Connect

Main Idea: Are you already settling for less this year? 

Introduction: We learned that the world constantly tries to press us into its mold. How can we see what that mold produces and then learn to break it?

Discussion Starter: Have you ever settled or taken the easy way out on something? Have you lowered your expectations so that you wouldn’t get disappointed? Why do we settle for less hope, joy, purpose, and blessings?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 4:8, Romans 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 4:12-13

Discussion Questions:

1. When we settle for less, we basically say that we’re ok with just ok. We believe the lie that God can’t transform us into anything better than what we are now. Read Romans 12:1-2. “Conformed by the world” is passive and requires nothing from us. It is the influence of the world and the lies of the enemy. “Transformation” is what God does to mold us into His image. Do you trust the world or God? Discuss some ways you have seen His work of transformation; if not in your life, someone else’s life, or even a story you have seen on social media.
2. Philippians 4:8 gives us some adjectives that can help us transform or renew our minds. How can we focus on what Paul tells us and not what the world says?
3. Read Isaiah 40:31. Transformation has an element of waiting or hoping in God. But there is also an active piece; creating a Personal Growth Plan, having a word and verse of the year, being a part of a Bible reading plan, and joining a group. Do you have all of these for 2022? If not, begin to plan your spiritual growth with your group and loved ones and commit to holding each other accountable.
4. Hebrews 4:12-13 may sound scary since God can see everything about us. There is nothing we can hide from Him. In truth, this should be encouraging. We don’t have to put any effort into hiding anything because God already knows everything in our hearts. He knows us, and He sees us. He also made us in His image, and He loves us. What are you trying to hide? What have you settled for in your life that God wants you to surrender to Him?

Protect

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Read Romans 7:14-25. It is true that our flesh is at war with the Spirit. But we are set free from the body, death, and sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 7:22 specifically says, “For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person,” but we have a part of us that is a prisoner of our sin. How can we carry what we have learned in the Transformation series into our next series on spiritual warfare series, Deadly Door, to continue the transformation process? Meditate on Pastor Chris’ message that transformation is a process in which God does the action.