9-27-2026: Becoming More Like Jesus

9-27-2026: Becoming More Like Jesus

Sermon Title: Becoming More Like Jesus

Scripture Reading: Psalm 16, John 16:5, 9-11

Sermon Focus: Church attendance and activity are not the same thing as spiritual formation. God wants to transform us into disciples who increasingly think, love, speak, and live like Jesus. Spiritual formation happens through spending time with Jesus and his followers, learning to rest in him. In the third message of our series, Pastor Melissa shares how the thriving congregation becomes like Jesus as we are in his presence.

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion: 

  1. When you think about the idea of “fullness of life,” what comes to mind? What do you imagine that to look like? Read Psalm 16. How does your vision align with how David describes it?
  2. We experience fullness of life by being in God’s presence through the Holy Spirit – what Jesus calls abiding/remaining in him (John 15:5, 9-11). Think of a time you’ve been disconnected from the “vine” (Christ). Now, think of a time you’ve been connected to the “vine.” What was the difference in your attitude and actions?
  3. It takes practice to learn to rest in God’s presence and requires intentionality to create habits that turn our minds back to God. Take about 5 minutes to quietly review your daily and weekly habits. If you have paper and pen, write down your morning, midday, and evening routines, weekly commitments, and weekend activities. You may not get to everything and that’s okay! The point is to notice what habits are helping to turn your attention to Jesus and when your attention is being directed to something else. Discuss.
  4. There are many different spiritual practices. Some of the classics are prayer (many different types!), solitude, being in Scripture, Sabbath, fasting, generosity, community, service, and witness. Some practices are personal and some are corporate. Some are inward and some are outward. What is one spiritual practice you have found meaningful recently in staying rooted in Jesus? What is one way Jesus is inviting you to spend more time with him this week?
  5. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION – As we remain in Jesus’ love, he forms us into people of love. What is a way you’ve experienced how being in God’s presence has enabled you to be a blessing to others? Think about a person in your life that God is putting on your heart to love. What is a simple spiritual practice you can engage in to connect with the Holy Spirit when you encounter that person?
  6. Spend time in prayer together, lifting up each other’s needs. Then, ask God how he wants to speak to you and the group and spend 2 minutes listening in silence.

If you sense God leading your group to more deeply explore spiritual practices and/or crafting a Rule of Life (a spiritual formation plan), check out the Practicing the Way Course or talk to Pastor Melissa.