Wk 2 // July 11 & 12
WK 2 // BETTER
July 11 & 12, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
Friendships are one of God's greatest gifts, but they rarely happen by accident. This week's message reminds us that following Jesus includes intentionally building relationships that help us grow, encourage us, and point us toward Christ.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:11-16.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 15:9-17.
Healthy friendships don't just happen. They require intentional effort, Christlike love, and a willingness to invest in others. As we move into application, consider not only the friendships you have, but the kind of friend God is calling you to become.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Father, thank You for creating us to live in relationship with You and with one another. Help us become the kind of friends who encourage, serve, forgive, and point others toward Jesus, and deepen our friendship with You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
July 11 & 12, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What is one friendship from your past that had a lasting impact on your life, and what made it so meaningful?
- Have you ever stepped outside your comfort zone to meet someone new? What happened?
- If someone described you as a friend in three words, what do you hope they would say?
Friendships are one of God's greatest gifts, but they rarely happen by accident. This week's message reminds us that following Jesus includes intentionally building relationships that help us grow, encourage us, and point us toward Christ.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:11-16.
- According to this passage, why is it difficult for Christians to reach spiritual maturity in isolation?
- What role do other believers play in helping us grow into the people God wants us to become?
- What does it look like to "speak the truth in love" within healthy Christian friendships?
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12.
- What benefits of genuine friendship stand out most to you from this passage?
- Can you think of a time when someone helped carry you through a difficult season?
- Why do you think our culture often leaves people feeling connected online but isolated in real life?
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 15:9-17.
- What stands out to you about Jesus calling His followers His friends?
- How does remaining in Christ strengthen our ability to love others well?
- What qualities of Christ's friendship should we strive to reflect in our own relationships?
Healthy friendships don't just happen. They require intentional effort, Christlike love, and a willingness to invest in others. As we move into application, consider not only the friendships you have, but the kind of friend God is calling you to become.
APPLICATION
- What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally strengthen an existing friendship or begin a new one?
- Are there any unhealthy relationships or influences in your life that you need to reevaluate? If so, what changes should you make?
- How can you intentionally grow your friendship with Jesus this week through prayer, Scripture, worship, or simply spending time with Him?
PRAYER
Father, thank You for creating us to live in relationship with You and with one another. Help us become the kind of friends who encourage, serve, forgive, and point others toward Jesus, and deepen our friendship with You each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.