Relationship Greater Than Religion Week 2

He Never Meant For Us To Hide
small group discussion based on sermon preached by Tim Bach, 1/25/26

Opening prayer
God, thank You for inviting us into a living relationship with You. Help us today to hear Your voice, to see where we have settled for empty religion, and to respond to Your love with our whole hearts. Send Your Spirit to guide our conversation, soften our hearts, and unite us as Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture readings

1. Matthew 22:34–40 – Jesus sums up the law as loving God and loving others, highlighting relationship over mere rule-keeping.
2. Matthew 23:23–28 – Jesus confronts religious leaders who look holy on the outside but are far from God in their hearts.
3. John 15:1–5 – Jesus describes Himself as the vine and us as branches, emphasizing that real life flows from remaining in Him.

Discussion topics and questions
Topic 1: Defining relationship vs religion

1. When you hear the word “religion,” what comes to mind for you personally (positive or negative)? How is that different from what you think of when you hear “relationship with God”?
2. Looking at Matthew 22:34–40, what does this passage show us about God’s priorities for His people? How might our lives look different if we truly lived from love instead of just obligation?

Topic 2: The danger of empty religion
3. In Matthew 23:23–28, what are some signs that someone might be focused on outward religion instead of an inward relationship with God? Which of these do you see most in our Christian culture today?
4. Are there any “religious habits” in your own life that have become routine or empty—things you do more out of pressure or image than out of love for God? What might it look like to invite Jesus into those areas?
Topic 3: Remaining in Jesus
5. In John 15:1–5, what does it practically mean to “remain” or “abide” in Jesus in everyday life (work, home, school, friendships)?
6. Jesus says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Where do you notice yourself trying to live the Christian life on your own strength, and what might it look like to stay connected to Him there?
Topic 4: Community and authentic faith
7. How can a small group or church family help us move from religious performance toward an honest, growing relationship with Jesus?
8. What practices or habits help you feel closest to God right now, and how can this group support one another in those practices in the coming week?
Follow-up exercise for the week

1. Personal reflection (daily or several times this week):

• Set aside 5–10 quiet minutes. Ask God, “Where am I just going through the motions? Where are You inviting me into deeper relationship?” Write down any thoughts, scriptures, or impressions that come to mind.

2. Abide in one simple way:

• Choose one simple practice to help you “remain” in Jesus this week (for example: a daily walk with prayer, reading John 15 slowly each day, praying before you check your phone in the morning, or intentionally loving one difficult person in your life as an act of worship).

3. Next week check-in:

• At the start of your next group meeting, give everyone 2–3 minutes to share: What did you try? How did it help (or challenge) you to focus on relationship instead of religion?

Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You came not to start a religion but to bring us into a real relationship with the Father. Forgive us for the ways we settle for appearances, routines, and performance instead of walking closely with You. This week, help us to remain in You, to listen to Your voice, and to love others out of the love You have given us. Strengthen our group to encourage one another toward authentic faith. In Your name we pray, amen.