Leader Guide
This weekend the campus pastors introduced us to another name for God, Jehovah Mekoddishkem. (Try saying that ten times fast!) This name means “The Lord who sanctifies” or “The Lord who makes holy”. Each of Gods names reveals something wonderful about His character and how He works in our lives when we invite Him in. This week let’s examine the lifelong process of sanctification and what that looks like.
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
Leaders: 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. Can you share a nickname that you have now or had when you were younger and why you were given that name? Are you named after someone special?
2. Read Leviticus 20:7-8, 1 Peter 2:9. Why did God want the Israelites to be set apart? Are we still called to be “set apart”, “holy” in our lives today and why?
Leaders: The Israelites were going to a land that had very different cultures and beliefs and they would need to be very careful not to practice these same beliefs. Laws were created that would set them apart and point to the one true God. Even though Christ death and resurrection ended the law, we are still to be set apart and point those around us to Christ.
3. Read Philippians 3:12-13. Are you allowing the process of sanctification to “set you apart” or are you stuck? Is there any area of your life that you are holding back from God?
Leaders: Many times, we get stuck because the process is hard. Often times instead of trusting or waiting on God we take matters into our own hands. Other times we may say “that's just who I am”, “this is how I was raised”. Jesus gave all on the cross and we must give God all and allow Him to change us.
4. Read Ephesians 4:21-23. According to this scripture what are we to do with our old nature? How will God’s Spirit do this in us? Do you see spiritual changes in your life since you gave your life to Christ?
Leaders: Once we have heard the truth of Christ we must continually let go of our old selves and allow the Spirit to renew our minds and change us. If you have accepted Christ, you should be able to see spiritual growth. Each day we need to make our flesh get in God’s Word and spend time with Him.
5. Read 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2 Corinthians 3:18. Why is the action part always the hardest? According to Corinthians what is the Spirits ultimate goal in the life of a believer?
Leaders: So many times, as a Jesus follower we can lazy, complacent, and just check the boxes, like attending church. However, we must learn to obey His words, live them out, let them transform us and point others to Jesus. And as we do this, we will become more and more like the image of Jesus.
Action Step: Spend time in God’s Word, seeking His guidance, Ask Him to reveal any areas of your life that you may be holding onto that do not align with His truth. Remember, sanctification is a transformative process that requires obedience and leads to spiritual growth. Finally, reflect daily and ask yourself: Does my life demonstrate to the world that I am set apart for God?