January 3 & 4
FIRST THINGS FIRST // Pastor Matt Berry
January 3 & 4, 2026
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
As the new year begins, most of us want growth and change. The challenge is that real change does not come from adding more things to our lives. It comes from putting the right thing at the center. Jesus invites us to consider what truly lasts and what is worth building our lives around.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19–21
Jesus does not deny that earthly things matter. Instead, He invites us to aim our lives toward what lasts beyond the moment. From there, He moves from what we treasure to what we worry about.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:33
Seeking God first is not about ignoring responsibilities. It is about placing God at the center so everything else finds its proper place. This leads to a deeper kind of transformation that goes beyond behavior.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:1–2
Transformation happens when God moves from being an add-on to becoming the foundation. When that shift happens, it changes not only what we do but why we do it.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Spend time praying that God would help each person place Him at the center of their life. Pray for trust where there is worry, courage where there is fear, and openness to real transformation. Ask God to help your group seek His kingdom first in the year ahead.
January 3 & 4, 2026
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Share about something in your life that felt really satisfying at first but did not last very long.
- Why do you think temporary things can feel so powerful in the moment?
- What are some common things people tend to chase when they want quick fulfillment?
As the new year begins, most of us want growth and change. The challenge is that real change does not come from adding more things to our lives. It comes from putting the right thing at the center. Jesus invites us to consider what truly lasts and what is worth building our lives around.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19–21
- What does Jesus mean by treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven?
- How can the things we value most reveal what has our hearts?
- In what ways do people unintentionally build their lives around temporary things?
Jesus does not deny that earthly things matter. Instead, He invites us to aim our lives toward what lasts beyond the moment. From there, He moves from what we treasure to what we worry about.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:33
- What does it look like in real life to seek God’s kingdom first?
- Why do you think trusting God with your needs can feel difficult?
- How does this verse challenge the way people usually order their priorities?
Seeking God first is not about ignoring responsibilities. It is about placing God at the center so everything else finds its proper place. This leads to a deeper kind of transformation that goes beyond behavior.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:1–2
- What stands out to you about the idea of offering your life as worship?
- How does renewing your mind change the way you live?
- Why is it easier to conform to the world than to be transformed?
Transformation happens when God moves from being an add-on to becoming the foundation. When that shift happens, it changes not only what we do but why we do it.
APPLICATION
- What area of your life is hardest for you to fully put under God’s leadership?
- If someone looked at your schedule or priorities, what would they say is at the center?
- What is one practical step you can take this week to seek God first?
- How can this group help you stay intentional and honest about your priorities this year?
PRAYER
Spend time praying that God would help each person place Him at the center of their life. Pray for trust where there is worry, courage where there is fear, and openness to real transformation. Ask God to help your group seek His kingdom first in the year ahead.