Be One - Make One: Class 12
Small Group Discipleship Class: A Disciple Leads by Example (Living Out the Gospel)
Class Objective:
Explore the biblical foundation of leading by example and living out the Gospel in daily life. Guide small group discussion and reflection on how disciples can model Christlike behavior in every area of life, demonstrating the teachings of Jesus through their actions.
Part 1: The Biblical Foundation for Leading by Example
Key Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 11:1: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
1 Timothy 3:2: "Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."
Titus 2:7-8: "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned."
Overview:
Discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about living in a way that others can imitate. Paul encourages believers to follow his example as he follows Christ, showing that our actions are as important as our words. Disciples are called to live above reproach, displaying integrity, humility, and faithfulness in all aspects of life.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to follow someone’s example in discipleship, and why is this important?
How can we live above reproach in today’s world?
What are some specific ways we can demonstrate integrity and consistency in our daily actions?
Application:
Reflect on your own life and consider whether your words and actions align. Identify one area where you can demonstrate greater integrity or consistency this week.
As a group, discuss how you can hold each other accountable for living above reproach and encourage one another to set a Christlike example in your homes, workplaces, and communities.
Part 2: Being an Example of Christlike Love
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. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
1 Peter 2:12: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Overview:
Jesus made it clear that the defining mark of His disciples is their love for one another. Our love should not just be felt but seen in our actions, reflecting the grace, kindness, and compassion of Christ. Living out Christlike love means being patient, forgiving, and sacrificial in how we treat others, showing the world the power of God’s love.
Discussion Questions:
How can we show Christlike love in our relationships, especially with those who may be difficult to love?
Why is it important that people see our love in action, not just hear it in words?
In what ways can our actions reflect the Gospel to those around us?
Application:
Identify one relationship where you can demonstrate Christlike love this week—whether through forgiveness, patience, or an act of kindness—and reflect on how that impacts your witness to others.
As a group, commit to a community service project or act of compassion that shows the love of Christ in action.
Part 3: Maintaining a Good Testimony
Key Scripture References:
James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Philippians 2:14-15: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Overview:
Our testimony—how others perceive our faith—is shaped by our actions and attitudes. A good testimony is built through consistent obedience to God’s Word, demonstrating that we are not just hearers but doers. Maintaining a good testimony requires humility, gratitude, and a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus in every area of life.
Discussion Questions:
How does living out God’s Word shape our testimony to others?
What are some attitudes or behaviors that can hinder our testimony?
How can we shine as lights in a "warped and crooked generation" by living a life of purity and obedience?
Application:
Think about how your actions at work, school, or home reflect your relationship with Christ. Identify one area where you need to be more mindful of maintaining a good testimony.
As a group, encourage one another to “do what the Word says” by committing to one specific area of obedience this week.
Practical Application: Leading by Example in Everyday Life
Key Focus Areas:
Consistency in Faith: Be the same person in private as you are in public. Consistency is crucial in modeling the Christian life.
Integrity in Actions: Let your actions match your words. Be honest, trustworthy, and dependable in all your dealings.
Humility and Grace: Lead with humility, acknowledging that any good in your life is by God’s grace. Extend grace to others, especially when they fall short.
Servant Leadership: Serve others selflessly, as Jesus served His disciples. Let your leadership come from a place of love and humility.
Application:
This week, focus on one of these key areas in your personal walk with Christ. Reflect on how your life can be an example for others to follow in faith, consistency, and humility.
Practice servant leadership by finding a way to serve someone in your life without expecting anything in return. Share your experience with the group at the next meeting.
Closing Discussion
How does leading by example impact our witness for Christ?
What is one area of your life where you can better model the Gospel for others to see?
Closing Application:
For the coming week, focus on putting one of the key elements (Living Above Reproach, Christlike Love, Maintaining a Good Testimony) into practice. Be prepared to share how God used your example to impact those around you in the next group meeting.
Next Steps:
In the coming weeks, we will explore more about how discipleship is lived out in practical ways, diving deeper into key areas like servant leadership, integrity, and compassion.
This class emphasizes the importance of living out the Gospel through everyday actions, encouraging disciples to lead by example in how they reflect Christ to others. Participants are equipped to model their faith in practical ways, both publicly and privately, so that others can see the power of God at work in their lives.