God's Virtues
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
John 8:32; Prov. 12:22; 1 Peter 3:10-12
“World’s Best Cup of Coffee”
If there’s anything we know from our modern media-fueled marketing landscape, we shouldn’t trust what we see in advertisements. Commercials, billboards, and store signs usually make bold claims without the substance to back it up. The “miracle pill” turns out to be a placebo. The “world’s best cup of coffee” is mediocre at best. The “get rich quick” scheme turns out pyramid-shaped. With the daily deluge of deception, it shocks our skepticism when we encounter someone honest and trustworthy. That “handshake deal” is a breath of fresh air in a world of snake oil salesmen and swindlers. So, as we continue to appreciate God’s good virtues, let’s feel the freedom truthfulness provides.
We love truthful words because they’re the language our God uses to speak to us.
THE BIG IDEA
We have a stable foundation of truth and honesty on which we build our lives when we hear our Lord and obey (Matt. 7:24). While it’s easy to imagine a stranger lying to us, it stings more when someone we love leads us astray. Because God loves us so much, it’s impossible to imagine him saying anything to deceive us — God never lies (Titus 1:2)!
And because God can’t lie, he won’t tolerate us dabbling in deception either. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight” (Prov. 12:22). Rather than leaving us tangled in a web of dishonesty, the truth breaks those chains and sets us free (John 8:32)!
Honesty is a rare occurrence in our world, so it’s refreshing to see it on display. We acknowledge those around us who act with integrity. We take seriously the impact we have on others when we make bold claims and deliver on them. And we speak healthy and wholesome words, not to make ourselves look good, but to speak like our Father speaks — truthfully and honestly.
How would it change your relationships if you were more open?
THE BIG QUESTION
Honesty
Feel the Freedom of Truthfulness
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
How do you respond when someone asks for your thoughts on their outfit?
ACT I
JESUS SAID — John 8:32
What’s the main point of this passage?
What do you learn about truth here?
What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
SCRIPTURE DU JOUR — Ephesians 4
First, let’s summarize what this passage says, giving each section a title: I. (Eph. 4:1-6) II. (Eph. 4:7-10) III. (Eph. 4:11-16) IV. (Eph. 4:17-24) V. (Eph. 4:25-32) What’s your favorite verse in this passage, and why?What does this passage teach you about truth?What do you learn from this passage about honest and beneficial words? And what are the benefits?How could the principles revealed in this passage make a difference in your life this week?
ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What does integrity mean to you?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Notice someone's sincerity and acknowledge it.REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: “Teach me to love truth and hate falsehood like you do” (cf. Prov. 12:22).
NEXT SESSION — Humility
Prepare by reading Phil. 2:3-11; Luke 14:11; James 3:14-17