EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Character Counts – Session 6

Date: August 31, 2025 

Integrity

The Point: Be the same Christ-centered person at all times.

Get Into the Study

Share the following after discussing the opening question.

In a world where star athletes and good character often do not mix, it was refreshing to see the world’s number one golfer declare that golf is not his number one priority. Before Scottie Scheffler won The Open Championship last month at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, he told reporters he finds family more fulfilling than golf.

“Family is my priority,” he said at a July 15 press conference. “If golf ever started affecting my home life … that’s going to be the last day I play out here for a living.”

When asked what books he is reading, Scheffler, who is known for his Christian testimony, listed a devotional, another “spiritual” book, and his Bible. He also noted the ephemeral nature of athletic success.

“If I win, it’s going to be awesome for about two minutes,” Scheffler said, “and then we’re going to get to the next week and it’s going to be like, ‘Hey, you won two majors this year. How important is it for you to win the FedEx Cup playoffs? And just like that, we’re back here again.’”

After cruising to victory in the tournament by four strokes, Scheffler reiterated how his “greatest priorities” are faith and family. “Golf is third,” he said. As Scheffler suggested, a person of integrity is a whole and complete person, placing Christ at the center in every facet of life.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/on-winning-and-what-matters-schefflers-comments-are-for-everyone/

Get Into the Study (Option from Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a video clip showing an athlete or celebrity known for their character. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible

As you discuss question 3, share the following.

For Don Gabbard, telling people about the hope within him began with a text message. At an evangelism training event in northern Kentucky, evangelism strategist Jason Hay of the Kentucky Baptist Convention challenged attendees to take out their phones and scroll through the contacts to the first nonbeliever they saw. Then each attendee should send a message, Hay said, “letting them know you’re praying for them—and that you want to see them come to Jesus.”

Gabbard heeded the instruction, texting a woman with whom he had shared the Gospel previously. Within a minute, his phone buzzed with a reply: “Donnie, I can’t believe you just texted. I just asked God to show me it’s not too late. Can you tell me what I have to do? I’ve tried everything else. I’m tired of hurting. I want to have hope.”

Gabbard and his wife met the woman at a Waffle House that evening, where she gave her life to Christ. But God had more in store. The waitress overheard, said she wanted hope, and give her life to Christ as well. The next day, the first woman’s 85-year-old mother asked to talk with Gabbard and surrendered her life to Jesus too.

This should remind believers that rather than live in fear, we are to live under the lordship of Christ, ready to give a reason for the hope within us. “Look through your contacts,” Hay said. “Pray for the lost. Be willing.”

https://www.kentuckytoday.com/baptist_life/one-text-three-salvations-how-god-moved-through-a-simple-message/article_02ea1919-29b9-4163-a80b-9ad3d5de9943.html

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.

Study the Bible (Option from Daily Discipleship Guide Leader Guide)

Use the optional activity to introduce the session and give group members an opportunity to identify characteristics of integrity. Show the clip to the group and invite volunteers to share their definition of integrity and how the characters in the clip displayed integrity.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

• Who do you know who’s famous for being “two-faced”?
• Who can you always count on to do what they say?
• Who do you admire for keeping their promises?
• When has someone’s reliability made a significant difference in your life?
• Who do you think of when it comes to honesty and integrity?
• What athlete or celebrity do you admire for their character?

1 Peter 3:8-12

• What are some ways we can actively fight against our “natural” tendencies to lie, pay back evil for evil, or speak evil of others?
• In what ways do our words and actions toward others reflect our heart toward God?
• How does this counter-cultural way of living reflect the heart of Christ to those around us?
• Based on this passage, how would you define integrity?
• What are some ways we can pursue goodness and righteousness?
• What are the rewards of living a life of integrity?

1 Peter 3:13-15

• Why does a Christ-centered life free believers from fear or intimidation?
• When have you experienced suffering or opposition for your faith?
• Who in your close relations is best at keeping a Christ-centered perspective?
• If someone asked you why you have hope in The Lord, what would you say?
• How do we, “honor the Messiah as Lord in our hearts?”
• What are some strategies that can help us live lives of integrity?
• How would you explain to someone your reasons for hoping in Jesus?

1 Peter 3:16-17

• How can we discern if we are truly walking before the Lord with a clear conscience? And how might we know if we weren’t?
• How can your response to suffering demonstrate your hope in Christ to those around you?
• How does God want us to treat those who make us suffer?
• What’s the wisest way to live in a world where we are always being watched?
• What are some ways you guard your integrity?

Podcast

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