Pursuing Holiness - Discussion 3

The Pursuit of a Surrendered Life
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Discussion 3 – Holiness in the Christian Life

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read

For each section of verse below: One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.

Re-read

Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc.

Retell

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…

As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build knowledge towards understanding and wisdom. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Faith and Works

Galatians 2:16 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • “The Law” mentioned here is the Old Testament system of rules and regulations, and “justified” means to be in right-standing with God. Why can’t a person be justified through the works of the law?
  • What does it mean to be justified by the faith of Christ?
  • What is a possible danger or consequence of trying to find justification through the law?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • What does it mean that the gift of salvation is ‘by grace’ and ‘through faith’?
  • Why is it necessary to be mindful that we are not saved by our good works?
  • Does this mean that we should not do good works? Explain.

James 2:17-18 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • Why is faith without works considered to be dead?
  • How do our good works reflect our faith?
  • What are some good works that might assist us in being holy?

Christian traits developed through Holiness

Galatians 5:22-23 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • What is the significance of Paul saying that there is no law against the fruit of the Spirit?
  • What is the benefit of the Fruit of the Spirit to a Christian life?
  • How have you experienced the fruit of the Spirit growing in your own life?
  • Which of the fruit would you say you need the most growth in?
  • Of all the fruit listed, which would you say is the most important?

2 Peter 1:5-10 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • This passage mentions adding some traits to other traits. Why is our pursuit of holiness encouraged to be progressive?
  • What is a consequence of stagnant faith?
  • What responsibility does Peter say the Christian has to maintaining a holy life in verse 10? And what is the reward?

1 Peter 2:21-24 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • What makes Jesus Christ a good example of how to live holy?
  • What are some ways Peter tells us to follow in Jesus’ steps? (Verses 22-24)
  • How might we allow the mind, will, and personality of Jesus to supersede our own so that we can live a holy life?

Romans 5:5 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

  • Some have said that love is the greatest test of true Christianity. What roles might love play in our pursuit of holiness?
  • If we follow after the love of God, what are some negative traits in our life that would be eliminated?
  • Since the love of God is given to us by the Holy Spirit, what could we do to have more love?
  • What inspires you to live holy?
  • In what ways has the desire to live holy changed your life?

    Next Week:  Pursuing Holiness – Discussion 4 – Holiness in Worship