EXTRA Ideas for Adults—God Is—God Is Holy

Date: March 1, 2026

Session Title: God is Holy

The Point: God is set apart from everything else and deserves our worship. 

Podcast—Bible Studies for Life: Adults

Find your weekly podcast to help leaders and group members dig deeper into the session. You’ll find clarity, insight, and practical guidance you can use right now. Listen to strengthen your preparation and maximize your group time together.

Getting Started

Read after RECAP:

In recent years, the idea of “fine china” and only eating on it for special occasions (ie: Christmas or Easter), has been declining. Surprising? In fact, many families now are using the family china for anything from pizza to roast, in the living room to at the kitchen island, and everything in between. Once set apart for special occasions, people have begun to realize that today is all that there is. Since no one is guaranteed tomorrow, the idea of celebrating in the here-and-now has taken root.

Many china dish sets have been in families for generations, with many dating back 100+ years. They also represent status and socio-economic achievement. These dishes were set aside in reverence to represent “the best.” But now, the mentality of “let’s have the best everyday,” is becoming the norm.

In much the same way, God is to be revered, His holiness setting Him apart from other aspects of our lives. He is “the best” – over all else in our lives. At the same time, He truly desires a relationship with us, to be present in our every-day moments, the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow. He never leaves us, He is always with us.

So the next time that you pull out your special dishes, ask yourself, “Where have I seen God’s glory in my everyday life?” (Reference: Yes, It’s OK to Use the Fine China—The New York Times)

Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, play a video clip from showing someone who’s allowed to look at something but not touch. Then ask Question #1.

Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

In advance, invite someone to lead the group in singing a song about God’s holiness. Spend a few minutes just worshiping God because He is worthy of our worship.

Study the Bible (Option for Adult Leader Guide)

Psalm 99:4-5

Read after DISCUSS: Question #3:

Non-profits have been providing social justice for hundreds of years. They often do a lot with very little. They fill the gaps where needs exist that are not being met, and provide for so many people – from mental health services to socialization, from job skills to physical health. They meet the needs for those often overlooked in society. Some non-profits serve veterans while others serve those with Downs’ syndrome; others provide food and groceries and still others provide free health care. No matter what they are doing, they are meeting the needs of those in their very own communities.

God loves to shower His people with grace and mercy. He provides justice and mercy for those who follow Him. And much the same way as non-profits, God provides for the ‘least of these,’ and He shows up when everyone else leaves. God steps in, when no one else steps up. In God’s sovereignty, he provides for all the needs of His people, including justice and righteousness.

Next time you see a non-profit in your community, contemplate how you have seen God’s justice in the world around you. How can you share the mercy of Jesus in your community? (Reference: Vikings Social Justice Committee Surprises 18 Nonprofits with Donations Totaling $500K—Vikings.com)

The week’s writer for Extra is Erika Morrison. Erika is the daughter of missionary parents. She lives in Southwest Michigan, where she serves as the executive director of a human services non-profit, and speaks regularly on poverty culture, and having a relationship with Jesus.

Additional Questions

Icebreakers

• What’s something in your home you were allowed to look at but not touch?
• Who in your life do you aspire to imitate?
• What item or activity in your life is it easy to love?

Psalm 99:1-3. God is set apart in His greatness.

• When have you been awed by the greatness of God?
• What are some ways God is greater than any other ruler or leader?
• How would our world be different if people were more aware of the greatness of God?

Psalm 99:4-5. God is set apart in His justice.

• How is God’s justice different from man’s justice?
• How can we help our community be just in a world that’s so unjust?
• Where do you see injustice in our community?

Psalm 99:6-9. God is set apart in His actions toward us.

• How is God both forgiving and just at the same time?
• Why do God’s actions toward us lead you to respond in worship?
• How can we apply God’s character as described in Psalm 99 to our lives today?