Imago Dei - Week Three

Imago Dei Doctrinal Study Session 3 Discussion Guide

In session three, five principles were given highlighting a picture of Restored Image of God Living, based in Ephesians 4:25-32.

Principles of Restored Image of God Living

When we live out the restored Image of God, we will:

  1. Live as members of one another.

  2. Work, so that we will have something to share with one who has need.

  3. Not give the devil an opportunity.

  4. Use edifying speech that gives grace to our hearers.

  5. Extend kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness to others, because God extended them to us first. 

Discussion Questions: For Questions See Ephesians 4:25-32

1.Noting the phrase “one another” grounds these principles primarily in the life of the church, how well would you say we live them out as a church?

-Areas of strength?

-Areas in need of growth? 

Groups, we (Pastor Lewis and Pastor Kevin) would love to hear how you see us doing well and needing growth in these principles, please share. 

2.What are ways individuals from our fellowship can give themselves over to living as members of one another?

3.When we don’t address and handle our emotions appropriately, what do we do? See v.26-27. 

Why is this detrimental to our lives?

4.Read v.28. Knowing that our labor is not just for us, what are you and your family strategically doing to share with the one who has need?

5. How can we work toward speaking in edifying ways? See v.29

6. Read v.32. What is the basis for our extending forgiveness? Is there anyone you are withholding forgiveness from?

You do not have to be specific about the details of withheld forgiveness here. However, groups should pray with and encourage individuals to extend forgiveness toward those they are withholding it from.

Imago Dei - Week Two

Imago Dei Session 2

Discussion and Study Guide

In this week’s Study, we will focus our attention on the passage introduced in the session two video. For your discussion you will need to look at Colossians 3:10-17. 


1.What are your initial thoughts of the session 2 video?

2.What are some things that stand out to you from the traits we are to put on? (Colossians 3:12)

When looking at these traits or virtues, we should recognize that several of the traits are described by the Apostle Paul as Fruits of the Spirit. Additionally, the remaining traits are descriptors of Jesus we see in the Gospels.

-Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness, Gentleness, Patience - See Galatians 5:22-23

-Characteristics of Jesus: Compassion -  See Matthew 9:36; Matthew 15:32

Humility - See Philippians 2:3-11

3. How do we see the  virtues that are a part of the Fruit of the Spirit, become a reality in our lives? See Galatians 5:16-18

4. When looking at Jesus' compassion and humility, what should we conclude about these virtues in our lives? 

Jesus actively lived these traits out. His feeling of compassion led to acts of compassion. The humility that He possessed led to Him submitting at all times to the Father’s Plan. These traits should have the same effect on us as we strive to live like Jesus.

The next verse we encounter also focuses on actions, particularly within the body of Christ. 

5. Read V. 13 - What component of the Image of God does this verse deal with?

6. How does taking part in these actions facilitate relationships?

7. Of the actions listed in V.13, which is the hardest for you? Why?

Verse 14 works in many ways as a summary verse to the above verses. Read V.14

For us to live out these traits, and achieve the true unity of relationship that was intended as a part of the Imago Dei, we must put on and live out love.

As a group read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a and discuss what it would look like to truly put on love and live it out with:

-Your family

-Your church family

-Your neighbors and co-workers

8. What two “things of Christ” are to be a part of our inner life? (V. 15-16)

-Peace of Christ

-Word of Christ

These two items are supposed to play a pivotal role in the life of the new self. It is stated that the peace of Christ should rule (have dominion) in our hearts. Additionally, Paul talks of the word of Christ dwelling in us. The word dwell here carries the same idea that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling or living within us. When the word of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell in us, we are able to walk in the new self.

9.How do you engage the scriptures so that the word of Christ dwells in you?

Verse 16 speaks of us communicating with our fellow believers via psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The key example of such songs are those found in the book of Psalms. Therein, we find songs that run the full spectrum of emotion, tell of Israel's history with God, express thankfulness and praise, and even prophecy of the coming Messiah. In a similar way, in addition to the book of Psalms, we should utilize songs that build us up in the same way.

10. In your groups, have each person share their favorite Psalm and why it is their favorite.

11. Read V. 17 - How do you think we are to live out this command?

Re-read V.17 in the New Living Translation

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

12. How does the phrase “As Christ’s representatives” bring clarity on how we are to live out this command?

Imago Dei - Week One

Imago Dei Doctrinal Study

Discussion Questions Week 1

1.Of the answers shared by your group at the beginning of the session, which ones were discussed in session one?

2.What are the primary relationships in your life?

3.Are you currently living in Christian community (close relationships among a group of fellow Jesus Followers)? See Acts 2:42; 44-47

4.What are some ways to grow in depth of relationship with your fellow Jesus Followers? See Acts 2:42; 44-47

5.As a vice regent or steward, do you look at your life as having Kingdom of God responsibilities, or simply living for your own personal goals?

6.What are some ways that we can actively steward the resources that God has entrusted to us?

7.How should valuing human life over animal life affect how we view and engage those in need?

8.What are some ways that we can determine if we are valuing material things over people created in the Image of God? See Matthew 6:19-21

9.What are some of the false value distinctions that we hear being talked about in our culture? In our lives?

10.When we see a denial of the equality that comes from the Imago Dei (racism, sexism, etc.) how should we respond? See James 2:1-10; Matthew 18:15-17(when this behavior is seen in Jesus Followers/ GHBC Members)