Date: March 13, 2022
A Life of Loyalty
The Point: Connection to Christ calls for consistent loyalty.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session.
Rumors have been circulating about top golf-professionals leaving the PGA for a proposed Golf Super League. According to CNN Sports, this new league is “attempting to attract golfers away from golf’s main tours — the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour — with offers of big money.” The PGA Tour recently published an article with the headline, “Dustin Johnson adds to those pledging loyalty to PGA Tour.” The article included excerpts from a statement Johnson released on social media, where he stated, “I am fully-committed to the PGA TOUR.” Johnson added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family.”
This week, we will read about a man who was drawn away from the best by offers of money. As we discuss Judas’s betrayal of Jesus, we will also consider where in our lives we might be drawn into disloyalty toward Jesus. We will also see that Jesus is always the best option for us and that He is consistent in His loyalty.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Study the Bible Option (from Adult Leader Guide, p. 32)
To emphasize “The Point,” explain that each of us, at one time or another, has betrayed and been disloyal to Jesus. In spite of our actions, Jesus still offers us forgiveness. Play the song for reflection or invite a volunteer to lead the group in singing “Loyal” by Lauren Daigle, or another song about Christian loyalty.
Live It Out
Use the following story to conclude your study of this session.
Have you ever heard the term “brand loyalty”? According to Investopedia.com, “Customers who exhibit brand loyalty are devoted to a product or service, which is demonstrated by their repeat purchases despite competitors’ efforts to lure them away.” Brand loyalty is a cornerstone of most successful products and services—but it can also creep into our faith.
You see, it’s easy to find ourselves falling into blind brand loyalty to popular Christian leaders or the more culturally acceptable side of a theological debate. Doing so can prevent us from maintaining a diligently Biblical worldview in our own lives. We must always remember to hold ourselves loyal to God’s Word, first and foremost.
Being loyal to Jesus seems like a simple task, but it can become more complicated the more we allow other voices to speak to us about our lives. If you’ve found yourself confused about whether or not the principles you’re shaping your life around are Biblical, or if they’re of the world, it might be time to step back and assess where your loyalty lies. Protect yourself from misplaced loyalty by putting God’s Word above the words of this world, and spending time with it each day. Christ promises us that if we remain in Him, He will remain with us.
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband and three sons.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What traits do you appreciate in the person who has been your friend longer than anybody else?
- If you could choose to be named anything, what would your name be?
- When has someone proven their loyalty to you?
John 13:21-27
- Why does betrayal by a close friend hurt more deeply than pain inflicted by a stranger?
- What makes betrayal so damaging to our relationships?
- How does it make you feel to know Jesus’ was troubled by Judas’ betrayal?
John 13:31-33
- What are some events or things you can point to and say, “that shows God’s glory”?
- How might our attitudes and actions change when we prioritize God’s glory?
- How do you turn personal betrayals into opportunities to glorify God?
John 13:34-35
- What are some ways our group is a loving group?
- In what ways can we show love to someone who has betrayed us?
- What does it look like to obey this command today?
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:
When Christians Attack Other Christians
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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