DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"How To Combat Loneliness"
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.
- Did anyone do any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide, and if so, is there a day that stood out to you?
- 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.
- To kick off our discussion, what are the general differences between how we treat family members vs. casual friends, co-workers, or acquaintances?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Acts 2:42-27. What do you notice about the way the early church lived together?
- Read Acts 4:32-35. How do these two passages reflect the definition of love as the Greek word “storge” (familial affection)?
Go Deeper
- Jeff said, “When you say yes to following Jesus, you are saying yes not to a ‘me’ life but a ‘WE’ life, not to a personal relationship with Jesus but a shared relationship with Jesus.” Why do you think living a “We” life is difficult in our individualistic and busy culture?
- What are some ways people can be physically present at church but still live a “me” life?
- Which of the three applications of a “We” life challenges you most: including everybody, doing life together, or caring for one another? Why?
- Who is someone you don't normally interact with that you could intentionally welcome into your circle? Is someone around you who is carrying a burden that you could help carry?
- What is one specific step you can take this week toward living a “We” life?
- How can our small group become more like a family rather than simply another weekly meeting?
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 then take turns praying for one another.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
Be devoted to one another in love. (Romans 12:10, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Include Somebody
Read Romans 15:7.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Look for someone you don't normally interact with. Start a conversation, learn their name, and make them feel welcome. Pray, “God, help me notice people who may feel unseen or alone.”
Day 2 — Move From Rows to Circles
Read Hebrews 10:24-25.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together...” Take one step toward deeper community: join a group, invite someone to coffee, share a meal, or reconnect with someone you've lost touch with. Pray, “God, help me resist isolation and make room for meaningful relationships.”
Day 3 — Share Your Life
Read Acts 2:46.
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Invite someone into your everyday life rather than waiting for a formal event. Eat together, take a walk, run an errand together, or simply spend time together. Pray, “God, teach me to live a shared life rather than an isolated one.”
Day 4 — Shine Your Light
Read Galatians 6:2.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Ask someone, “How can I pray for you or help you this week?” Then do something tangible to help carry their burden. Pray, “God, give me eyes to see the needs around me and a heart willing to respond.”
Day 5 — Build the Family.
Read Romans 12:10.
“Be devoted to one another in love.” Identify one person you can intentionally pull into your circle for the long term. Plan to stay connected. Pray, “God, make me someone who helps create a family where everyone is welcomed, loved, and cared for.”