WARM UP

1. Think of an authority figure–past or present–who has positively influenced your life. Maybe it’s a favorite teacher, a good employer, or a loving parent. How did their leadership impact you?

Reframing the question: This question could feel overwhelming or difficult for some in your group. You could reframe it along the lines of “what have been some of the lasting lessons they left you with? 

Example: A boss who always makes sure to ask for everyone’s insight during meetings, taught me the value of hearing others’ opinions even if they don’t align with mine. 

2. On the flip side, we all have challenging relationships and conversations. What helps you feel heard and respected during those difficult conversations?

Try to keep the conversation focused on what is helpful during difficult conversations, not on a specific person or topic of conversation.

Additional question: Because this question is attached to question 1, it could be interesting to ask. Have you ever had a challenging conversation with the individual you mentioned in question 1, if so, what was it about how they responded that still allowed you to respect and value their insight?

3. Was there anything in this weekend’s message that encouraged, challenged, or confused you?

KNOW IT   

 

1. Reread 1 Peter 2:11-25. Verse 11 tells us to abstain from the “sinful desires that wage war against your soul.” Sin wages war with each of us, but are you battling your own sin or are you more focused on the sins of others? According to the overall passage, how can we win the war against sin?

Begin by emphasizing that this is a safe space for sharing and that everyone struggles with sin. Encourage vulnerability and remind the group that the purpose is to grow together in walking with Jesus, not to judge. Start with an example from your own life (without going into too much detail) to show that it’s okay to admit struggles. This can help others feel comfortable doing the same.

Reframing the question: Rather than immediately asking if they’re more focused on others’ sins, you might start with, “How do you feel when you hear the phrase, ‘sin wages war against your soul’? What does that mean to you?”

Additional Question: “How do you personally fight against sinful desires?” or “What challenges do you face when focusing on your own growth instead of pointing out others’ faults?”

2. How does Jesus display truth and love in verses 21-24? Does His example challenge your idea of what it means to be a Christian? If so, how?

I would encourage you to read this out loud with your group and take a moment to reflect on it.

Additional Resources for Study: “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: This book explores the nature of following Christ, including themes like sacrifice and truth. It could provide context for someone on what it looks like to walk with Jesus.

 “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis: The book’s discussion of Christian behavior and how it challenges our natural tendencies can be insightful when reflecting on Jesus’ example.

SHARE IT

 

1. Truth and love are two sides of the same coin. Which one is more challenging for you personally, truth or love? What is it about the one or the other that you struggle with?

Again, as a leader starting with a sense of appropriate level of vulnerability can really create a sense of safety and desire for us to grow in our walking out obedience to Christ. The hope would be if we lean one way over the other, we will see the benefit and goal desiring to shift more towards the center.

Additional Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-15

Additional Question: How have you seen your tendency to lean one way over the other affecting your relationships?

2. Chris discussed the idea that “Doing the right thing the wrong way is the wrong thing.” Have you ever done the right thing the wrong way? What result did you get? How might you do it differently next time?

If you want to explore this question with your group, I encourage you to start on the lighter side of answering this question. 

Example: A barista gets your drink wrong, and you tell them, which is totally alright, but you do it with a really sour attitude.

 

 

LIVE IT

 

1. Read Galatians 5:13-15. Going into this week, what are some tangible ways that you can use your freedom in Christ to love your neighbor?

Galatians 5:13-15 has a lot of great things you could unpack, verse 15, mentions how when we use our freedom to belittle and create division, the consequences are massive. We will lose our ability to display the character of Christ. So instead, help your group to focus on how we use the freedom we have in Christ to not be offended by someone’s different opinion, thought, political view, and instead step over barriers to display God’s character.

Example: Could you invite your co-worker or actual neighbor over for dinner? Maybe they are of a different political view or lifestyle, make it a goal just to hear their story, get to know them and show hospitality.

2. A key ingredient to a successful walk with God is prayer. Take a moment to pray with your life group and ask God to help you live in a way that exemplifies truth and love in the way God defines it.

Close your time in really asking God to help your group live their lives in a way that displays his character.  You could even choose to simply pray this prayer over your group or create your own.

“We come before you Jesus with grateful hearts, acknowledging our deep need for Your presence and guidance in our lives. We seek to follow You faithfully; we ask that You shape our hearts to reflect Your truth and love in every aspect of our lives. Teach us to walk in Your ways, aligning our lives with the standards You have set for us.

Lord, open our hearts to understand Your will and fill us with the courage to act upon it. May we be vessels of Your grace, showing kindness, compassion, and integrity in all we do. Let Your Holy Spirit guide our words, actions, and thoughts, so that we reflect Your light to the world.

Bless each one of us here today. Strengthen our walk with You and draw us closer to Your heart. May we grow in faith, and may our lives be a testimony of Your transforming power.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen”