We're Still Learning Pt. 2 | February 8, 2026
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
â BECAUSE WE CONFUSE PROXIMITY WITH CONNECTION.
â BECAUSE WE AVOID HARD CONVERSATIONS.
Hebrews 12:15 (NLT) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
â BECAUSE WE LET HURT GO UNHEALED.
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
â BECAUSE BEING VULNERABLE FEELS RISKY.
Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) All the believers devoted themselves to the apostlesâ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lordâs Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lordâs Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
LEARNING TO GROW TOGETHER
I. WE CHOOSE ONE PLACE TO BE CONSISTENTLY CONNECTED.
Acts 2:46 (NIV) Every day they continued to meet togetherâŚ
Psalm 92:13 (NIV) Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish in the courts of our God.
II. WE SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER.
Philippians 2:3-4 (MSG) If youâve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Donât push your way to the front; donât sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Donât be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
III. WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Learning to Grow Together â Discussion Questions
ICEBREAKER
Whatâs something you enjoy doing with other people that you donât enjoy nearly as much doing alone? (Why do you think itâs better together?)
1. From Proximity to Connection
Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that âtwo are better than one,â but we often confuse being around people with being connected to people.
Where do you see the difference between proximity and true connection in your own life?
What tends to keep relationships stuck at a surface level?
What tends to keep relationships stuck at a surface level?
2. Avoiding the Hard Stuff
One reason we struggle to grow together is avoiding hard conversations.
Why do you think hard conversations feel so difficult or risky for most of us?
What usually happens when those conversations are avoided instead of addressed?
What usually happens when those conversations are avoided instead of addressed?
3. Hurt, Bitterness, and Healing
Hebrews 12:15 talks about how unhealed hurt can turn into bitterness and affect many people.
What are some signs that hurt has gone unhealed in a relationship?
What helps create a safe space for healing instead of bitterness?
What helps create a safe space for healing instead of bitterness?
4. The Risk of Vulnerability
One reason we avoid connection is because being vulnerable feels risky.
What fears tend to hold people back from being honest or vulnerable in community?
What helps a group become a place where vulnerability feels safer?
5. Choosing Consistent Connection
Psalm 92 says those who are planted flourish.
What does it look like to be âplantedâ rather than just occasionally present?
Psalm 92 says those who are planted flourish.
What does it look like to be âplantedâ rather than just occasionally present?
6. Showing Up for Each Other
Philippians 2 calls us to look out for others, not just ourselves.
What are some simple, practical ways we can âshow upâ for one another right now?
7. Encouragement Builds Growth
Encouragement isnât optional - itâs part of how we grow together.
What would it look like for us to be more intentional about encouraging one another?
Philippians 2 calls us to look out for others, not just ourselves.
What are some simple, practical ways we can âshow upâ for one another right now?
7. Encouragement Builds Growth
Encouragement isnât optional - itâs part of how we grow together.
What would it look like for us to be more intentional about encouraging one another?
8. Closing Question
Whatâs one step you could take this week to move from being around people to truly growing with people?
Whatâs one step you could take this week to move from being around people to truly growing with people?