Flourish: A Framework for Formation - Week One Group Discussion

PRAY AS A GROUP

READ 2 CORINTHIANS 3:7-11 AND 17-18

The Glory of the New Covenant

7 The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. 8 Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life? 9 If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God! 10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way. 11 So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever! ...

17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

DISCUSS

What are some phrases from this passage that stood out to you?  Why was it impactful for you?

Identify each of the paired counterparts in the early verses (i.e, condemnation vs. righteousness, etc.).  What might Paul be trying to help us better understand with these stark contrasts? 

How might what Paul is describing bring "freedom" he desires for us?  Freedom from what?  What does that freedom look like for you?

How do you experience the role of the Spirit in bringing about personal change within you?

READ JOHN 15:5-8

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

DISCUSS

What phrases from Jesus's call stand out to you? Why is this particular phrase meaningful to you?

What is the greatest obstacle to your "abiding" in Christ?

How do you imagine God might move within you as you create the conditions for the Spirit to re-form you?  What's your vision for what that might that look like in everyday rhythms of your life?

How does the interplay between the Spirit's role and our role shape (or reshape) your view of spiritual formation?