Recap:
In today’s world, where we’re increasingly connected through screens but paradoxically more disconnected in our souls, there’s a pressing need to rediscover the importance of genuine human connection. We find ourselves drawn into an endless cycle of scrolling—through TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or the latest news—seeking satisfaction in the next like, the next post, or the next piece of information. Yet, this pursuit often leaves us feeling emptier and more disconnected than before.
The series “Created to Connect” is designed to address this very issue. We were not crafted for endless digital engagement but for meaningful relationships, both with God and with one another. As we dive into this series, we will explore the biblical foundation for these connections, emphasizing their importance in an increasingly isolated world.
Our primary text today is Hebrews 10:23-25, which calls us to hold tightly to the hope we profess, to motivate one another to love and good deeds, and to not neglect meeting together. The writer of Hebrews was addressing a community under pressure, much like we are today. They were tempted to abandon their faith under the weight of social and political pressure. In the same way, we face the pressure to conform to the superficial connections offered by social media, often at the expense of our deeper, spiritual connections.
The writer of Hebrews urges us to hold on tightly to our faith, to be resolute in our hope because God can be trusted to keep His promises. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions, it’s easy to let go and drift away. But just like driving through strong winds, we need to grip tightly to our steering wheel, holding firm to our faith, lest we be blown off course.
The text also speaks to the necessity of motivating one another, of spurring each other on toward love and good deeds. The word used here for “motivate” is powerful—it’s about inciting or provoking one another in a way that pushes us forward in our faith. Imagine the scene from “Braveheart,” where the leader rallies his troops with passion and intensity. This is the kind of motivation we need within our spiritual communities, encouraging each other to stand firm in the face of life’s challenges.
But how do we live this out practically? We need a “social network for the soul.” This means investing in relationships that go beyond the superficial, that challenge and encourage us to grow spiritually. It’s about walking together in community, working together on mission, and even wrestling through disagreements in a way that honors Christ.
Small groups are a crucial part of this. They provide a space where we can walk together through life’s challenges, work together in our mission to reach others, and wrestle together through different perspectives and challenges. These groups are not just another activity—they’re essential to maintaining our spiritual health in a world that often pulls us away from true connection.
As we move forward, there are a few key commitments we need to make. First, let’s commit to joining a small group where we can walk, work, and wrestle together in our faith. These groups will be a place of encouragement, fun, and growth, where you don’t need to have all the answers, and you won’t be pressured to pray out loud if you’re not comfortable. Second, let’s recognize the limitations of social media. It’s like fast food—it can never satisfy our deepest hunger. Instead, let’s seek the deeper, more fulfilling connections that come from living in authentic community.
Finally, for those who feel empty and dissatisfied with the connections the world offers, know that true satisfaction is found in Jesus Christ. He alone can fill the deepest longings of your soul. If you’re ready to follow a different path, to find the connection and purpose you were created for, now is the time to make that decision.
Group Questions:
Reflect on Connection: In what ways do you find yourself more connected to screens than to people? How does this impact your sense of genuine connection with others and with God?
Digital Distractions: What are some distractions in your life that pull you away from deeper spiritual connections? How can you manage these distractions to prioritize your relationship with God and others?
Holding Tight to Faith: Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to “hold tightly to the hope we profess.” What does this look like in your daily life, especially when facing pressures or distractions?
Motivating One Another: The sermon talked about the importance of motivating each other toward love and good deeds. Can you share a time when someone in your spiritual community encouraged you to grow in your faith? How can you be that person for someone else?
Authentic Community: How do you define “authentic community”? In what ways do you think small groups can help create this kind of environment?
Social Media vs. Real Connection: The analogy of social media being like fast food was mentioned in the sermon. How do you think social media impacts our ability to form deeper connections? What steps can you take to foster more meaningful relationships in your life?
Commitment to Community: What are some practical ways you can commit to joining or engaging more deeply in a small group? How can your group support each other in this commitment?
Satisfaction in Christ: For those who feel empty or dissatisfied with the connections the world offers, what does it mean to find true satisfaction in Jesus? How can we help each other find and maintain this satisfaction?
Living Out the Message: What are some specific actions you can take this week to apply the principles from Hebrews 10:23-25 in your life? How can the group support each other in these efforts?
Prayer and Support: How can the group pray for each other in areas where you feel disconnected or challenged in your faith journey?