WARM UP

1. This weekend Pastor Chris talked about changing your mind. When in your life have you had to radically change your thinking about something?

Have fun with this question! This would be a great question to go around the circle and hear from everyone.. Some examples would be: A favorite food you had to cut out due to a diet or allergy. Getting married and having to change your thinking as well as patterns in life.

2. Peter challenged those who follow Jesus to live holy/different lives from the culture. What are some differences, big or small, you’d look for in a person’s life if they are following Jesus?

Another way to think about this question is how would one of your non-Christian friends answer this about you? How does your holiness look different to your non-Christian friends?

This question of Holiness will be discussed in much greater detail in Question 2 of the know it section as well as Question 2 of the share it section. I would encourage you to keep in light in this question and unpack it in greater detail later in the following questions.

For now, remind your group Holiness is simple! It really is. It does not need to be some big “stain glass” word. It simply means different. To be Different, to be like Dad.

3. What resonated with you most from hearing this weekend’s message?

The theme of this message is the necessity and importance of changing your mind. Following Jesus starts with Change of mind not just change of heart.

KNOW IT   

1. Re-read 1 Peter 1:13-25. Since Peter wrote these verses in the form of a personal letter to you, what verse or phrase would you personally circle, highlight, or underline? What makes these verses or phrases stand out to you?

Some words or phrases you might circle, highlight, underline: prepare your minds, set your hope fully, self-controlled, obedient children, do not conform, be holy in all you do, reverent fear, redeemed, purify yourself, sincere love, born again, enduring Word of God

2. Peter emphasizes living with an alert and sober mind so that we can be holy in all we do. As you read Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8, how do you think the changing of our mind draws us either closer to or further away from God’s holiness?

Notice we asked how, not why. How we apply this to our live is far greater than knowing why and doing nothing with it.

Additional Scripture: James 1:22-23 which talks about being doers not just hearers.

Additional Questions: Can you think of something you did, but did not know why? What was the outcome? How did it end?

SHARE IT

1. As Peter followed Jesus, Peter continued a life transformation of thinking differently, living differently, seeing himself differently, and loving differently. Of these four characteristics, which one is most different about you in the past year? What has God done in your life to help you to be different in this area?

Know that everyone may not have a specific example and that is ok. Encourage them to focus on one of those characteristics this week and see if they notice a difference.

2. We heard this weekend that we often get it backward and put on our best behavior at church. How conscious are you about living a holy life on any given weekday? What are the distractions or fears that make you lose your focus most?

Here is a great opportunity for you as a leader to discuss hypocrisy. You have probably heard someone say “I don’t go to church because it’s full of hypocrites.”

That is the heart of this question. We are hyper conscious about how we behave at church. Yet we can loose that focus when we are outside of church, surrounded by people who need to see our holiness the most. Can you think of a specific place you can be more conscious of your holiness?

LIVE IT

1. When you notice that your mind is not focusing on things above or your hope is being misplaced, how do you reset your mind? In other words, what do you need to do to change your thinking, renew your mind, and set your hope on Jesus?
2. Is there one specific area in your life where you feel challenged to live out holiness (i.e., in relationships, at work, in your thought life, how you use your time)? What practical steps can you take this week to pursue being different/holy in that area?

This would be a great opportunity to break into small groups of men only and women only. Some people will feel more comfortable opening-up in a smaller setting.  Your prayer time could be based off these answers. If you do prayer during this time, please make sure to see if there are other requests as well.

We hope this guide is helpful and gives you more confidence and support as you lead your Life Group. Have a great evening, thanks Leaders!