Sisters: The Call Bible Study - Week 1

Called to Bear Fruit

Scripture References

Primary text

• Ephesians 4:1
• John 15:5
• 2 Peter 1:3

Other references

• Philippians 2

Overview

We have been divinely invited—“called”—to leave the kingdom of darkness and live on “Team Light,” walking in a way that matches our new identity in Christ. Week 1 of the study focuses on bearing spiritual fruit: humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Fruit grows when two things happen together: we remain in Jesus as the true Vine, and we actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit by cultivating the right conditions in our daily habits, motives, and relationships.

Context

The session opens the multi-week “Called” study with girlfriends gathered in living rooms and on screens. The leader frames the lesson around the Greek word klēsis—“a divine invitation”—and sets Ephesians 4:1 as the anchoring verse for the entire study.

Main Points

1. A Divine Invitation to Live Worthy

• God has “called” us—rescued from darkness and placed on His team of light and love.
• Ephesians 4:1 urges us to “live a life worthy of the calling,” which Paul says looks like complete humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.
• Spiritual fruit is visible evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in us.

2. Fruit Requires the Right Conditions

• Natural fruit needs proper climate and time; a banana takes about nine months from bloom to harvest.
  • Illustration: Different climates and conditions mean fruit does not ripen the same everywhere; spiritual growth is just as dependent on “conditions.”
• Recommended conditions named by the group: daily Bible reading, consistent prayer, worship music and media choices, accountability with other women of faith, and steady involvement in life group.
• Warning: It is possible to perform all these activities and still not grow if they are reduced to boxes to check rather than avenues of intimacy with God.

3. Who Owns Your Growth?

• Each believer is responsible for her own spiritual development; no pastor, program, or church can do it for her.
• Philippians 2 shows the “duality” of growth: we “work out” our salvation, yet God supplies both the desire and the ability.

4. Abiding in the Vine

“I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can’t.”

• John 15:5 frames fruitfulness as staying in constant, living connection with Jesus.
• Growth is therefore relational, not merely mechanical; we cooperate with the Spirit instead of asking God to “zap” us into maturity.

5. Everything Needed Has Already Been Given

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3)

• Because of God’s glory and excellence, He has granted great and precious promises that let us share His nature and escape worldly corruption.
• The passage lists qualities we must “add” or “supplement” to our faith:
  • moral excellence (praiseworthy living)
  • knowledge
  • self-control
  • patient endurance
  • godliness (devotion to God)
  • brotherly affection
  • love for everyone
• Growing in these makes us “productive and useful.” Neglecting them leaves us shortsighted, forgetting we were cleansed from sin.

6. Our Part: Intentional Supplementing

• Spiritual disciplines are supplements, like vitamins for the soul.
  • Story: A co-leader sets phone alarms so she never misses her physical vitamins; she proposed doing the same for spiritual supplements.
• Peter’s phrase “make every effort” means deliberate, sustained action. We work hard—not to earn salvation, but to express it.
• The process is continual: as we remain in Christ and practice these disciplines, fruit naturally forms.

Key Truths

• God’s calling is a divine invitation that shifts us from darkness to the team of Jesus.
• Living “worthy” shows up in attitudes of humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
• Spiritual fruitfulness requires both abiding in Christ and intentional cooperation with the Spirit.
• God has already provided everything necessary for a godly life through His promises and power.
• Failing to cultivate the listed qualities leaves believers ineffective and spiritually nearsighted.

Response

• Remain in daily, relational connection with Jesus—the true Vine.
• Examine your spiritual “conditions” and adjust media, friendships, and habits to nurture growth.
• Set tangible reminders (alarms, calendars, accountability partners) to “supplement” your faith consistently.
• Choose self-control in every decision, saying no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit.
• Pursue community with believers who inspire you and help you stay responsible for your own growth.

Closing

The session ends with a resolve to cooperate fully with what God has already supplied. We will follow Jesus closely, add to our faith diligently, and trust the Spirit to make our lives fruitful.

“We just say yes to following You, to becoming like You, to doing what Your Word says to grow.”

Prayer

“Wonderful Father, we’re so blessed to know these truths today—to know that You are our source. Apart from You we can’t live this Christian life, but because of You we can. Thank You for giving us everything we need. We say yes to following You, to becoming like You, and to doing what Your Word says. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”