to get the words out or shares a struggle or conviction.
Use “I” Statements
It’s easy to talk about the issues of others or respond with “we”, “us”, “the church”. But for us to grow as disciples and build relationship we want to use “I” statements.
Don’t Overtalk
We want to create time for all members of the group to participate in the discussion. Be careful not to always be the first responder or regularly give long responses.
Fight for Relationship
It’s not “if” conflict or hurt feelings will happen, but “when”. We commit to fight for relationship with each other. Go to that person and share your struggle or seek wise advice if you are not sure how to handle the conflict.
