Lovewell: A Theology - Day 14

Week 2 of 5      
Mark 10:21; John 13:34; John 17:23; John 3:16-17; John 6:44; 1 Samuel 16:7

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion. Feel free to add or subtract or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN
Think about and share a time when your true self (authentic self) was revealed. What happened and what was that experience like? Positive or negative??

HEAD
Read Mark 10:21; John 13:34; John 17:23; John 3:16-17; John 6:44; and 1 Samuel 16:7 together and share any wisdom, insights, or questions in response to the reading.

Think about and reflect on the theme of “authenticity” throughout these verses. What stands out to you? What do you see as a common thread?

In Mark 10:17, the rich young man asks Jesus a very specific question: “What must I do to be saved?” Why do you think he asked that? What do you imagine was lacking in his life?

If Jesus evaluated your current situation in life, what do you think He would say is holding you back from being totally committed to Him?

How important to you is the unity that Jesus speaks about in John 17:23? Who do you share that unity with and how can you experience more of it?

HEART
In John 13:34, Jesus outlines love in a beautiful and compelling way–love as He has loved. He says love is how the world will know we’re connected to Him. So…how would you rate yourself against this standard of love? How would you rate Crosswalk? How could you/we increase this score?

John 3:16 is such an iconic verse and because it is so great we sometimes overlook the next verse. What do both of these verses say to us about God and what He did and still desires to do for us? When did you begin to experience God saving you rather than condemning you?

David was known to be “a man after God’s heart” (Acts 13:22). But before he was chosen to be king he was considered the least of his brothers. In 1 Sam. 16:7, we see Eliab, his brother, being favored because of his outer appearance by Samuel and God correcting his misguided thoughts. Knowing that the Lord looks at the heart, what can you do to be more authentic and congruent with your life and make your heart more attractive to God?

HANDS
God is in the business of drawing people to Him. We see this in Jeremiah 31:3 (drawn by His loving kindness) and again in John 6:44. What has that process been like for you and your life? Do you know of anyone who is being drawn in right now? How can you help/support them on that journey?

LIVING WORDS for YOUR WEEK
“I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are–I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me.”
John 17:22-23