2 Cities Church Podcast

Big Idea: 3 words to guide all relationships

#6- Exodus 20:13

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

Do not murder.

I. What this says… and doesn’t say

II. Grounded in worth, not wrong

Matthew 5:21-26

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

III. Demands protection, not just prevention

Proverbs 24:11

Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
• Become: I will cherish God’s image this week.
• Be Sent: I will protect the vulnerable this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Who is the last person you’ve seen break this commandment?
• Why does God place a high value on human life? Why do we devalue it?
• Is harming the guilty worse than failing to protect the helpless? Explain your reasoning.
• What is the difference between capital punishment and murder in your own words?
• According to Matthew 5:22, when exactly does it go from hostility to murder in your heart?
• How will you put this commandment into practice this week?
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you honor God by protecting life this week.

Big Idea: Some relationships you choose. Others, God chooses for you.

#5- Exodus 20:12

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery…

Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

I. The foundation for all relationships

II. This is fundamental to all society

III. This sets the framework for your faith

Next Steps:

• Believe: I want God to become my Father today.
• Become: I will call my parents this week.
• Be Sent: I will follow Jesus’s example in all my relationships this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Is honoring a matter of your heart, your actions, or both?
• Why is it difficult to carry out this commandment perfectly?
• Why is there a promise attached to this commandment but not to the others?
• Is this commandment more about your relationship with human parents or with God the Father?
• Do children have to honor evil parents? Explain your answer.
• If God makes children suffer consequences when their parents disobey the second commandment, why does he include consequences for children in this commandment?
• Pray for God to work in your family this week.

Big Idea: Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

#4-Exodus 20:8-11

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. You must not do any work- you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates. For the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.

1. Sacred Day.

2. Day of Rest.

3. Day to Remember.

Next Steps:

• Believe: Today, I rest in God.
• Become: I will trust the God of the Sabbath this week.
• Be Sent: I will share the meaning of the Sabbath with someone this week.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think it matters which day we should worship God?

2. What does it mean to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy?

3. What are the main instructions held in the fourth Commandment?

4. Did Jesus explain that the Sabbath was made for mankind? Read Mark 2:27-28; 3:1-4

5. Do you find it easy to rest from the cares of life on the Sabbath? If not, why?

6. How have Christians observed the Sabbath Day in the past?

7. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you devotion to God this week.

Big Idea: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Exodus 20:7

Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

1. Respect the name.

2. Don’t use the name in vain.

3. Hallowed be Your name.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to the name Jesus today.
• Become: I will not use the name of God in vain this week.
• Be Sent: I will walk worthy of His name this week.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does making an oath or vow violate this command?

2. What does it mean to take God’s name in vain?

3. Does saying OMG break the third commandment?

4. Should we swear by His name?

5. How do people currently break this commandment?

6. Would you openly correct a friend or family member when they use God’s name in vain?

7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you use God’s name with reverence.

Big Idea: Worship is supreme- don’t get it wrong.

#2- Exodus 20:4-6

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery…

Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.

I. Worship is rooted in love

II. Your spirit must mirror God’s Spirit for proper worship

III. What you serve IS what you worship

Next Steps:

• Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to Jesus for the first time.
• Become: I will worship Jesus all day this week.
• Be Sent: I will worship Jesus by serving someone this week.

Discussion Questions:

• How would you describe worship to someone who has never heard the term?
• What is your strongest modern idol?
• What is the most important part of your worship? (You wouldn’t call it worship without it.)
• Can you worship something you don’t love? Explain your answer.
• How much time did you spend with Jesus yesterday?
• Why is it tempting to worship something you can see and feel rather than something you can’t?
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you worship all day this week.

#1- Exodus 20:1-3

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.

Big Idea: Loving God and loving others starts with _______.

I. It’s #1 for a reason.

Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

II. #1 touches everything.

1 Kings 18:21

Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.

III. Everything follows #1.

Exodus 34:14

Because the Lord is jealous for his reputation, you are never to bow down to another god. He is a jealous God.

Next Steps:

• Believe: Today, I renounce my lesser gods and trust Jesus.
• Become: I will trust the Holy Spirit to direct me this week.
• Be Sent: I will show my trust in God to others this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Has your loyalty to God been challenged this week? If so, explain.
• If loving God with “all your heart, soul, and mind” is the greatest commandment, what needs to change in your life to live it out fully this week?
• Ezekiel 14:3–6 describes “setting up idols in their hearts.” Does this differ from ancient carved images?
• What internal “idols” compete for your devotion?
• Do you know anyone who worships created things rather than the Creator? If so, explain.
• Is it possible to serve two gods at the same time? Explain your answer using Scripture.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you follow God fully this week.

Big Idea: God’s RULEs don’t bind you — they guide you.

Exodus 20:1-2

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

I. Born out of Relationship

II. Unchangeable and Universal

III. Come from Love

IV. Exist for your Good

Next Steps:

• Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
• Become: I will follow God’s RULEs this week.
• Be Sent: I will show others how God’s rules guide me this week.

Discussion Questions:

• How did the Ten Commandments impact your day yesterday?
• How does obeying the law out of love differ from mere obligation?
• Do these rules apply to people who don’t worship him? Explain your answer.
• How do these commandments relate to living for Jesus?
• Can you see your need for God’s grace without the law?
• Who needs to see through your life that God is worth following?
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to showcase your love for Jesus this week.

Big Idea: We’re working on where God is working.

I. God is bringing people to himself through Christ.

John 5:19

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.

II. Christ is bringing people together.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

III. God is bringing people to his plan.

Ezekiel 2:1-2

He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak with you.” As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I listened to the one who was speaking to me.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I need Jesus to change my soul today.
• Become: I will follow God’s plan this week.
• Be Sent: I will work where God is at work this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What indicators show where God is at work?
• Where have you seen Him at work recently?
• If God created all people, why is His church so divided?
• Does God need His church to accomplish His work? Explain your answer.
• How do you know when you’re hearing from the Holy Spirit?
• Who is the last person God brought to salvation through you?
• Pray for God to show you where the Holy Spirit is at work this week.

Big Idea: Have you multiplied yourself?

I. Go and do likewise.

Luke 10:37

“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

Matthew 28:19

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

2 Timothy 2:2

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Matthew 22:37–39

He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

II. Love for one another.

John 13:34-35

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will follow Jesus fully this week.
• Be Sent: I will serve someone far from Jesus this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Where does evangelism end and discipleship begin?
• What kinds of people refused to become Jesus’ disciples, and why?
• Who has intentionally discipled you, and how did that relationship shape your faith?
• What steps does it take to call yourself a disciple-maker?
• What role does the local church play in making disciples?
• Can a church truly love you—and can pastors truly shepherd you—if they never challenge you to make disciples? Explain your answer.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to identify one person He wants you to begin discipling this week. Who comes to mind, and what is your next step?

Big Idea: The way we do Sunday morning doesn’t make disciples.

I. Sending is God’s mission; not seating!

John 20:19

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

II. Discipleship is far messier than Sunday Morning.

Acts 15:36-41

After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

III. Maintaining moral clarity in a self-focused culture.

2 Timothy 2:1-7

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will join the Discipleship Summit.
• Be Sent: I will help a friend share their faith this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What is a disciple? Explain using your own words.
• How exactly does a church make a disciple?
• How do you know when your role in the discipleship process is complete?
• Is there a difference between following Jesus only and becoming a leader for Jesus? If so, explain your answer.
• If the church’s mission is to reach the world, what is the best way to measure if the church is being successful?
• Who do you know who has been hurt by the church and needs to hear this sermon series?
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the opportunity for you to invite them to listen with you.

Big Idea: We are other-focused in everything.

I. Are we hiding our salt in the salt shaker?

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

II. Are we practicing Christian idolatry?

Isaiah 1: 13-17

Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies— I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.

III. Are we practicing Christian love?

Titus 3:4-8

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will become part of the 100% this week.
• Be Sent: I will work toward 50% this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What does it look like to “lose our salty taste” today?
• What truths about myself am I most motivated to avoid seeing?
• Where does God need to grow love in your heart this week?
• Do you criticize the church's failures yet secretly excuse them in your own life?
• Is there a need in your neighborhood our church can meet?
• Who in your life needs to be connected to or reconnected to Jesus?
• Pray for them by name this week.

Big Idea: We’re different by design—God has one mission for every one of His children.

I. Jesus sent ALL- not some.

Luke 10:1-3

After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.

II. We all have a gift and/or gifts.

Ephesians 4:12

…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ…

III. God equipped each of us for the work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I surrender my life to God’s mission again today.
• Be Sent: I will serve like Jesus this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Is surrendering your life to Jesus a “one and done” moment in time? Explain your answer using Scripture.
• What does it mean practically to surrender your life to the mission of God?
• In your own life, what areas feel easiest to surrender, and which feel difficult?
• In what ways can someone appear “successful” by society’s standards while being totally ineffective at building the kingdom of God?
• Can someone pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” and not be willing to lift a finger to see that prayer fulfilled?
• Has there been a time when you became aware of someone who needed to hear about the love of God lately?
• Pray for God to put his heart for other people in your heart this week.

Big Idea: 3 deep roots hold stronger than 300 branches.

I. Go deeper than virtual.

Acts 2:44-46

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts…

II. Go deep with only a few.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

III. Go deeper with Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will join a small group this week.
• Be Sent: I will invite someone into my group this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What makes people hesitant to open their hearts to others?
• What makes meeting in a small group different from being in a social media relationship?
• What does it look like to “provoke love” in someone else?
• How has God grown you through your relationships with others?
• What are some obstacles that prevent real depth in small groups?
• Is it possible to grow into the follower Jesus wants you to be while living as a hermit? Explain your answer from Scripture.
• Pray for someone who is isolated from Jesus’s people this week.

Big Idea: Some trauma can only be healed by nail-scarred hands.

I. Jesus is close.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

II. Jesus comforts.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

III. Jesus gives courage.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
Become: I need Jesus to help me heal this week.
Be Sent: I will help someone hurting this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What support would you recommend for someone who is stuck in trauma? (List all the options you’d recommend.)
• Can you move past trauma without ever sharing it with anyone? Explain your answer.
• Why is it sometimes hard to trust Jesus with your trauma?
• Has trauma changed you? If so, has it changed you for better or worse?
• Who do you know who is stuck in past trauma?
• Can you share a testimony about how Jesus helped you through trauma?
• Pray for the opportunity to share that testimony this week.

Big Idea: Sin makes all relationships unhealthy.

Romans 12:18

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I. Show grace to people who are far from Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

II. Seek help when people hurt you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

III. Separate when people are living a lie.

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I need to begin a relationship with Jesus today.
• Become: I will reflect Jesus’ way of life in my relationships this week.
• Be Sent: I will start a gospel relationship this week.

Discussion Questions:

• How do you know when a relationship has become unhealthy?
• Which is more dangerous for you right now, emotionally or spiritually unhealthy relationships?
• Are you more patient with Christians or people outside the faith? Explain.
• Why doesn’t the Bible give us permission to break off all hurtful relationships?
• When was the last time you broke off a relationship with someone who was living a lie? How did it go?
• Who are you developing a Gospel relationship with?
• Pray for the wisdom to develop Christlike relationships this week.

Big Idea: I don’t need more competence or confidence- God’s presence is enough.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

I. Let sound judgment guide your decisions

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

II. Let Jesus’s power back up your abilities

Isaiah 40:29

He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless.

III. Let God’s love define your worth

1 Peter 2:9-10

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will let only Jesus’s sacrifice define my worth this week.
• Be Sent: I will proclaim Jesus’s praises this week.

Discussion Questions:

• When was the last big decision you struggled with? How certain were you that you got it right?
• When was the last big challenge you overcame? Did you give God credit?
• When did you last fail a big challenge? How did it affect your self-worth?
• What is consistently trying to define your self-worth this week?
• Where do you need God’s power most this week?
• How confident are you in sharing your faith?
• Pray for God to use you to call someone out of darkness this week.

Big Idea: Through Christ, you can live under pressure and above fear.

Philippians 4:6-7

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I. Struggle with self-reliance

Isaiah 26:3

You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.

II. Trade anxiety for abandon

Psalm 94:19

When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.

III. Release your pressures through prayer

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

IV. Examine your source of peace

Psalm 56:3

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

V. Surrender everything to Jesus this week

Psalm 62:5-6

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will give Jesus control over my worry this week.
• Be Sent: I will enter into someone’s stress this week.

Discussion Questions:

• What is your #1 source of stress this week?
• What is your go-to way of handling stress?
• How often do you settle for stress management when God offers stress deliverance?
• Would you prefer that Jesus remove your sources of stress, or give you strength greater than your stress?
• Why is it so difficult to trust God with the things that cause you stress?
• Do you have a testimony of God’s peace in the midst of great pressure?
• Pray for the opportunity to share that testimony with someone far from Jesus this week.

Big Idea: Don’t let AirPods tune out God’s megaphone!

Numbers 11:15

“If you are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now if I have found favor with you, and don’t let me see my misery anymore.”

I. It might be God’s preparation…

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

II. or build your patience…

Psalm 88:18

You have distanced loved one and neighbor from me; darkness is my only friend.

III. but it’s never permanent.

Psalm 30:5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.

Next Step:

• Believe: I need Jesus to give life to my dead soul today.
• Become: I will wait for God’s will this week.
• Be Sent: I will minister to someone in pain this week.

Discussion Questions:

• Has anyone walked with you through the same pain they once suffered? If so, how did it impact you?
• Do you look at depression as a spiritual problem or a mental health problem? Explain your answer.
• Does seeing a mental health professional mean that your faith is weak?
• If we belong to Heaven, why do we allow circumstances on Earth to cause us pain?
• When was the last time God turned your weeping into joy?
• How can you comfort someone facing mental health problems this week?
• Pray for the opportunity to put that ministry into practice this week.

Big Idea: The pool looks perfect to a restless frog.

I. Temptation is vicious, yet God’s grace is always victorious.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.

II. The struggle starts in a restless heart.

Galatians 5:16-17

I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.

III. Run to Jesus with your weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

IV. You are never abandoned.

Zechariah 4:6

So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I need Jesus to heal my broken heart today.
• Become: I will rely on Jesus for power over my struggles this week.
• Be Sent: I will share about my struggles with someone this week.

Discussion Questions:

• How easy is it for you to share your struggles with others?
• What does it look like to embrace your weaknesses so that Jesus can give you his strength?
• When is the last time you felt helpless against temptation?
• Do you doubt your faith when you feel overwhelmed by temptation?
• Did you make some decisions based on “might” and “power” this week?
• Who do you know who needs Jesus to free them from sin?
• Pray for them by name this week.

Big Idea: Your smart watch can’t make time.

I. Don’t abuse it.

James 4:13-16

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

II. Don’t miss it.

Psalm 39:4-5

“LORD, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am. In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor.

III. Don’t waste it.

Colossians 4:5

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.

Next Steps:

• Believe: I surrender everything to Jesus today.
• Become: I will give Jesus full control over my schedule this week.
• Be Sent: I will spend time growing his kingdom this week.

Discussion Questions:

• When you look at your weekly schedule, what does it say about your priorities?
• In what ways do you see evidence that you are (or are not) honoring God with your time?
• What are the “non‑negotiables” on your calendar right now? Which of these clearly honors God?
• How do you typically decide what makes it onto your schedule?
• Where do you see patterns of overcommitment, hurry, or burnout in your life?
• In what practical ways can you build intentional space into your schedule to worship Jesus and grow his kingdom? What small change could you make this week to move in that direction?
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you prioritize building God’s kingdom this week.