Be One - Make One: Class 2
Be One, Make One – Class 02: Small Group Discipleship Study – Loving God
Class Objective:
In this session, we will explore three key aspects of Loving God:
Pursuing God – Actively seeking God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
Obeying God – Demonstrating our love for God by following His commands and glorifying Him in everything we do.
Serving with Humility – Expressing our love for God through self-denial, service to others, and cultivating humility.
We will engage in small group discussions and personal reflection to see how these aspects shape our love for God in our daily lives.
Part 1: Pursuing God, Seeking Him, and Hungering for Righteousness
Overview:
Loving God starts with a personal pursuit of Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. This pursuit fosters trust in God in all circumstances and a desire to live a holy life, reflecting His character in our own.
Key Scripture References:
Psalm 63:1: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray continually."
1 Peter 1:15-16: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to actively pursue God in our daily lives?
How can we grow in prayer and seek God’s presence consistently?
In what ways can we hunger for righteousness and align our lives with God’s holiness?
Application:
Dedicate 10 minutes each day this week to focused prayer, asking God to reveal Himself in your life.
Choose one area to pursue righteousness more intentionally, such as avoiding sin or deepening spiritual habits, and share it with the group for accountability.
Part 2: Obedience and Bringing Glory to God
Overview:
Obedience to God’s Word is a natural expression of love for Him. Our actions, choices, and relationships should reflect a desire to honor God. Loving God means glorifying Him in all we do and treating others with compassion and forgiveness.
Key Scripture References:
John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commands."
1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 John 4:20-21: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar."
Discussion Questions:
How does obeying God’s Word reflect our love for Him?
What are practical ways to glorify God in our daily lives, like at work, home, or school?
Why is loving others an essential part of loving God?
Application:
Identify an area where you struggle with obedience. Ask the group to pray for you as you work toward growth in that area.
Look for an opportunity to serve someone selflessly this week. Reflect on how this experience brings glory to God.
Part 3: Sacrifice, Service, and Humility
Overview:
Loving God often involves self-denial and service. Humbling ourselves, serving others, and aligning our will with God’s are ways to express our love for Him. A heart of gratitude and humility grows from recognizing our dependence on God’s grace.
Key Scripture References:
Luke 9:23: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily."
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Colossians 3:15-17: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus?
How can we cultivate humility and gratitude in our relationship with God?
How can we practice self-denial and service in our relationships and communities?
Application:
Identify an area where God may be calling you to sacrifice or serve more fully. Share it with the group and ask for prayer as you commit to this.
Each day this week, note one thing you are thankful for and one way to serve others humbly. Reflect on how these actions deepen your relationship with God.
Closing Discussion:
What stood out most about pursuing God, obeying His Word, and serving Him with humility?
How do these aspects together deepen our love for God and help us live more fully for Him?
Closing Application:
This week, focus on practicing one element from each part (Pursuing God, Obeying God, Serving with Humility). Be ready to share what you experienced and how you felt God working in your life during the next meeting.
Next Steps:
In upcoming sessions, we will explore these aspects—Pursuing God, Obeying God, and Sacrificing for God—more deeply, learning how to integrate them into all areas of life as we continue to grow in loving God.
This structure guides participants in a practical, reflective approach to understanding what it means to love God fully, with clear applications for deeper growth in faith.