Date: August 3, 2025
Godliness
The Point: A godly life points others to Christ.
Get Into the Study
Share the following after discussing the opening question.
Cracks in a structure can cause everything to fall apart. That’s why early detection is crucial—in our lives and in buildings. With physical structures, scientists believe they have found a way to detect dangerous cracks earlier: artificial intelligence (AI)-powered inspection robots. Researchers at Drexel University have developed robots that will scan and measure building cracks with lasers, then build a digital copy of the damaged structure. Tests can be performed on the virtual model to determine how the crack may worsen and what damage it may cause to the building if not addressed.
Virtual inspections could offer multiple advantages over traditional human inspections. For one, humans would not have to enter tight spaces or approach hazardous structures, reducing safety risks. Measurements from AI inspections are extremely precise, detecting cracks a hundredth of a millimeter wide. Additionally, AI inspections could help overcome a labor shortage among building inspectors and add an additional layer to the building checkup process. As the magazine Robotics Tomorrow concluded, “The nation needs better building inspections as its infrastructure ages. Robotics and AI could be the optimal vehicle for a safer future.”
As with building cracks, deficiencies in godliness can lead to serious destruction in our lives. This session will help us with early detection of ungodly characteristics in our lives.
Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip showing an interesting example of home decor. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
As you discuss question 3, share the following.
Serving as God’s conduit for hope is a common occurrence at Change City Church in the Columbus, Ohio, suburb of Pickerington. Dynetta McDonald, a single mother who came to Christ from a worldly lifestyle, experienced that when the church’s women’s ministry gave her the car she long had been praying for.
Lacking transportation for three years, McDonald and her three children asked the Lord for help in this area regularly. Patrice Baker, the pastor’s wife at Change City, learned of the need and convinced a local auto dealer to sell her a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse with 120,000 miles for just $5,000. The congregation’s women’s ministry then gifted the car to McDonald as a reminder God provides and that hope in Him is never misplaced.
“This is literally what I’ve prayed for,” McDonald said. “I’ve journaled about what type of vehicle I needed. I know this was God-ordained and this was nothing but a God deal because nobody could have ever known this but the Lord because I communed with Him.”
Of course, our ultimate hope as believers is not anything in this world, but an eternal relationship with Christ. Still, His provision for our specific physical needs serves as a reminder that Christ-centered hope is never misplaced.
The week’s writer for Extra is David Roach. David is pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. He and his wife Erin have three children.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What’s a house rule you had growing up?
- What sayings were common in your home growing up? (i.e. cleanliness is next to godliness)
- What are some words of wisdom that have influenced your life?
- Based on what is seen in your house, what would others say you are “into?”
- What is a skill you’d loved to be trained in?
1 Timothy 4:6-8
- How does a believer’s way of life influence non-believers to trust Christ?
- What are some ways you have seen others “train” themselves in godliness?
- What are some of the “benefits” a Christian gets from living in a godly way?
- What makes a godly person godly?
- What are some ways for us to ensure that we remain Godly?
- Why is it dangerous to only live with regard for the present life?
1 Timothy 4:9-11
- How would you describe the Christ-centered hope to a non-believer?
- What are some examples of “laboring” for godliness? What might that look like practically?
- When have you been tempted to take the easy way out instead of “striving” for godliness?
- What does Godliness demonstrate about our hope?
- When have you been inspired or motivated by someone’s godliness?
- How has hope played a role in your spiritual growth?
1 Timothy 4:12-16
- Why must believers constantly commit themselves to spiritual progress?
- When have you been encouraged by someone else’s godliness?
- How does our godliness help point others to Christ?
- Why should we want others to live a Godly life?
- What does the command to persevere tell us about the challenges of godly living?
- How has our group encouraged you to godly living?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Lynn
I am missing your one sheet encouraging blog you gave on each lesson. The blog tied in so well with the lesson and I used it just about every lesson as the finial read in our class. Just wanted to thank you for that effort, knowing it was an effort, but it touch many in our class.
God Bless
Terry
PS Thanks for providing the lesson info you do.
I retired in March, but his blogs tied to these studies are still available at lynnhpryor.com.
WOW … I will miss your voice on these podcasts, as much as I already miss Chris Johnson’s!
Thanks Wes. Really appreciate your comment. I know Lynn will be missed. I miss him too and I talked with him yesterday! ; ) Please know Chris Johnson will be on the podcast lots and lots going forward. Again, thanks, keep listening, and we’ll chat soon. ; )
I TOTALLY agree with Terry above!!!