What can we help you find?

ICEBREAKER
Since this sermon series covers four transforming elements of healthy relationships, what might
the other three be? Each person in your group, offer up one element of relational health that
you think should be on David’s list?
OR
Think about the most significant human relationship in your life. What’s one way that
relationship has been “a powerful force in your life”?

INTRODUCTION
Read John 15:1-17.
What most stood out to you from this week’s sermon?
In the Bible, Jesus mentions two greatest commandments: loving God and loving your neighbor.
Why do you think relationships are the focus of these “greatest” commandments?

INTO THE WORD
Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7 and James 1:2-4. Why is happiness a “lousy standard” for measuring the
health or depth of an important relationship?
Read John 15:1-3. What is the significance of pruning in a believer’s life, according to David’s
message and the passage? How have you experienced God’s pruning in your life?
Read John 15: Think about a relationship in your life that you consider Christ-centered. How is
this relationship different from your other relationships? Consider aspects such as love,
communication, mutual respect, and spiritual growth.”
Read John 15:13-15. How does Jesus define friendship with Him, and what are the implications
of this friendship?
How is your experience of friendship with Jesus going?

APPLICATION
What aspect of David’s message are you going to focus on this week?
David’s closing question was, “Are you as connected to Jesus as you want to be?” What are the
challenging aspects of your relationship? How can your small group help you or pray for you?

DAILY THIS WEEK (Choose one of the following to practice each day this week)
Choose one relationship currently in your life and consider how you can help that relationship
to become more Christ-centered this week.
Spend time today reading the Bible and praying to nurture a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Reflect on David’s message and the Bible passage (John 15:1-17) for a way to apply it to your
life right now.
As the Christian life is all about forgiveness on many levels, ask God to help you to see a
relationship in your life that needs forgiveness and how you can bring forgiveness about.

PRAYER
Our Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to bring us into relationship with
you and to allow our lives to bear fruit that is joyful and good. You don’t allow us to stay stuck,
but you prune our lives so that we are moving forward. Help us to stay deeply connected to
you, Jesus. You are our life, our hope and our strength. May we love each other as you love us.
We worship you today. Amen.