Be One - Make One Study Part One

Introduction to Loving God, Loving People, and Making Disciples

Class Objective: In this first session, we will explore three foundational aspects of following Christ: Loving God, Loving People, and Making Disciples. Over the course of the study, we will go through Part 1 (Loving God), Part 2 (Loving People), and Part 3 (Making Disciples), reflecting on Scripture, discussing key questions, and identifying practical applications for personal and group growth. This will serve as an introduction to understanding how these three elements shape a follower of Christ's life.

Part 1: Loving God

Overview:
Loving God is the foundation of our relationship with Him. It involves a deep commitment to pursue intimacy with God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word. It is about seeking holiness and trusting Him in every circumstance. Loving God is not just a feeling; it is a lifestyle of devotion and surrender.

Key Scripture References:

  • Matthew 22:37: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

  • John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commands."

  • Psalm 63:1: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you."

Discussion Questions:

  • What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

  • How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer and worship daily?

  • What are some challenges to trusting God in difficult circumstances?

Application:

  • Dedicate 10 minutes daily this week to prayer, focusing on thanking God and asking Him to reveal more of Himself.

  • Reflect on one area where you could trust God more, especially during challenges, and share it with the group for support and prayer.

Part 2: Loving People

Overview:
Loving people flows naturally from our love for God. It involves demonstrating compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and humility toward others, even in difficult situations. Jesus modeled unconditional love, and we are called to mirror that love by serving and caring for others selflessly.

Key Scripture References:

  • John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

  • 1 John 4:20: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar."

  • Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition... Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

Discussion Questions:

  • How does loving others demonstrate our love for God?

  • What are practical ways we can serve and care for those in our communities?

  • How can we show love to difficult people, including those who may have hurt us?

Application:

  • Identify someone this week to whom you can show intentional love and kindness, especially if there has been tension.

  • As a group, plan a small service project to demonstrate love to others (e.g., helping a neighbor, volunteering together).

Part 3: Making Disciples

Overview:
Making disciples involves sharing the Gospel and helping others grow in their relationship with Christ. It is not only about preaching the Gospel but also about living in a way that draws others to Christ and encourages them in their own spiritual growth. Discipleship is about building relationships that foster spiritual maturity.

Key Scripture References:

  • Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..."

  • 2 Timothy 2:2: "Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

  • Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Discussion Questions:

  • What does it mean to "make disciples," and how can we live this out in our daily lives?

  • How can we be intentional about sharing the Gospel with those around us?

  • Who in your life can you begin to disciple or encourage in spiritual growth?

Application:

  • Identify someone you can invest in spiritually, whether through sharing the Gospel or encouraging them in faith.

  • Begin praying for opportunities to disciple someone or to be discipled. Consider who could walk alongside you in your spiritual growth.

Closing Discussion:

  • What stood out most to you about loving God, loving people, or making disciples?

  • How do these three aspects—loving God, loving people, and making disciples—fit together in a Christian’s life?

Closing Application:
For the coming week, focus on practicing one element from each category (Loving God, Loving People, Making Disciples). Prepare to share your experiences and how God worked in your life at the next meeting.

Next Steps:

This class is an introduction. In the upcoming weeks, we will dive deeper into each core aspect—Loving God, Loving People, and Making Disciples—learning to make them central to our lives as we grow in faith and purpose.