LGC - Living A Life That Matters Part 2

Living A Life That Matters (Part 2)

Speaker: Josefa Firmacion

INTRODUCTION

In this second part of the series, Living a Life that Matters, we explore what God’s word says about how we can live a life of eternal impact. In the first part, we discovered how God can use us to intentionally draw close to people, in order to introduce them to Jesus. This week, we dive into the personal transformation (sometimes called sanctification) God does in us, and how that bears witness to God’s power in our lives. You can only live a life that matters if you have been transformed. You cannot live a life that matters if you still live in the same way you lived prior to salvation.

…put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. – Colossians 3:10 ESV

If we want to make a difference to the people around us or to leave a lasting impact on the world, we need to put off our old selves, and our old nature and put on our new selves which requires a change of identity. People observe how we live and speak. When family and friends see the transformation in us, they will glimpse the life of God through us, then they will be curious to seek out eternal life.

As we seek to fulfil the Great Commission, we should not be just telling people about Jesus by quoting bible verses at them but have them see our transformed lives as we communicate the love and goodness of Jesus to them.

If we want the people around us to change then we must influence them by our presence which reflects Jesus. We must live a life characterised by holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), righteousness (1 John 3:7), purity (1 John 3:3) and love (Ephesians 5:1-2).

DISCUSSION

Share with your group how you have experienced transformation in yourself since meeting Jesus. These questions may help you guide your sharing:

a. What was your life before accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour like?

b. Do you think you have changed? (You may need to ask your family/friends)

c. What would you say was the biggest change that happened to you?
Read Colossians 3:7-10.

a. What surprises you about the list of sins that Paul gives?

b. How have you been intentional in “putting off your old self…and put on the new self”?

c. See verse 10. What role does knowledge play in our transformation?

d. What is the goal of our transformation? How should we look once we are transformed?
Holiness, righteousness, purity and love are the characteristics Jesus embodies. Which of these do you struggle with the most, and why?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Here are the questions the speaker shared to help us think through how we can be more and more like Jesus:

What is the character/s of Jesus we need to reflect on?
Identify the character/s. What does the Bible say about it?
Share with your life group and be accountable to live it out.

MEMORY VERSE

…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 3:22-23