Big idea
We serve a God who came to us when we were dead in our sin. When we were lost, He sent Jesus, His only Son, to rescue us from our sin. Our God longs to draw near to us. The question is, will we draw near to Him? To draw near to Him, we have to take steps to move in the direction towards Him. Today we will talk about specific ways to draw close to God and be encouraged to take steps towards Him throughout this year. These steps keep us from falling into a life of sin.
Break the ice
Describe a time you were lost because you were going in the wrong direction.
Small group questions
- In your opinion, what are some of the biggest obstacles keeping people from drawing near to God?
- What is the biggest obstacle keeping you from drawing near to God?
3. Read John 1:4-18. How does understanding that Jesus drew near to us when we could not come to Him change your perspective?
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”
From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
- How has meeting together regularly with this small group helped you grow closer to Christ?
- Read Psalm 1:1-3. What is promised to those who spend time reading and studying God's word? How has this proven true in your own life?
Book One (Psalms 1–41)
1Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
- Do you find it easy or difficult to pray consistently? Why or why not?
- If we want to draw closer to Christ, we must take steps to move in that direction intentionally. What can you do this week to draw near to Him?
Moving forward
As believers, it is important to remind those who are lost that Jesus came to earth so that He could draw near to them. One way to remind others of this is by telling your two-minute story. This story should include what your life was like before Christ, how you became a Christian, and what your life has been like after becoming a Christian. Take some time right now and divide up into groups of two. With your partner, practice telling your two-minute story and listen to theirs. As you practice, you will be better prepared to share it with others when the opportunity arises.
Monthly memory verse
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
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