Opening Discussion

• What is something you like about going to church?

Read and Discuss

Exodus 22:21 NIV

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

• Why was this important for God to include in His instructions to the Israelites?
• How were the Israelites mistreated in Egypt?
• When was a time you felt like an outsider when you were around other people?
• What are some ways people may feel like an outsider when it comes to going to church (especially if it’s their first time)?
• How can you help others who come to church to feel welcome and accepted?
• What are some ways you can help those around you in other areas of your life feel welcome and loved when they are around you?

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

• Why does Peter want the readers of his letter to be alert and sober-minded for prayer?
• How does prayer lay the groundwork for healthy relationships with God and others?
  • In what way does that build the church?
• Why is maintaining constant love for one another of vital importance?
• How can you be hospitable to others?
• What gift have you received from God that you can serve others with?
  • If you don’t know your gift, what would the people around you say your gift might be?
• If we lived these verses out, how might your job/school/home look different?
• How is our church a reflection of these verses?
• Where does our church fall short in these things?
  • How can you help the church improve in those areas we lack?
• A miniature conversion is when you have an eye opening experience that changes the way you view your faith.
• What are some miniature conversion experiences you’ve had?
  • What event led you to have those conversions?

Apply it!

• What is a way you can serve someone this week?
  • How can you use that service to have a conversation with them about Jesus?

Memorize it!

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Prayer TACOS

Thank the Lord for hearing and answering our prayers

Adoration- Use 1 Peter 4:11 as a starting point for worshiping God- 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Confess to the times you haven’t been loving to those around you.

Others– Ask God to send someone in your life this week that you could serve in the name of Jesus

Self- Ask the Lord for boldness to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

Closing Thoughts

It’s easy to get in the “church bubble”. You have your church friends, small group, and time at church. You may have non-Christian co-workers, neighbors, or classmates, but you don’t do much with them outside of interacting with them when necessary. So how can you start to change that this week?

Maybe you need to figure out the gift God has given you to help you reach others for His kingdom. There are spiritual gift tests online, and on the One Life app. If you already know your gift, how are you using that to serve others both inside and outside of the church?

God has granted us all gifts in order to glorify Him and build His kingdom. Our church should be a place where people can come to find love unlike anywhere else. And our lives should reflect that love no matter where we are. When our life is like that, there will be natural conversations that happen to help people make steps in their faith. As we do that, we bring glory to God and point people to Him in everything we do.