Week 2: We Are Family

December 7

  • Romans 12:4-5

  • Christmas isn’t just about a baby being born…Christmas is about a family being born.

  • 1 John 1:1-2

  • Christmas means God became audible…God became visible…God became physical.

  • 1 John 1:3

  • koinonia - fellowship…participation in the same life…a union…deep belonging and connection.

  • God came near to create fellowship with us, which allows us fellowship with each other.

  • 1 John 2:7-8

  • Love has always been God’s command…but Jesus made love new, because Jesus made love visible.

  • 1 John 2:9-10

  • Family has a culture, and God’s family culture is love.

  • 1 John 3:1

  • God didn’t come at Christmas just to forgive you…He came to father you.

  • 1 John 3:3

  • Family identity shapes family behavior.

  • What does this mean for us?

  1. We open our doors wider.

  2. We share life, not just a church service.

  3. We forgive quickly and love deeply.

[d]Group questions

  1. Read 1 John 1:1-3; 2:7-10; and 3:1-3 together as a group.

  2. How has your understanding of “family” changed as you’ve gotten older, and how does knowing God calls you His child reshape that word for you?

  3. John says fellowship (koinonia) means participating in the same life. Where have you experienced this kind of deep belonging with the Father and within the church…and where do you still need it?

  4. If love is the culture of God’s family, what does sacrificial, agape love look like in real relationships here at SoHills?

  5. Is there anyone in your life or in our church family that God is calling you to move toward…through forgiveness, reconciliation, or intentional connection? What would one next step look like this week?

Prayer Prompt

In light of what has been shared tonight, share one sentence that finishes this thought: “A way you can pray for me this week is…” Be specific. Be vulnerable. We are family.

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