Opener

1.  have you experienced a strong sense of belonging—to a family, team, church, or community? What made it feel that way?
2. Our culture offers countless ways to “connect,” yet many people still feel lonely. Why do you think genuine community is so difficult to find today?

Sermon Questions

Jesus’ Prayer for Unity
Read John 17:20–23
1. What stands out to you about Jesus’ prayer?
2. Jesus prays that His followers “may be one.” What do you think that kind of unity looks like?
3. How is Christian unity different from simply agreeing on everything?

Invited into Fellowship
Read 1 John 1:1–4
1. Why do you think John began by emphasizing that he heard, saw, and touched Jesus?
2. John says he writes so that “you also may have fellowship with us.” What do you think “fellowship” (koinonia) means to him?
3. How does knowing that community is something we receive from God change the way we think about the Church?

Walking in the Light
Read 1 John 1:5–7
1. What do you think of when you read “walk in the light”?
2. How do honesty and transparency strengthen relationships?
3. The sermon suggested, “The enemy of community isn’t imperfection—it’s pretending.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Confession and Grace
Read 1 John 1:8–2:2
1. Why is confession such an important part of Christian community?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is our Advocate?
3. How does God’s grace make it safer to be honest about our struggles?

Application

This week, John invites us to “walk in the light.”
1. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been tempted to hide, pretend, or carry something alone?
2. What is one practical step you can take this week to walk more fully in the light? (Examples: confess a sin, ask someone for prayer, apologize, forgive someone, or simply be more honest about a struggle.)

Take a moment for each person who is comfortable to share one step they hope to take this week.

Prayer: Spend time praying for one another.

Pray that God would:
1. Help us abide more deeply in Christ.
2. Give us courage to walk in the light.
3. Make Shepherd of the Valley a community where people don’t have to pretend but can experience the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.
4. Strengthen our unity so that our life together points others to Christ.

Pray together:
Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us into fellowship with You and with one another. Teach us to walk in the light, to confess our sins freely, and to extend Your grace to others. Make us one as You and the Father are one, so that our community becomes a witness to Your love. Amen.

Together:
We are one in Christ.
We walk in the light.
We love one another.