​In his darkest hour, Jesus’ heart was turned toward us, praying that we would be protected, set apart as holy, and brought into the glory that he shares with the Father.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the things you most often find yourself praying about?
2. Jesus says eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3). How is this different from the way we usually think of eternal life?
3. Why do you think Jesus describes the disciples as those who “obeyed” his word even though they had so many failures?
4. How have you seen disunity among Christians harm the church’s witness to the world?
5. The unity Jesus prays for flows out of our shared experience of God (worship, service, mission, etc.). When have you experienced that kind of unity?
6. What are some ways Christians today try to create a “Christian bubble?" On the other hand, what are some ways we blend too much into the surrounding culture? What does it mean for us to be “in the world but not of it” in everyday settings like work, school, or friendships?
7. What are some ways Christians have tried to distinguish themselves from the world that may miss the mark on the deeper transformation Jesus is talking about?
8. According to Jesus, sanctification happens as we are transformed by God’s word. In what ways has the Bible reshaped the way you think about your priorities, relationships, or decisions, etc.? 
9. How should Jesus' prayer for us reshape how we pray for ourselves and one another? 

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​After the resurrection, Jesus returned to the Father, but he continues to speak to us through his Spirit and offers us a lasting peace and joy in the face of suffering because he has overcome the world and secured the victory for us.

​Discussion Questions: 
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1. Have you ever been completely confused about something at first, but later it made perfect sense? What changed? (Consider childhood experiences that only became clearer as an adult.)
2. If you could understand one confusing season from your past, what would it be?
3. Read John 16:12-33. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples there were things they were “not ready to bear?" What does this teach us about God’s timing in revealing truth?
4. Read the quote from Dallas Willard. What does it practically mean for the Spirit to “guide us into all truth” today? Have you experienced times when the Spirit brought a specific scriptural truth to mind at the right moment?
5. Why do you think the resurrection transformed the disciples so radically from fearful men into bold witnesses who were willing to die for their faith? 
6. How does the promise that “no one will take away your joy” shape your understanding of Christian joy?
7. How does the fact that Jesus has overcome the world, help us "take heart" (take courage) when we face trials and disappointments?
8. What is one situation in your life right now where you need to “take heart?"

​The Spirit convicts the world of its sinful and hostile posture toward God through the witness of the church. It is an unwelcome message that will provoke the same resistance and hatred Jesus himself faced

Discussion Questions:

1. Can you think of a time when your Christian convictions put you at odds with others? 
2. When you think about being different from the world, what images or ideas come to mind?
3. Jesus tells his disciples that the world hated him first. Why do you think faithfulness to Jesus naturally creates tension with the world? 
4. Where do you see the tension between legalism and cultural assimilation in this moment of the church? How can we tell the difference between healthy engagement versus harmful formation by the world’s values?
5. Where do you personally feel the strongest pull to compromise, blend in, or stay silent (work, friendships, family, social media, etc.)?
6. The Spirit convicts the world through the church’s witness. What do you think this looks like in everyday life? How can Christians speak hard truths without slipping into self-righteousness or a judgmental posture? Where can we find the balance?
7. Paul describes believers as the “aroma of Christ.” What do you think it means practically to carry the presence of Jesus into your relationships, work, and other daily rhythms?

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​The hallmark of a true follower of Jesus is the fruit of love that grows from abiding in him.

​Discussion Questions: 

1. Have you ever tried gardening or caring for houseplants? What did the experience teach you?
2. Can you remember a situation where your own strength wasn’t enough and you needed the support of others?
3. Read John 15:1-17. Jesus says, “apart from me you can do nothing." What do you think Jesus means by this? What kinds of “fruit” is he talking about? 
4. What do you find personally challenging about living a life of daily dependence on God (looking to Scripture to guide your decisions, praying regularly, etc.)? 
5. Read John Piper's quote in the sermon notes. What might “being alive to God” look like in our daily lives? Where do you see the evidence (or lack of evidence) of spiritual life in yourself? 
6. Jesus teaches that our joy is deeply connected to obedience and love. How do you see these fitting together? How does this differ from the world’s view of joy?
7. We often choose isolation because we want to live life on our own terms. Where do you see this tendency in yourself? 
8. How does the Trinity model for us how we should approach relationships with one another?

​In His parting words to the disciples, Jesus promised them that he would never leave them as orphans but that his advocacy for them would continue through the work of the Holy Spirit. 

Discussion Questions: 

1. Have you ever tried gardening or caring for houseplants? What did the experience teach you?
2. Can you remember a situation where your own strength wasn’t enough and you needed the support of others?
3. Read John 15:1-17. Jesus says, “apart from me you can do nothing." What do you think Jesus means by this? What kinds of “fruit” is he talking about? 
4. What do you find personally challenging about living a life of daily dependence on God (looking to Scripture to guide your decisions, praying regularly, etc.)? 
5. Read John Piper's quote in the sermon notes. What might “being alive to God” look like in our daily lives? Where do you see the evidence (or lack of evidence) of spiritual life in yourself? 
6. Jesus teaches that our joy is deeply connected to obedience and love. How do you see these fitting together? How does this differ from the world’s view of joy?
7. We often choose isolation because we want to live life on our own terms. Where do you see this tendency in yourself? 
8. How does the Trinity model for us how we should approach relationships with one another?