01 Lesson Title: The Man in the Mirror
01 Lesson Title: The Man in the Mirror
Theme: Self-awareness and personal responsibility
Biblical Character: Paul
Big Idea: You can’t lead others until you can lead yourself.
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Key Scriptures (Full Text):
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NKJV)
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
James 1:22–25 (NKJV)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
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Main Points:
1. Know Yourself – Identity in Christ
• Paul had clarity on who he was: a servant of Christ, an apostle by calling, and a man under grace.
• James tells us the Word is like a mirror—showing us who we truly are.
• Knowing your identity in Christ helps you stand firm, make decisions with integrity, and resist insecurity.
• Key Questions: Who does God say I am? Am I living in alignment with that truth?
2. Master Yourself – Discipline and Self-Control
• Paul compares the Christian life to running a race with intentionality.
• He talks about disciplining his body and bringing it under control.
• Leadership starts with habits, choices, and boundaries—especially when no one is watching.
• Practical Tip: Create spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, fasting, and rest.
3. Grow Yourself – Spiritual and Emotional Maturity
• You are responsible for your own growth. No one can do it for you.
• Paul talks about finishing strong—not just starting well.
• Emotional maturity is about responding (not reacting), processing pain properly, and staying humble.
• Growth happens when you’re honest with God and others about your weaknesses and press forward.
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Discussion Questions:
1. What’s one area you’ve been ignoring that needs personal leadership?
2. Who is sharpening you right now? Who are you accountable to?
3. What does it look like to grow spiritually and emotionally?
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Application:
Set one personal growth goal this month.
Examples:
• Wake up 30 minutes earlier for Bible reading.
• Start journaling your emotional reactions and reflecting on them.
• Ask a mature Christian to mentor or disciple you.
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Challenge Verse (To Memorize):
1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
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