Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Title: Spirit-Filled Gathering
Text: Ephesian 5:18-20

Gathering for fellowship is one of the key spiritual habits that enables us to abide in Christ. So how should a Spirit-filled community look like? What does a Spirit-filled gathering look like?

General Questions:

1) Personally, what are the reasons that you commit yourself to regular gatherings, such as life group (LG) meetings and church services? What are your personal values and convictions concerning gathering as a spiritual family? How have you been blessed and benefitted from these gatherings?

2) What do you think are the differences between Christian fellowship gatherings and other social groups? Are there similarities? Do you think LG should be different from other social groups? Why?

Perspective Questions:

1) Do you think your LG meetings are Spirit-filled? What are the areas that you think your LG has gone well? Which areas
(mutual edification, gratitude filled, being other-centred) do you think your LG can grow in?

2) The LG is made up of imperfect people who are growing in their faith. What should our attitude be when the LG is going through challenging circumstances (e.g. conflicts within the group, lack of commitment from members)? How do you think by coming with the right attitudes of wanting to edify one another, with gratitude and with a desire to prioritise needs of other above ours, help and give us a new perspective when there are challenges in the LG? Personally, what differences do you think you can make if you come to LG gathering with these attitudes?

Application Questions:

1) The verses in Hebrews 10:24-25 were intended to encourage believers in Hebrews who were going through persecution to persevere in gathering so that they may encourage one another. What can we learn from Hebrews 10:24-25 when we face challenges in coming to LG or when we see other LG members struggling to gather?

Hebrews 10:24-25 “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

2) What are the practical things that you can apply as a LG to build the LG to be a spirit-filled gathering? Which of the following practical pointers do you think your LG can do more in your gatherings?

Practical points:

· Build culture of affirmation in our gatherings.
· Activate prophetic ministry in our gatherings.
· Allocate time for people to share testimonies.