01-01-2023 This is Living!

ICEBREAKER
What is the most thrilling adventure you've ever experienced?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we're exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around John 10:1-10 where Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly."
REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. Read John 10:1-10. Each character (sheep, shepherd, robbers and thieves, gate, pasture, etc.) is a metaphor. Based on Pastor Jim's message, discuss with each other what each metaphor means.
   1. Who are the sheep? Why is the sheep metaphor significant here?
   2. Who is the shepherd? What is significant about the shepherd?
   3. Who are the strangers, robbers, and thieves? Why does Jesus refer to them this way?
   4. What is the gate and its significance?
   5. What is the meaning of pasture and its connection to having "life to the full" (abundant life)?
2. What is the overall message that Jesus is teaching here? Feel free to explore the rest of the chapter if that would be helpful.
3. Over the next two months, we'll be exploring how to find this "abundant life" which includes learning to trust, pray, serve, love, give, and share.
   Please have someone take notes as you answer these questions and share those notes with Pastor Jim at [email protected].
   1. With what aspects of life do you struggle to trust God?
   2. With what aspects of prayer do you struggle?
   3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from serving others?
   4. What keeps you from giving as generously as you'd like?
   5. With what people or types of people do you struggle to love?
   6. What holds you back from sharing Christ with others?

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can pray about what you just discussed. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.