Date: February 26, 2023
Does It Lead You to Be More Like Jesus?
The Point: God’s desire is to conform us to the image of Christ.
Get Into the Study
Share the following after Discussing Question 1:
One man many millennials and zoomers looked up to was Fred Rogers, more commonly known as Mr. Rogers. His show, “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” aired for more than thirty years and was known for teaching children how to get over their fears, treat others equally, and be upstanding citizens.
Mr. Rogers usually kept his more “controversial” views to himself while his show was on air, with the exception of him inviting a black man on air to share a pool with him when segregation was commonplace, but has now become the center of debate with one of his songs, “Everybody’s Fancy.” In this song, Mr. Rogers talks about the differences between boys and girls, and how gender cannot be changed. With today’s gender-confused social climate, this is now considered a bigoted view.
Fred Rogers chose to allow his faith inform his worldview, and it showed in the way he taught on his show. He stood for what he thought was right and was a good role model to millions. Similarly, Christians should look to Jesus as the ultimate role model to emulate.
Get Into the Study [Option from the Daily Discipleship Guide, o. 172]
Use this image as you lead your group to follow the directives in the option on page 172.
Study the Bible
As you discuss Question #3 about ungodly attitudes and actions, share the following:
One of the most challenging things about putting away ungodly attitudes and actions is that society seems to honor ungodliness above all else. This was clearly shown in the Grammys on February 5th.
The headlines call these outfits “bold” or “stand-out style” because they feature lots of cut-outs, sheer fabrics, and short hemlines. Ingrid Andress, a country music singer-songwriter, wore a black cut-out dress that showed her underwear and lots of skin. Sam Smith and the other performers of “Unholy” wore vivid red with sheer fabrics or short hemlines.
The other half of the duo that sang “Unholy,” Kim Petras, became the first transperson to win a Grammy for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Petras was thrilled, and had hopes that this would open the door for more transpeople to win mainstream awards for their performances.
The 65th Grammy Awards definitely made headlines with the demonic-themed “Unholy” featured performance, in which Sam Smith wore a hat with devil horns. The performance also included red lights, a fiery backdrop, and BDSM themes, and has been called completely demonic.
When our society touts doing the anti-Christian or anti-religious act as “edgy,” though it’s common in mainstream media, putting away ungodly attitudes and actions is harder for Christians.
EXTRA was written by Emily Duncan, a Southern California native currently living in West Georgia with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. She became a Christian when she was sixteen at a youth retreat. Now, she’s a self-described homemaker and semi-professional baker who dreams of eventually finishing all the projects in her workroom.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- How have role models influenced your life?
- When you were a little kid, was there someone you looked up to that you would not, today, find admirable?
- As a child, who did you want to be like when you grew up?
Colossians 3:1-4
- What does it mean for our lives to be hid in Christ?
- How can believers exert better control over their thoughts?
- How have your desires and motives changed since becoming a follower of Christ?
- What practices have helped you set your mind on the things of God?
Colossians 3:5-9
- Why do some people have difficulty eliminating sin from their lives?
- How do you put away sinful habits and live for Christ?
- How can anger negatively affect our Christian walk?
Colossians 3:10-14
- How does Christ renew us in the image of our Creator?
- How do believers “put on” godly character?
- What step can we take as a group to “put on love” in our community?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
You’re Greater Than a Transformer
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Do you read from Genesis – the Revaluation or do you skip around? I find so many who have never read cover to cover. I suspect that many do not read it every day. It is hard for me to get through Leviticus but once in Judges on it gets easer. I have never read it more than once in a year but you chainage me to read more.
Walter Rowell [email protected] thanks
Walter, I read cover to cover. When I finish Revelation, I start right back in Genesis. For reading purposes only (not study), you might consider “reading” some sections via audiobook or online app. I use the audio recording on the You Version app, and it is a great way to “read” the Bible as you drive. Listening to Scripture also helps me be less irritated with the drivers around me! 🙂
I am currently using bible gateway max McLean that way i can increase the speed to match the reading ability that i have which i read with my eyes or follow with my eyes as he reads this helps as sometimes i stumble on names i too believe it is important for christians to read cover to cover bible study small groups is a great way to go in debt but reading cover to cover is the greatest blessing did i have ever discovered.
Thanks for the help