DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"Friendships with Purpose"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
- To kick off our discussion, who is someone you've had a friendship with for a long time, and what has helped that friendship last?
- What's the best part of having a close friend?
- How has your best friend influenced you most?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Philippians 1:3-6. What do you notice about the connection between friendship, gratitude, prayer, and shared purpose? How can a shared commitment to following Jesus deepen friendships?
- Read Proverbs 17:17. What does it look like to “show up” for a friend during adversity? Can you think of a time when someone did this for you?
Go Deeper
- Which of the three marks of a great friend comes most naturally to you: saying what you feel, sharing a common purpose, or showing up? Which is hardest? Why?
- Paul openly expressed his affection for the Philippians. Why can it be difficult for us to tell friends how much they mean to us? Who is someone you could encourage this week?
- The message uses the picture of someone climbing into a pit with a hurting friend rather than simply calling down, “I’ll pray for you.” What is the difference between feeling compassion for someone and entering their situation with them?
- Who are the people who are "with you and for you" right now? What could you do to intentionally deepen one of those friendships?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Go around and share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests, and close in prayer together: “God, thank you for the gift of friendship. Help us to be the kind of friends who speak love, share purpose, and show up when life gets hard. Help us recognize the people you have placed around us and become more intentional about loving them well. And thank you that you want to be our friend, and help us grow deeper in friendship with you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Say What You Feel
Read Philippians 1:3-6.
Tell someone specifically why you are grateful for their friendship. Send a text, make a call, or have the conversation in person.
Day 2 — Pray for a Friend
Read Philippians 1:3-6 again.
Choose one friend and pray for them by name. Ask God to help them grow, strengthen them, and meet whatever need they are facing.
Day 3 — Find a Common Purpose
Read Philippians 1:3-6 a third time.
Identify one person you could grow closer to through a shared purpose. Invite them to serve, join a group, study Scripture, or pursue something that helps both of you grow.
Day 4 — Show Up
Read Proverbs 17:17.
Think of someone going through a difficult season. Don’t just say, “Let me know if you need anything.” Take initiative and do something tangible to help.
Day 5 — Be a Friend Like Jesus
Read John 5:13.
Spend time reflecting on the truth that God wants to be with you and for you. Then ask him to help you become that kind of friend to others.