Next-Level Love Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Start Off

• Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
• To kick off our discussion, who is someone who has shown you unexpected kindness or love at just the right time?
• For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.

Reflect on God’s Word

• Read Romans 5:8. What does this verse teach us about the nature of God’s love? Why is it significant that Christ died for us while we were still sinners?
• Read Luke 10:25-29. Why do you think the religious expert asks, “What should I do?” and then, “Who is my neighbor?”
• Read Luke 10:30-35. What do you notice about the difference between the responses of the priest and Levite and the response of the Samaritan?
• Read Luke 10:36-37. Why does Jesus shift the question from “Who is my neighbor?” to “How can I be a neighbor?” 
• Read 1 John 4:19. How can receiving God’s love first help us become people who love others more freely?

Go Deeper

• What stood out to you most from this message about agape love?
• In what ways do people sometimes try to earn or perform for God’s love? How does the gospel challenge that mindset?
• What are some of the conditions or limits we tend to place on our love for other people?
• As Ryan explained it, why was it especially significant and challenging for Jesus’ audience that the Samaritan became the hero of the story? 
• Is there someone you have become comfortable avoiding or keeping at a distance? What might one healthy, practical step toward them look like? 
• The Samaritan used what he already had to help someone in need. What is “in your bag” (time, resources, abilities, encouragement, or hospitality) that God might use to help someone else?
• What is one specific person, relationship, or situation where you sense God inviting you to practice agape love this week, and what is one action you will take?

Wrap Up

• What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
• Go around and share prayer requests. Then close in prayer, asking God for clarity in showing agape love like the Samaritan demonstrated.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

We love each other because he loved us first. (1 John 4:19, NIV)

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)

Day 1 — Receive Agape

Read Romans 5:8

Spend time reflecting on the truth that God loves you while you are still imperfect. Stop trying to earn what he has already freely given. Write down one area where you feel pressure to perform for God, and surrender it to him in prayer.

Day 2 — Expand Your Definition of Neighbor

Read Luke 10:25-29

Expand Your Definition of Neighbor. Read Luke 10:25-29. Ask yourself: Who have I decided is outside my circle of care? Identify one person you find difficult to love and then pray for them.

Day 3 — Close Some Distance

Read Luke 10:33-37

Agape does not always require you to fix everything. Sometimes love simply requires movement. Take one small step toward someone you have been avoiding with a text, phone call, prayer, encouragement, or honest conversation.

Day 4 — Make Room for the Interruption

Read Luke 10:34-35

The Samaritan gave what he already had and allowed someone else’s need to interrupt his plans. Stay open today for an interruption. Ask, “God, how can I use what I already have to help someone?”

Day 5 — Love from the Supply You've Received

Read 1 John 4:19

Love from the Supply You’ve Received. Read 1 John 4:19. You are not the source of agape love; you are the outlet. Before starting your day, pray, "God, fill me with the love I need to give away today. Help me love someone not because they deserve it, but because you first loved me.”