Small Groups - Part 2

Continuing on where we left off in Pat Morley's presentation of the third "Habit of Spiritually Happy Men", we find ourselves searching for things that a small group can do. Here Pat Morley references three passages of the Bible to bring out six things that small groups can do for you.

2. What a small group can do:
-Hebrews 10:24 - and following...
a. It can give you someone to spur you on. It can inspire you.
b. It can give you someone to encourage you.
Galatians 6:1 - and following...
c. Carry each other's burdens.
d. Restore one another.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 - and following...
e.Give you someone to pick you up when you fall down.
f. Give you someone to give you strength for the battle.

Pat Morley points out that these things are part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. He ties this work in to the big idea of this presentation which is the Holy Spirit has more options in the life of a believer when they are in a small group. When you are on your own you are a little more vulnerable then when you are part of a small group. You've got some guys watching your back.

To illustrate this point in the presentation, Morley called four guys up to the front of the room. He had them standing next to each other in a line. Then he pushed on the first one of them. Instinctively, the others supported the first, but not before he moved a bit. Next he had the four men lock arms in a circle facing each other. He then pushed on the first again. Automatically, the others helped the first and there was little movement of the first person. Finally, Morley had the men lock arms in a circle, facing out. Again he pushed on the first and there was little movement because there was lots of support from the rest of the group--and because they were facing out, they could prepare for what was coming.

Morley suggested reading "A Look in the Mirror" issue number 94 for ideas on how to lead a weekly small group study. Jesus used a small group to generate momentum. Jesus knew that most meaningful change takes place in the context of small group relationships. men sharpening men with truth, encouraging each other for the daily battle and sticking with each other over the long haul. Even secularists understand the value of small group. "never doubt the power of a small group to change the world," one commentator said, "That's about the only way it has ever happened." But the main method of Jesus has fallen into disuse. The next post will be about the third item in Morley's presentation--How to make the most of your small group.