As part of our sermon series, Formed: Who’s Shaping Your Life?, we are providing a weekly Small Group & Spiritual Reflection Companion to help us become more aware of what is shaping us and more intentional about placing our lives in the hands of Christ.

Download the complete Formed: A Study Companion for Small Group & Personal Reflection here. Enjoy this week’s guide below:

Opening Reflection

Modern life often treats the self as an independent project: choose your identity, manage your image, and solve your problems. The New Testament offers a more relational picture. Jesus forms disciples within a community of love. We are shaped by the practices, stories, tables, friendships, and responsibilities we share.

In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples to remain in the love they have already received. Acts 2 shows that love taking visible form through teaching, fellowship, shared meals, prayer, generosity, and worship. We do not become faithful alone. Christian community is one of the places where grace teaches us to receive love and give ourselves for others.

Scripture Focus

John 15:9–17

Discussion Questions

1. What does the repeated word “remain” suggest about the relationship Jesus desires?
2. How does the setting on the eve of the cross shape the meaning of love and friendship?
3. Why does it matter that Jesus says, “I chose you,” before speaking of fruit?
4. Which practices in Acts 2 strengthen the community, and which turn it outward?
5. What is attractive about Acts 2:42–47? What is challenging or easy to idealize?
6. Who has surrounded you with the kind of love that helped you grow in faith?
7. What practice could help our community become more truthful, generous, and welcoming?
   

Formation Invitation

Identify one person who may be overlooked, isolated, or carrying more than others realize. Offer a concrete gesture of presence: invite them to a meal, call and listen, provide practical help, or include them in prayer. Let the action arise from love, not from a need to fix or manage them.

For Further Reflection

Read John 13:1–17 and John 15:1–17 together. Notice the relationship among service, abiding, commandment, joy, and fruit.

Closing Prayer

God of communion, thank you for loving and choosing us in Christ. Root us in that love. Make our fellowship deeper than friendliness and our service more than obligation. Teach us to share life, prayer, resources, truth, and joy so that our common life bears lasting fruit. Amen.

Rev. Katie Dobbins, Preaching