Be One - Make One: Class 7

Small Group Discipleship Class: Sacrifice, Service, and Humility

Class Objective:

Explore the relationship between sacrifice, service, and humility in loving God. Guide small group discussion and personal reflection on how these three aspects deepen our walk with Christ.

Part 1: Sacrifice and Self-Denial

Key Scripture References:

• Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’"

• Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

• Matthew 16:25: "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."

Overview:
Loving God requires sacrifice and self-denial. True discipleship means putting God's will above our own desires, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. Self-denial involves surrendering personal preferences, comforts, and plans to pursue God’s purpose for our lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does self-denial look like in a disciple’s daily life?

2. In what ways does following Jesus require sacrifice?

3. How can we identify things in our lives that conflict with God’s will, and what can we do to give those up?

Application:

• Reflect on one area in your life where you may need to practice self-denial. Pray about what God is calling you to surrender in order to grow closer to Him.

• This week, intentionally choose to sacrifice something—whether time, a habit, or comfort—to serve God’s purposes.

Part 2: Service as an Act of Worship

Key Scripture References:

• Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

• Galatians 5:13: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

• 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Overview:
Serving others is an expression of love for God. Jesus modeled servanthood by giving His life for us, and we are called to do the same for others. Serving is not only an act of love but also an act of worship, reflecting Christ’s humility and sacrifice.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does serving others reflect Christ’s love and character?

2. What are some practical ways we can serve others, both in the church and in our communities?

3. How can we view service as an act of worship rather than an obligation?

Application:

• Find a specific opportunity to serve someone this week, whether within your church or your local community, and reflect on how that act of service brings you closer to God.

• As a group, discuss a service project you can participate in together, focusing on meeting a need within your community.

Part 3: Humility and Gratitude

Key Scripture References:

• James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

• Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

• Colossians 3:15-17: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… 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:
Humility and gratitude go hand in hand with loving God. True humility recognizes our dependence on God and leads us to give Him credit for our successes. Gratitude, in turn, flows from recognizing God’s provision and blessings in our lives. Both humility and thankfulness create a heart posture that honors God and opens us to deeper spiritual growth.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to humble yourself before God and others?

2. How does maintaining an attitude of gratitude affect our relationship with God and the people around us?

3. How can we practice humility in everyday interactions, whether at work, home, or church?

Application:

• Each day this week, practice intentional gratitude by writing down three things you are thankful for, acknowledging God’s provision.

• Look for an opportunity to humble yourself in a situation where pride might otherwise lead you, whether that’s offering an apology, letting go of control, or recognizing someone else’s contribution.

Closing Discussion

• How do the themes of sacrifice, service, and humility work together to reflect our love for God?

• How can these aspects of discipleship change the way we approach our relationships, careers, and ministries?

Closing Application:

• For the coming week, focus on putting one element from each category (Sacrifice, Service, Humility) into practice. Be prepared to share how these actions deepened your relationship with God and others during the next group meeting.

Next Steps:

In the following weeks, we will take a deeper look at how to sustain a life of sacrificial love, consistent service, and humility, aligning our hearts more fully with God’s will for our lives.

This class emphasizes the transformative power of loving God through sacrifice, service, and humility, helping believers see how these practices reflect their devotion and deepen their walk with Christ.