Check In
◾ Which of the following words resonate with you most right now?
Sad, Angry, Scared, Happy, Excited, Tender, Stuck
Why?
◾ What stood out to you from the devotional or the Bible this week?

Open
◾ What makes a team successful?
◾ Who do you know that changes the environment in a positive way when they walk into a room?

Pray
Spend a few minutes releasing your cares and worries to God. Draw your attention to the One who knows you and cares about you far beyond what you can think or imagine.

A simple centering prayer: God, You are the source of all that is good and beautiful and right. We pray You’d fill us with more of Your life. Help us grow deeper in Your love. Restore our union with You. We pray You’d give us strength to endure, wisdom to choose what’s right, and a hope that anchors our souls. Protect us from the evil one who seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Move us beyond only looking at our own needs, and fill us with a deep love for each other. May Brookwood become a community that’s continually growing stronger together. Amen.

1. According to this passage, what does it look like to live a life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?

2. Standing firm is a military metaphor, like a soldier holding the line.
a. When have you chosen to fight for unity?

b. When have you felt like giving up?

3. Striving together is like a sports team working in harmony.
a. How have you contributed to the unity of a team, organization or your family?

b. When has God used someone else to help you grow (calling the best out in you)?

4. Share a story when someone loved you during a time you were difficult to love. What impact did that have on you?

5. What opposition do we face as we strive for unity in the church? Share some examples.

6. What does it look like to suffer for Christ?
For further insight, read these passages and jot down some notes:

How can suffering develop unity? Describe a time you’ve seen or experienced this.

Every now and then, a person with no agenda, no ulterior motive and no self-interest will take pleasure in helping you succeed, grow and live your purpose.This person will operate in love, will seek no praise and will want nothing in return.This person is a gift. Craig Harper

Closing Prayer and Personal Reflection
Choose either or both of these as you seek to live in unity with the people closest to you.

1. This one is for personal reflection: Is there someone you’re struggling to love right now? Pause in prayer and ask God to remind you of His love for you. Then ask Him to help you love that person the way He has loved you.

2. Ask the people in your group to think of someone they care about. Have each person pray a simple prayer for that person.

Scripture Memory
Memorizing Scripture enables you to carry the life-shaping words of God in you at all times and in all places. Here’s a verse to store in your heart and mind based on this week’s theme:

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel…
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

Recommended Reading
(on the Topic of Growing Stronger Together)
◾ Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block
◾ SoulTalk: The Language God Longs for Us to Speak, Larry Crabb
◾ Life Together in Christ: Experiencing Transformation in Community, Ruth Haley Barton

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.