Wk 9 // November 23 & 24
Wk 9 // GOD’S FINAL INSTRUCTIONS (Thanksgiving)
November 23 & 24, 2024
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
This time of year, many of us have a tendency to swing to extremes. We can go from being extremely grateful for the blessings we have to extremely stressed and discontent as we search for the best deals and spend money we probably shouldn’t spend. An abundance of joy seems to exist alongside rampant depression, stress, and grief. Keeping our attention on God, His provision, His guidance and His plan for our lives can be difficult during the holidays, but it is absolutely necessary as we pursue His better way of doing life.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19-24
There are good things and there are God things. It is very easy to blur the line between the two. Family, career, possessions, goals, etc., etc… all of these can be good things, but none of them are meant to be ultimate things. God knows that in order for us to have the abundant life He calls us to, our focus has to be on Him. Other things are precious gifts to enjoy in this life, but He is the only one deserving of our ultimate attention and worship.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:25-34
Stress and worry are unfortunate inevitabilities in this life. They come on without warning and steal our attention away from that which is most important. The solution to stress & worry is exactly what we are in greatest danger of ignoring because of our stress & worry… JESUS! He is the only one who can effectively steer us through the scary parts of life. He promises that He will never leave or forsake us. He loves us and promises to be our strength and provision in time of need. If God is for us, who can be against us?
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God will dominate your attention… good things, bad things, all things… would pale in comparison to how amazing Jesus is!
November 23 & 24, 2024
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
- What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
- What Black Friday deals are you watching closely?
This time of year, many of us have a tendency to swing to extremes. We can go from being extremely grateful for the blessings we have to extremely stressed and discontent as we search for the best deals and spend money we probably shouldn’t spend. An abundance of joy seems to exist alongside rampant depression, stress, and grief. Keeping our attention on God, His provision, His guidance and His plan for our lives can be difficult during the holidays, but it is absolutely necessary as we pursue His better way of doing life.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19-24
- Top 5 list… if your heart is where your treasure is, what are the top 5 things you value most in this life?
- What do you pay attention to (or fixate on) that takes the attention that rightfully belongs on Jesus?
There are good things and there are God things. It is very easy to blur the line between the two. Family, career, possessions, goals, etc., etc… all of these can be good things, but none of them are meant to be ultimate things. God knows that in order for us to have the abundant life He calls us to, our focus has to be on Him. Other things are precious gifts to enjoy in this life, but He is the only one deserving of our ultimate attention and worship.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:25-34
- Share a time when God provided for you in an unexpected or miraculous way.
- What causes you the most stress and/or worry?
- What can you realistically add to or subtract from your life that would allow you to better “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”?
Stress and worry are unfortunate inevitabilities in this life. They come on without warning and steal our attention away from that which is most important. The solution to stress & worry is exactly what we are in greatest danger of ignoring because of our stress & worry… JESUS! He is the only one who can effectively steer us through the scary parts of life. He promises that He will never leave or forsake us. He loves us and promises to be our strength and provision in time of need. If God is for us, who can be against us?
APPLICATION
- Who are you allowing to hold you accountable for your stress/worry/depression/etc.?
- How can you better point people toward Jesus this holiday season?
PRAYER
Pray that God will dominate your attention… good things, bad things, all things… would pale in comparison to how amazing Jesus is!
