Bands of Brothers 3

(I've nicked these cell notes from Matt Frost, who preached on the same text at CGC)

Over the past few weeks we have been looking at accountability. We believe that an essential part of being a disciple of Jesus, is having someone or a group of people with whom we can be completely honest, and to whom we have given permission ask us challenging questions about our life.

Our prayer is that over the next few months, all of us in NRC can identify someone, or a group of people with whom we can develop this kind relationship.

This week at your cell group meeting, we will look again at the bible passage that I spoke on last Sunday.

Galatians 6:1-6
1  Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3  For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4  But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
5  For each will have to bear his own load.
6  One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

Read the passage through twice out loud. Ask the group for anything that strikes them.

Here are some questions to help get people thinking about the passage:

1. Why is it that sin can seem to be a trap? Why is it sometimes able to hold onto us so strongly?
2. How can we help to restore someone who is caught in a sin?
3. Why do we need a spirit of gentleness/meekness?
4. How can we bear each other's burdens? How does this fulfill the law of Christ?
5. Why are we tempted to think of ourselves as more than we are?
6. It says that we are each to bear our own load. What does it mean for each of us to take responsibility for ourselves, and yet to seek help from others?

Having looked at the passage, here are some application questions for the group.  Ask them to write the answers down on a piece of paper.

1. Who could you go to in a crisis?
2. Does anyone know all about you, including the bad bits? Who is this ? (not including your spouse if you are married)
3. Does anyone have permission to ask you difficult questions about your life?
4. Do you feel that any of this needs to change? Do you need to find someone, or a small group to be accountable to?

Pray for each other.