Big Idea

Being an apprentice of Jesus involves reorienting our lives around three relationships, including Loving God.

Scripture

John 14:6, 14:15-31, 15:1-11, Romans 5:8

Ice Breaker & Opening Thought

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
2. At times, life can feel like a webpage that just isn’t working right. When that happens, there’s only one thing to do. You hit that little button at the top of your browser for a fresh start, a new beginning. Jesus wants to bring that kind of “refreshing” in our church and our lives as Christ-followers. Are there areas of your life where you would like to hit the refresh button?

Bible Discussion

3. Read John 14:15-31, 15:9-11. What does Jesus say about love in these passages?
4. We don’t usually associate love and obedience with one another. It may help to define love as “be devoted.” What does it mean to be devoted? How does that relate to obedience?
5. Read Romans 5:8. Love was a choice God made before we ever chose to receive it. Our response to God’s love is to return that love. This is a call to live like we are loved. Live Loved! What does it mean to you to live loved?

Life Application

6. When we love someone, we want to do and say things that will please them and bring them joy. Likewise, when we love the Lord, we delight in following commands out of a desire to express that love. Have you experienced joy in doing for others simply because you knew it would bring them happiness?
7. When we devote our lives to God, obedience is what follows. Consider what Chris Hodges has said about this, “Here’s the real secret: you can fulfill the commands of the Bible better by falling in love with God rather than by trying to obey him. It’s not that your obedience isn’t significant or relevant; it’s simply not the center of the wheel. No, the hub of your life is your relationship with God.” What do you think about this quote? What’s the difference between putting love in the center instead of obedience?
8. The challenge for all of us is to refresh our relationship with God by celebrating his love and living loved. We can do that together as a community and individually. In what ways can you refresh the way you celebrate with God?