Happy Together:
The Fruit of Faithfulness
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1. Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Name a tree that you have seen that bears fruit. How did you recognize the tree?
2. Start thinking and sharing.
"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?"
Matthew 7:16 NIV
• What kind of ‘fruit’ do our words, actions, and attitudes reveal about who or what we’re rooted in?
• How can we stay connected to Him so that we bear good fruit?
"For we are each responsible for our own conduct."
Galatians 6:5 NLT
• How can we take responsibility for our spiritual growth while still supporting each other?
• Where do you see the difference between healthy responsibility and trying to do everything alone?
"Everyone has heard of your loyalty to the gospel, and for this reason I am happy about you. I want you to be wise about what is good, but innocent in what is evil."
Romans 16:19 GNT
• What does it mean to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil in today’s world?
• What are some practical ways we can stay focused on what is good without becoming numb by the evil around us?
Matthew 7:16 NIV
• What kind of ‘fruit’ do our words, actions, and attitudes reveal about who or what we’re rooted in?
• How can we stay connected to Him so that we bear good fruit?
"For we are each responsible for our own conduct."
Galatians 6:5 NLT
• How can we take responsibility for our spiritual growth while still supporting each other?
• Where do you see the difference between healthy responsibility and trying to do everything alone?
"Everyone has heard of your loyalty to the gospel, and for this reason I am happy about you. I want you to be wise about what is good, but innocent in what is evil."
Romans 16:19 GNT
• What does it mean to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil in today’s world?
• What are some practical ways we can stay focused on what is good without becoming numb by the evil around us?
3. Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 NLT
Lord Jesus, You are the true Vine, remind me daily that without You, I can do nothing of lasting value. Help me to closely remain in You, give me the humility to let go of pride and courage to develop child-like wonder. Teach me to depend on You completely, not leaning on my own understanding, but following You with simple, sincere faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 15:5 NLT
Lord Jesus, You are the true Vine, remind me daily that without You, I can do nothing of lasting value. Help me to closely remain in You, give me the humility to let go of pride and courage to develop child-like wonder. Teach me to depend on You completely, not leaning on my own understanding, but following You with simple, sincere faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Leader: Break into groups of three and take time to pray for each other. This is important!
4. Start doing.
Reflect on the passage below which speaks to the growing up in a spiritual sense (owning personal growth), retaining a childlike wonder (humbling oneself to be like a child in faith), and relying fully on Jesus (recognizing his kinship and authority).
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus asking, 'Who is
the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” So, Jesus called a little child to come and stand in front of them. And He said: “I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child.'"
Matthew 18:1-4 NIV
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus asking, 'Who is
the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” So, Jesus called a little child to come and stand in front of them. And He said: “I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child.'"
Matthew 18:1-4 NIV