A Different World – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: What is one thing about the world that you love?

Sermon Title: “A Different World” – John 17:14-19

Group Discussion:

Read John 17:14 & 17:16 – In the world, but not of the world. Discuss areas of our lives (e.g., work, friendships, entertainment choices, or social media use) where we might feel influenced by the world. What should it look like for a disciple of Jesus to truly not be “of” this world? Share examples…

Read John 3:16-17; I John 2:15-17, & James 4:4 – Love, but do not love. Discuss how we, disciples of Jesus charged with making disciple makers, can reconcile these verses of scripture. Consider and discuss the implications reflecting Jesus’ love while avoiding worldly love. Also, in your personal bible study, review the sermon resource titled Called to Love: Yet Not the World.

Read 1 John 5:19, Matthew 6:13, John 17:15, & John 15:18-21 – Hated by the world but protected from the evil one. Share examples of how we may experience resistance, misunderstanding, or even rejection because of our faith. Discuss how we can respond with courage trusting God’s protection.

As a group or in your personal prayer time, pray for our local and global mission partners, especially those serving in hostile areas of the world (e.g., Christian Arabic Services, Tavriski Christian Institute, Team Expansion-Wellspring Project) listed at https://mgchurch.org/partners

Read John 17:17-19, Romans 12:2, & James 1:27 – Sent into the world but sanctified by Jesus’ truth. What do you think sanctification means in a biblical sense, and how is it different from simply trying to be a “good person?” Discuss how Jesus’ truth (i.e., sanctification process) can empower us to think and behave differently as disciples and disciple makers.

Spiritual Discipline: Review resources for this series at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources on our Church app, including this resource: John Chapter 17 Scripture & Commentary.

Action Steps: (1) Live Not of this World: Plan and execute how you can behave differently to honor Jesus’ calling (i.e., school, workplace, social media, family, church, community), (2) Application: Take practical steps to love the people around you without surrendering to worldly standards, (3) Prayer: Pray the Lord will help you recognize areas of your life where He is calling you to a more profound level of sanctification, where your values and behaviors need to align more with His truth.