SMALL GROUP GUIDE
Every Day Matters: “Jesus: How to Grow Spiritually”
Scripture Focus: John 15:1-11
ICEBREAKER
1. What’s something you are connected to that you “can’t function without”?
2. When you hear the phrase “grow spiritually,” what comes to mind first?
INTRODUCTION
Jesus never intended our relationship with Him to be occasional, emotionally driven, or something we only turn to during difficult moments. In John 15, Jesus uses the picture of a vine and branches to show that spiritual growth is rooted in daily dependence and connection with Him. Just as branches cannot survive or bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot experience spiritual strength, transformation, or lasting fruit apart from abiding in Jesus. God’s desire is not simply that we know about Him, but that we walk closely with Him every day in order to become more like Him.
INTO THE WORD
Read John 15:1-5, Psalm 1:1-3, and Colossians 1:16-17. What does it practically look like to live connected to Jesus? Why is spiritual growth impossible apart from Him?
Read John 15:2, Hebrews 12:10-11, and Psalm 139:23-24. Why can spiritual pruning be uncomfortable? What are some things God may want to remove or reshape in our lives in order to help us grow?
Read John 15:5-8, Galatians 5:22-23, and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Why is dependence on Jesus difficult for many people? What kind of fruit does Jesus desire to produce in our lives?
Read John 15:9-11 and 1 John 4:7-8. How does resting securely in the love of Jesus change the way we approach our relationship with Him? Why do all other spiritual fruit depend on love to grow?
EMBRACE AND EMBODY
Abiding in Jesus is not a call to perfection—it is an invitation to experience true life through a connection and closeness to the Giver of Life! And because every day matters to God, abiding in Him every day should matter to us.
Reflection Questions:
• What distractions, habits, fears, or comforts most compete for your daily connection with Jesus?
• What practical step could help you intentionally abide in Jesus more consistently?
TAKE YOUR NEXT RIGHT STEP
(Prayerfully consider one of the following next steps)
• Seek God Daily: Set your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier than normal and spend the extra time connecting with God. Read John 15:1-11. After reading, pray and invite God to lead your thoughts, attitudes and actions for that day.
• Worship God: Set aside a time to express your worship to God. Examples include singing along to your favorite praise and worship songs, journaling about something God has done in your life, writing a poem, or simply expressing your trust and gratitude to Him through prayer. Whether this is a fruitful season personally, or a time of pruning, demonstrate your trust in Him by letting your worship be unaffected by your circumstances.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have invited us into daily connection and dependence on You. Since every day truly matters, help us to faithfully abide in Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit that You desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
