Get ready to talk.

If you are walking through this section with a person or group, get some dialogue going with the following questions and corresponding points.

1. Merely calling ourselves a Christian doesn't make us one.

• The followers of Jesus in Antioch didn't choose to be called "Christians". It was given to them by those who were observing the way of their lives. If people had to name you based on what they observed, would they call you "of Christ"?
• Why is it easier to announce ones faith, than it is to live it?
• What is the difference between claiming to be something and actually being what is claimed?

2. To be a Christian is to be "of Christ". Meaning, we belong to Him, and reflect His image in our lives.

• What is the difference between believing in someone or something, and belonging to it/them?
• Are there any areas of your life that don't yet belong to Christ?
• If someone were looking for the image of Christ in you, where would they find it? Where would they have trouble identifying Him?

3. Following Jesus is to share in His life in the same way the disciples of Jesus shared life with their rabbi in the Bible.

• A disciple lived alongside their rabbi. They observed how he ate, prayed, worked, handled people who frustrated him & more. What would that kind of nearness to Jesus look like for you in your week?
• Where in your daily life have you never thought to invite Jesus into? Or rather, where has Jesus invited you into that you have not yet responded?
• What would have to change in your life, schedule, priorities & etc. for you to actually share life with Jesus? Many visit, but few share life.

4. The point of discipleship is not only to receive information from Jesus, but to be transformed by His life.

• What do you know, that has not yet impacted who you are? Why do you think that is?
• How has our modern style of learning (digest information, test for aptitude) impacted how you follow Jesus?
• Has there ever been a moment where you went beyond knowledge, into transformational experience? If so, elaborate.

5. We become like what we gaze upon.

• What actually gets your attention most days? Not what you value most, what you actually captivates your gaze.
• Do you want to become like what you are gazing upon?
• If someone studied your attention for a week, would they say that you are on a track to being formed into the image and life of Jesus?

6. Success is not what we produce, but what Jesus produces in us.

• Have you been trying to produce fruit in your life? How does the truth that He is the only one who can produce fruit in your life, all you can do is abide, impact your life?
• If a branch's only focus is the vine, what does staying attached to the vine look like on an ordinary day for you?
• What would change in your life if you stopped trying to produce fruit and instead placed all of your focus on staying connected?

7. The fruit tells the story of the tree.

• Read Galatians 5:22–23. Which of the fruit of God's Spirit are most evident in your life right now? Which is missing most?
• If your fruit is telling a story, what story is it telling?
• Would you be willing to ask someone who knows you well what they see growing in your life?