VISION FOR DISCIPLESHIP | JANUARY 11, 2026

Live In Christ – Chip Henderson

Key Passage: John 15:5, Ezra 7:10, Galatians 5:1–21, Matthew 7:16–27

OPENING QUESTION

Have you ever tried to follow Jesus in your own strength? What did that experience teach you about the difference between living for Christ and living in Christ?

GROW

At Pinelake, a disciple is someone who learns from Christ, lives in Christ, and leads others to Christ. This week, we focus on what it looks like to truly live in Christ, not just for Him but in Him. Scripture rarely uses the word “Christian.” Instead, the New Testament speaks over 200 times about being “in Christ.”

Living in Christ means staying connected to Him like a branch to a vine (John 15:5). It is not about striving or performing for God but abiding in Him, receiving His life and letting it bear fruit. Galatians reminds us that the flesh and Spirit are at war. If we are going to live in Christ, we must crucify the flesh and walk by the Spirit.

  • Why do you think the Bible emphasizes being “in Christ” more than being called a Christian?

  • How does abiding in Christ change how you approach daily life?

  • What stands out to you from Galatians 5 about the battle between flesh and Spirit?

PRAY

Abiding in Christ begins with surrender and is sustained through prayer. When we stay close to Him, He shapes our heart, renews our mind, and empowers us to live in a way that reflects His presence.

  • Where do you need God’s help to crucify the desires of the flesh?

  • What would it look like for you to depend more fully on the Spirit this week?

  • How can our group pray for each other to truly live in Christ, not just for Him?

CONNECT

Discipleship is not just a solo pursuit. We learn to live in Christ through Scripture, through the Spirit, and through one another. Like Ezra, we set our hearts to seek the Lord, live His truth, and teach it to others.

  • Who models what it looks like to live in Christ for you?

  • What habits or rhythms help you stay connected to Jesus daily?

  • How can we encourage each other when life or the world pulls us away from abiding?

SHARE

Jesus said we will be known by our fruit. As we live in Christ, our lives should reflect His character. The world does not need more people with the label “Christian.” It needs people who truly look like Christ.

  • Where do you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life?

  • Who in your life needs to see what it looks like to live in Christ?

  • What is one way you can reflect Jesus to someone this week?

NEXT STEP

Choose one action for this week in one of the Be The Church rhythms:

Grow: What passage will you meditate on to help you stay rooted in Christ?
Pray: What do you need to surrender in prayer so you can abide more deeply?
Connect: Who will you encourage to walk by the Spirit this week?
Share: What is one fruit of the Spirit you can intentionally express to bless someone?

PRAYER

Close by thanking Jesus for inviting you to live in Him. Ask for grace to abide through the ups and downs of life. Invite the Spirit to produce fruit in your life and help you crucify the things that pull you away from God’s best.