Real Life. Real People. Real Jesus. 

1. What Does Your Life Reveal?
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Question:
Where do you think people are most likely to see Jesus through the way you currently live—and where might they have a harder time seeing Him?

Go deeper:

• Who sees the most authentic version of your faith?
• Where is there a gap between what you believe and how you live?
• What could change if you intentionally thought of your everyday life as an opportunity to reveal God’s glory?

Connection:
The sermon says we bring people to Jesus by bringing Jesus to people—being like Jesus around other people. God’s glory isn’t meant to be displayed only when we gather; it should be visible through us wherever we go.
onsider whether the things that burden us might actually be places where God is inviting us into His work.

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2. Own Your Part
Nehemiah 2:18 (ESV)

“And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.”

Question:
When have you sensed God inviting you to stop watching what others are doing and own your part in what He is doing?

Go deeper:

• What excuses are easiest for you to make: “I’m too busy,” “I’m not equipped,” “someone else can do it”?
• Where have you already seen “the hand of God” preparing the way for you?
• What might “strengthening your hands for the good work” look like in your ordinary life?

Connection:
Nehemiah didn't build alone. Chapter 3 repeatedly says “next to him” and “next to them.” Ordinary people with homes, businesses, families and responsibilities each owned their piece. The sermon’s challenge is: “It’s going to take all of us, but it begins with you.”

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3. What Keeps You From Becoming?
Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

Question:
What keeps you from becoming more of the person Jesus is calling you to be?

Go deeper:

• Are there lies about yourself that you've allowed to become louder than what God says about you?
• Are there wounds, fears, habits, pride, or unresolved issues that continue to influence how you live?
• What would it look like to bring one of those things honestly before God instead of continuing to hide or manage it?

Connection:
The sermon turns the focus inward: “What’s stopping you?” Before asking the world to change, followers of Jesus should allow God to transform us. The challenge isn't merely behavior modification; it's allowing Christ to change what's leading us from the inside.

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4. What If We Actually Lived This?
Colossians 3:14 (ESV)

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Question:
What would it look like if the Christians in our community became known primarily for living like Jesus?

Go deeper:

• What do you think people around us currently associate with the word “Christian”?
• Which qualities from Colossians 3:12–17—compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, gratitude—could most change your relationships?
• How could living these qualities make Jesus more believable to someone who doesn't yet follow Him?

Connection:
One of the sermon’s strongest statements is: “The most convincing testimony of Jesus is the life that lives out the testimony of Jesus.” Imagine a community unable to ignore God's glory because His people consistently look increasingly like Christ.

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5. It Begins With You
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Question:
What would it look like for you to take one concrete step of obedience this week rather than simply agreeing that something should change?

Go deeper:

• What have you known you need to change but haven't acted on?
• Who could be affected—for good—by your obedience?
• What specifically will you do this week, and who in this group could help hold you accountable?

Connection:
The sermon says, “What you're not changing, you're choosing.” The challenge isn't simply to make another decision but to act on one. God wants His people pursuing His purpose, proving His presence and redeeming His place—right here, right now.

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Closing Prayer Prompt
Ask God to reveal anything in you that is keeping His glory from being clearly seen through you. Pray specifically for the courage to obey what He reveals, for Christlike character to increasingly define your relationships, and for your group and church to become people whose lives make Jesus unmistakably visible in your community.

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Take-Home Challenge
Read, meditate on, and obey Colossians 3:12–17 this week.
Don't just read it. Each day ask: “What would it look like for me to actually live this today?” Then act on what God shows you.
The sermon closes the challenge this way: “Stop just claiming the title ‘Christian’ and own the position ‘Sold out the whole route Follower of Jesus Christ.’ Where He goes I go!”