Series: “One Anothering” Why Small groups? Series: “One Anothering”

Why Small Groups? 1. Fosters Fellowship ‘Koinonia’ means community C. J. Mahaney . . . Fellowship: “participating together in life and truth made possible by the holy spirit through our union with Christ.”

Why Small Groups? “Genuine fellowship isn’t practical in a crowd of 200 or 2,000. That’s why I feel so strongly that churches must create small groups where Christians can develop {spiritually} intimate relationships, where they can KNOW and BE KNOWN. A church following a biblical model will not just ‘have’ small groups. It will not merely ‘offer’ small groups. Rather, it will BE BUILT on small groups.”

Hindrances to Fellowship . . . Self-sufficiency . . . “I don’t need them” Busyness . . . “I don’t have time for them” Bitterness . . . “I don’t like them” Elitism . . . “I’m better than them”

Ephesians 4:11-16 Pg. 1171 / 1529 (Espanol) Why Small Groups? 2. Builds the BODY Extension of Christ Representation / Reflection of Christ on earth Ephesians 4:11-16 Pg. 1171 / 1529 (Espanol)

Why Small Groups? koinonia

Why Small Groups? 3. Deepens our Devotion “We don’t gather to exchange our opinions; we gather to learn God’s truth.” C.J. Mahaney Bible Literacy . . . What does it say and mean? Life Application . . . What am I supposed to do with it?

2 Timothy 3.1-17 Pg. 1192 / 1159 (Espanol) Discernment in deception (vss. 1-9) Perseverance in persecution (vss. 10-13) Wisdom that leads to salvation (vss. 14-15) Completed and equipped for every good work

2 Timothy 4.1-4 Ready with instruction Ready to share testimony 1 pet. 3.15 “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you” Discern the difference: ear-tickling MYTHS AND heart-changing TRUTH

‘Tickled ears’ 2 Timothy 4.3 Why Small Groups? Refers to people‘s wants, wishes, desires 2 Timothy 4.3

‘Tickled Ears’ Massages more than messages Charm more than challenge Entertainment more than edification Please rather than preach

“The lust for inoffensive preaching will cause people to turn away from the truth.” James MacDonald 2 tim. 3.8 oppose the truth 2 tim. 4.4 turn away from the truth Rom. 1.18 suppress the truth Rom. 1.25 exchange the truth for a lie

Why Small Groups? James MacDonald “False systems can lead men to a certain point, even offering a certain measure of reformation. But they fail in that they have NO REGENERATION. They cannot offer a man freedom from the penalty and power of sin. They cannot give life.” James MacDonald

Why Small Groups? Hebrews 10.23-25 23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10.23-25