March 2 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What shows, if any, do you binge watch?
BACKBONE pt. 4
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
Colossians 3:14; Matthew 23:25-28; Romans 7:18; Revelation 2:4-5
Key Takeaways—
Unity in the body of Christ requires love as the binding agent that holds all other virtues together
Hypocrisy is defined as perfecting the image of Jesus without living and loving like Him
Wearing Jesus without true transformation does not make someone a Christian, just as wearing a white coat without medical training does not make someone a doctor
True transformation requires dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit to work internally, not just maintaining external appearances
Transformation involves three steps: putting off the old self, being renewed in mind, and putting on the new self
The Word of God is the scalpel that cuts away what does not belong in our lives
Many believers have forsaken their first love and need to return to intimacy with Christ
Distance from God occurs when we run from Him, not when He runs from us
Discussion Questions—
The sermon emphasizes that love is what binds together compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forbearance. Why do you think love is described as the essential ingredient rather than just another virtue in the list?
What is the difference between wanting the appearance of being a Christian versus experiencing genuine intimacy with Christ, and how can you identify which one is more present in your life?
The pastor shares his experience of wearing a doctor's coat without having the qualifications. In what ways might we be tempted to wear the identity of Christ without going through the transformation process?
Jesus told the Pharisees they cleaned the outside of the cup while remaining full of greed and self-indulgence inside. What are some modern examples of how Christians might focus on external appearances while neglecting internal transformation?
How does the concept of 'wearing Jesus without true transformation' resonate with your own spiritual journey, and what areas of your life might still need deeper transformation?
What does it mean practically to 'put off your old self' and 'put on your new self,' and what specific areas of your old self might God be calling you to remove?
The pastor mentions that many people have forsaken their first love for Christ. What causes the distance between believers and God, and what steps can be taken to return to that initial intimacy?
Practical application—
Choose ONE of the following practices to implement this week:
Option 1: Examination
Daily Word Encounter
Commit to reading Scripture for 15 minutes each day
Use it as a "mirror" to examine your heart
Journal one thing God reveals about what needs to change
Option 2: action
Love in Action
Identify one person you struggle to love (in church or outside)
Pray for them daily
Take one practical step to show them Christ's love
Option 3: Renewal
Return to First Love
Set aside 30 minutes for uninterrupted time with Jesus
No agenda, no requests—just be with Him
Tell Him you want to return to that first love
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father, thank you that you have made us righteous and holy through the work of Jesus. Please soften our hearts to receive your transforming work, putting off the old self and embrace the new. Help us to see our own hypocrisy and flee from it to Jesus. Empower us to maintain unity in the body built on genuine love, not appearance.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.