Part 3 – New Love
Leader Guide
We often talk about the New Covenant as being much simpler than the Old Testament with all its many laws. But in every case, Jesus made obeying God both less complicated and harder! His standards, for everything from our actions to our thoughts and motivations, are stricter than a set of laws and behaviors. But Jesus shows us the way and empowers us to love others!
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. How often do you use the word “love”? Do you only use it for people, or do you include pets, food, movies, music, etc.?
2. Read John 13:34-35. We know the word “love,” but we often don’t know how to love others well or at all. What simple command did Jesus give? What makes this hard? How important is it that we obey this command?
Leader Note: Simply, love “as I have loved you.” That’s hard! Jesus’ love was unconditional, sacrificial to the point of death, forgiving, merciful, and everlasting. On the other hand, we are easily offended, want reciprocal love, and we hold grudges. But love is the characteristic that will show others we belong to God.
3. Read 1 John 4:7-8. What phrases strike you as hard or harsh? Does it seem possible for you to love others? How can we do it?
Leader Note: “Love one another” gives no “out” -- it doesn’t release us from loving crazy people or even our enemies. “Anyone who does not love does not know God” is harsh and very plain. If we do not show love, we do NOT know God, for love is a Fruit of the Spirit if we are walking closely with God! If we do not love others, He is not our Lord and we do not obey Him. We cannot do this with our own strength, but we can love them through the power of the Spirit.
4. Love requires patience and kindness. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and 2 Peter 3:9. What area of your life routinely requires extra patience and grace? How can you flip the conversation or situation? Do you have the power to do this?
Leader Note: As in the example in the message, grace, gratitude, and help offered to the checkout person changes us more than them! Take ten seconds to pray: “God be present in this moment.” It will change your attitude. Ask God, “How do I serve them?” Ask Him what love requires of you in that exact situation. Remember, you do have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you love in that instant and ongoing. God’s love is patient and kind.
5. Love requires humility and sacrifice. Read Philippians 2:3-7. What attitude did Jesus have? What would happen in our marriage relationships, parent/child relationships, work or school relationships, if we prayed and asked for the same attitude that Jesus had? Who do you consider “less than” and you need to elevate in your estimation, love, and in your actions? How would it change your life to make yourself nothing?
Leader Note: Jesus is the ultimate example of humility–an example that even the meekest among us will never reach. But we can move toward humility by considering the way that Jesus lived and the sacrifice He made in becoming fully human for us. We can also recall how Scripture tells us to be more like Him (1 John 2:6).
6. Action Steps: People know you love them when you act in love. Why is it worth it, even when they seem unlovable? Can you commit to loving not only friends and family, but casual encounters and even “enemies” this week? The world needs Jesus’ love, and it starts with us.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
7. Read Philippians 2:3-7. Humility is not about self-deprecation, lack of confidence, or low self-worth. Humility is not thinking less of yourself; humility is thinking about yourself less. What misconceptions have you had in the past about what it means to be humble? According to Philippians 2:3-4, how can we demonstrate humility?
Leader Note: Remember that humility doesn’t mean thinking self-deprecating thoughts about ourselves; it simply is focusing less on ourselves and more on Christ and others. We all are born self-absorbed, but through the example of Jesus, we can learn to walk humbly.
8. Read Proverbs 11:2, Jeremiah 9:23, and Romans 12:3. Pride is the enemy of humility. A good way to figure out where you may be struggling with pride is to think about the areas where you tend to judge others most. When do you tend to judge them? What does this reveal about your opportunities to grow in humility?
Leader’s note: The Bible tells us that God “opposes the proud” (1 Peter 5:5), and that pride in our hearts will cause us to be blind to the goodness of God (Psalm 10:3-4). Scripture repeatedly calls out pride as a destructive character trait. Being humble means having an awareness that all the good in our lives comes from God (See James 1:17, 2 Corinthians 10:17-18).
9. Scripture reminds us that to be a servant of Christ, we need to prioritize seeking approval from God, not from other people (Galatians 1:10). As you study humility, think of circumstances in which you seek the praise of man and not of God. Are you willing (or able) to lay down the idea of earthly recognition in order to become more like Jesus? Consider ways that God may be calling you to lay down your pride and follow Him in humility. Share them with your Life Group or with a Christian mentor or friend who can pray with you.