Study Guide for “Nurturing God’s Love”

Small Group Study Guide for “Nurturing God’s Love”

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Observation Questions:
1. What is the topic of today’s sermon?
– Leader Note: The topic is God’s love.

2. How does the pastor define God’s love?
– Leader Note: The pastor describes God’s love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, not delighting in evil, but rejoicing with the truth, always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, always persevering, and never failing.

3. What questions does the pastor ask the congregation to reflect on?
– Leader Note: The pastor asks the congregation to think about what God’s love means to them, how they know they are loved by God, and what the function of God’s love is in their lives.

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor explain the nature and nurture of God’s love?
– Leader Note: The pastor explains that the nature of God’s love is received when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The nurture of God’s love comes through fellowship with the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible, meditating, and praying without ceasing.

2. What does the pastor mean by nurturing the love of God in us?
– Leader Note: Nurturing the love of God means allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us and transform us to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is love. It involves focusing on Christ, seeking fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and constantly growing in our relationship with God.

3. How does the pastor emphasize the importance of nurturing God’s love in our lives?
– Leader Note: The pastor emphasizes that nurturing God’s love is not about our own efforts or works, but about allowing Christ to work in us. It is through this nurturing process that we can truly love others and reflect the nature of God’s love.

Application Questions:
1. How can you personally nurture the love of God in your life?
– Leader Note: Encourage group members to share practical ways they can nurture the love of God, such as spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, seeking fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and intentionally loving others.

2. How can you apply the qualities of God’s love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in your relationships with others?
– Leader Note: Discuss specific ways group members can demonstrate patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and other qualities of God’s love in their interactions with others.

3. How can you silence distractions and create space to hear from God and fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
– Leader Note: Encourage group members to share strategies for creating intentional time and space to listen to God, such as setting aside quiet time, going for walks, or finding a specific place for prayer and reflection.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the message of your love that we have heard today. Help us to nurture your love in our lives and reflect it to others. Guide us in our relationships and give us the strength to love as you love us. May we continually seek fellowship with the Holy Spirit and grow in our understanding of your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.