New Believer’s Path · Lesson 7: Rule of Life · A Rhythm for the Long Road
This lesson in one sentence: Fitting the six practices into real life—not an extra burden, but a rhythm for the long road.
Timing (about 60 minutes)
- Opening5 min
- Read Together10 min
- Review of the six15 min
- Discussion15 min
- Writing the card10 min
- Pray for One Another5 min
Opening
Of these six practices, which comes most naturally to you? Which is hardest?
Read Together
But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:11-12 · WEB
Discussion
- “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11-12)—how do the words ‘follow after’ strike you?
- Paul says, “I have finished the course.” (2 Timothy 4:7) What is the biggest difference between a long run and a sprint? What does that suggest for the life of faith?
- Which line on your Rule of Life card most needs someone to help and remind you?
This Week
Open your Rule of Life card, add your name and choose a verse, and put it where you will see it every day; then show it to one person.
Each person finishes (or completes) their card on the spot, then looks at it with a partner: which line is too big? Make it smaller together.
Closing
In pairs, pray one sentence for the hardest line on each other’s card. Finally, point everyone to the Next steps on the lesson page: those not yet baptized can find a church and prepare for baptism; those already baptized can come and help lead the next round.
Tips for the leader
- The card is not a test, and it is not handed in to the leader; each person decides whom to show it to.
- If someone has filled all six lines with a lot, help them ‘make it smaller’; if someone has written only two or three lines, that is fine too—start with those.
- Agree to come back together in a year (or when the next round begins) to revise your cards.
- After the meeting, talk one-to-one with members who have not been baptized: explain your church’s arrangements for baptism, or go with them to find a church. Don’t ask in front of the group who has or hasn’t been baptized.
- Invite members who have been baptized to help lead a seeker group next round.
General principles for leaders
- The leader is not a teacher but someone who walks alongside everyone.
- Give everyone a chance to speak; with someone who talks a lot, you can gently say, ‘Let’s also hear from friends who haven’t spoken yet.’
- Don’t rush to give answers. If someone is silent, wait a few more seconds.
- For a question you can’t answer, you can say, ‘I don’t know either; let’s look it up together,’ and note it down for next time.
- What is said in the group stays in the group.
- At the opening, the leader can give their own answer first, showing that it can be simple and honest.