Virtuous Woman - ExcellenceSample

Excellence

Character Goal: Excellence is glorifying God by working wholeheartedly towards all He has given you to do.

Biblical Character: Jesus

Scripture Readings: John 17:1‑18; John 19:17‑18, 28‑30

Discussion Questions:

• What does Jesus do as He prepares to depart this earth and go back to His heavenly Father?
• What does Jesus say is eternal life? Have you viewed “eternal life” in this way, and according to this definition would you say you have eternal life?
• How does Jesus say He brought God glory on the earth? What does this tell us about His character?
• In this passage Jesus tells us some specific things God gave Him to do and what He accomplished. Name a few. (Hint, they begin with “I”)
• What are some specific things God has given you to do in your life and on your team?What would it look like for you to accomplish these things and glorify God
• Who exactly is Jesus praying for? What does this tell us about His heart for them?
• What are some specific things He is praying for them?
• If you are a follower of Christ, Jesus also prayed these things for you. How does this make you feel, impact the way you live, and relate to teammates?
• As Jesus was dying on the cross, He muttered the words, “It is finished.” What was He referring to?
• Jesus’ excellence to carry out God’s purpose for His life has eternally affected all mankind. Those who believe in His finished work on the cross will receive eternal life. Those who do not believe will experience eternal death and separation from Him. In what way has Jesus’ finished work affected your life?
• What does this story teach you about God? How can you apply these truths to your life?
• What is one thing I learned from this story that I can apply to my life before the next lesson?

Core Truths:

• Jesus is the only person who was perfectly excellent in all things.
• We bring God glory when we pursue excellence by seeking to whole‑heartily accomplish what God has given us to do.
• Our pursuit of excellence or lack thereof affects ourselves and others.

Training for Godliness

As an athlete, it is easy to believe that our main purpose is to score goals, build stats, win the championship, or possibly live up to a coach’s expectations. Have you ever considered that there is more to life than your sport? What do you see as “bigger” than your sport—things, beliefs, or attitudes that go beyond the court or field? According to the lesson on Jesus’ excellence, what is our ultimate purpose on this earth? How might your excellence in what God has given you to do affect someone else’s life? How might your lack to pursue excellence affect others and yourself? Give examples.