Study for week following Sunday 10th May 2009
Home Group Study Material
Study leaders notes 20 minutes!!!
this sentence is not to be read out it is for the leader only. In our discussion we will think how we become more fruitful…
The sentences in blue are supplementary questions which can be used if & as necessary. The statements in red are possible answers that you may wish to draw out in your discussion. Other pointers are in purple.
(5 mins) You move into a new home and in the garden there is a beautiful apple tree.
1i. How do you know if it’s fruitful? What would you expect to see?
You move into a new area and are looking for a church.
1ii. How do you know if it is fruitful? What kind of things would you expect to see?
Consider for a moment our congregation…
1iii. Would you say we are fruitful? What are we doing / not doing to make you come to that conclusion?
Consider for a moment yourself…
1iii. Would you say that you are fruitful? What are you doing / not doing to make you come to that conclusion?
Read John 15:1-8
Many Christians find it so easy to be down on themselves. And when we read passages like this, it can all to easily make it worse. But actually, there is so much in these verses that is positive.
Every Christian has the potential to be fruitful. It is God’s design for us that we are fruitful. God knows of what we need to let go for fruitfulness. The life of Jesus flowing through us makes us fruitful.
(5 mins)
2i. What do you think is the fruit that Jesus is expecting to see in Christians and in churches? Fruitfulness is to be seen in every aspect of the Christian life. Not just in growth in numbers or positive responses as we share our faith, but growth to maturity of character. Read Galatians 5:22-23
2ii. Why do Christians and churches so often fail to be fruitful?
2iii. From our reading, what is it that causes fruit to grow or increase in our lives? (see verse 2 & 5) What do you think Jesus has in mind when he talks about the Father’s pruning? Why does pruning increase fruitfulness? What areas might God have an eye to prune in our lives? (church & individual)
Can we by our own efforts be fruitful christians / congregations? What does Jesus mean when he says remain in me… I believe Jesus is both talking about having a personal relationship with him in prayer and contemplation, and also being keyed into the body ~ the place where we find opportunity to share our lives and grow in faith.
(5 mins)
3i. What one thing might we commit to doing in order to become more fruitful as individuals and as congregations? |
