Week Four – Don't Go It Alone Galatians 2:6-14 Spend

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Week Four – Don’t Go It Alone Galatians 2:6-14 Spend FIFTEEN - Day One 1. This week we are talking about the importance of community in growing and shaping an identity. How does this quote reinforce that in light of last week's topic of character: “One can acquire everything in solitude except character”?

2. American culture tends to be very individualistic and personal. Is it a stretch for you to imagine defining who you are in light of those around you?

3. Read Galatians 2:6-14. This is an interesting case study on identity in community. What issues does Paul have with the way Peter is acting?

4. Have you ever found yourself in a community that was harmful to you and others in it? What happened?

5. Why do you think it can be so easy to sacrifice our values to receive acceptance into a community?

6. When you find yourself in a difficult situation within a community (gossiping, slandering, immoral activity), do take a stand for what is right or do you tend to go along with the crowd?

7. Finish your FIFTEEN in prayer. Ask God for a community that supports the identity He wants to give you. Pray for those groups of people that do not contribute to what God wants for you.

Spend FIFTEEN – Day Two 8. If someone were to tell you that he or she doesn’t need to come to church, join a small group, or engage in Christian community because they have "my own personal faith", how would you respond?

9. In what ways could the following verses help you in that conversation? a. Hebrews 10:24-25 b. Matthew 18:20 c. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 d. Philippians 2:3 10. What do these verses tell you about how God feels about Christian community?

11. Are you a part of a Christian community? In what ways do you find communities to support and uplift you in faith? (If not visit this website for some options: stjstl.net/adults)

12. Is there someone in your life who you think could also benefit from an invitation to connect with you in your faith community? How could you reach out to him or her to form your own committed group of community?

13. Finish your FIFTEEN in prayer. Think about your participation in a Christian community. Ask God to bring people around you to strengthen you in faith, and bring others around you who need the same.

Spend FIFTEEN – Day Three 14. What are some of the essential things that you need from a group of people (family, friends, other social networks, etc.)?

15. Read Acts 2:42-47. This is the classic example of Christian community. What do you notice about what this group of Christians holds as important?

16. In what ways do you and a group of people exhibit the following characteristics: a. Solid Christian teaching b. Enjoying time together c. Worshipping together d. Praying together e. Serving together and meeting each other’s needs 17. In what way do you notice in this text that God blesses the community in Acts (2:47)?

18. Do you and your group see people joining you as a blessing? Why or why not?

19. Finish your FIFTEEN in prayer. Acknowledge to God your need for a community of faith. Ask God to give you the opportunity to grow and bless others as well.

Spend FIFTEEN – Day Four 20. Do you find it easier to let the "true you" emerge in community, or when you are alone? Explain.

21. God desires for us to live in community, with the idea that we are only truly complete when we are a part of one. Read

Genesis 2:15-23. What does this tell you about God?

22. What does this scripture tell you about yourself and the world around you?

23. This scripture is commonly read at weddings. Why do you think that is?

24. What, if any, application does this text have to relationships outside of marriage?

25. If you really believed this text and put it to work, how would it change you and how you live?

26. Finish your FIFTEEN in prayer. Ask God to give you someone to whom you can be authentic and vulnerable. Pray that He would use that relationship to transform your life for good.

Spend FIFTEEN – Day Five 27. This week we've been talking about the importance of relationships and community in impacting our identity. This can be a difficult subject when you feel you are walking alone. Read the following verses and write what God is saying to you in each of them: a. 1 Corinthians 3:16 b. Isaiah 41:10 c. Joshua 1:5 d. Psalm 23:4 e. Deuteronomy 31:6 f.

Psalm 145:15

28. What do these verses tell you about God?

29. How could these verses help you when you are feeling alone and without community?

30. Is there anyone in your life that could be impacted by you sharing one or more of these verses with him or her? Who would that be and what would you share?

31. Finish your FIFTEEN in prayer. Thank God for His promises to always be with you. Ask for Him to bring you

community, but always trust He is there with you no matter what.