Transcription
A SMALL-GROUP STUDY GUIDE
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INTRODUCTIONThis fall, we are once againaligning our Life Groups andweekend services on one strategicfocus; a seven week series calledVital Signs. During this study wewill explore five components thatare vital to our spiritual life andhealth; God – Truth – Attitude – Relationships – Experiences. This is more than just aseven week series; it’s the introduction to an emphasis we are placing on yourspiritual health and growth. Our purpose as a church is to “Celebrate the supremacyof Jesus Christ and lead people into a growing relationship with Him.” Leadingpeople into a growing relationship is discipleship, it’s what Jesus commanded us todo in Matthew 28 and we are renewing our commitment to this great commission.Over the next seven weeks we will check our spiritual vital signs together anddiscover ways to grow more healthy and vibrant. I’m asking God to do some deepheart work in us this fall and I’m asking you to be open to that. Will you commit tobeing at church and your Life Group each week? Will you carve out time during theweek to do the study? Will you ask God to reveal your true spiritual health andhumbly share that with others? Will you join me in asking God to work on ourhearts and to cause them to beat passionately for Him? Let’s get to the heart ofspiritual health together!– Pastor JimAbout this study - Each week’s session is divided into five daily studies. Dailystudies will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Each days studyincludes a personal assessment question titled “Checking our vital signs.” Thesewill serve as your group’s discussion questions each week. Study questions aremeant to be completed prior to your meeting and not during your groupmeeting time.This study guide features the following sections:Sermon Notes – This is a page you can use to take notes on each week’ssermon. If you miss a weekend sermon, please listen to it online atsmokeypointcommunitychurch.org Click “Sermon Audio.”Sermon Review – A brief review of the main points from the weekendmessage that corresponds with your week’s study.Study on Your Own – Between Life Group Meetings you will be asked toexplore each week’s topic by completing five daily studies. Each study willinclude scriptures to read and several questions to answer.3
INTRODUCTIONVITAL SIGNSCHECKING YOUR“Taking Your Vital Signs” - These questions will help reveal key areas ofneeded spiritual growth. As you think about your need for growth in eachweek’s topic, remember that our efforts to pursue spiritual health should springfrom love and gratitude for Christ. If you aren’t sure that’s your motivation, askGod to change your heart and overwhelm you with the wonder of His grace foryou through Christ. Be vulnerable as you share the answers to these questionswith your group. God’s plan is to use community to help you grow.Group Discussion - The “Checking Your Vital Signs” questions willprovide the material for each week’s group discussion time. As eachmember shares their needs for growth, discuss how youcan support each other in taking practical steps to deepenyour relationships with Jesus.THIS SYMBOL INDICATES THE QUESTION TO BEGIN WITH EACH WEEK How to get the most from these studiesPrepare: You reap what you sow. For you and your group to get the most fromthis study, you will need to prepare. Don’t wait till the last minute to do yourstudy. Invest time in study each day during the week.Approach each days scripture passages with three questions in mind.1.2.3.What is the verse or passage saying?What does it reveal about God?What is God asking of me?Participate: God’s plan “A” for your growth is in Christian community. Behonest as you check your vital signs. Trust God to use your Life Group in yourgrowth as you transparently share and depend on them for support.In your Life Group discussions, remember that God desires to speak to you aswell as through you in the context of your group. We need each other in orderto grow! Let’s join together to diligently pursue spiritual healthPray: Approach each of your daily study times with an open heart; prayerfullyasking God to teach you from His Word. Listen for the Holy Spirit as He promptsyou to apply scriptures in a specific way.Celebrating the Supremacy of Jesus Christ and Leading Peopleinto a Growing Relationship with Him.4
1 INTRODUCTIONARE YOU ALIVE?SERMON NOTESKey PointsScripture ReferencesNotesImplications or Applications5
SERMON REVIEWPrimary ScripturesThat same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And greatcrowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And thewhole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables,saying: "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along thepath, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground,where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since theyhad no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since theyhad no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thornsgrew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain,some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let himhear.Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of thekingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away whathas been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for whatwas sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediatelyreceives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, andwhen tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately hefalls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears theword, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word,and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one whohears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one casea hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)The Big Idea:In order for us to have vital signs, we must be alive! Spiritual health begins with spirituallife. So the first question is, are YOU alive? Spiritual life comes through faith in theGospel of Christ. It is vital that you understand and accept the true Gospel and reject allothers.Main Points:1. Where Spiritual Life Begins:A. The Seeds Bad seed: The tainted Gospel Good seed: The true GospelB. The Soils Is the heart penetrable or impenetrable?C. The Signs Life or no life—are you in The Faith?What truths or insights in this week’s message were most meaningful to you?6
STUDY ONWEEKWEEKONEONEYOUR OWN1DAY 1: AM I ALIVE? - THE BAD SEEDThe Bible refers to God’s Word as “imperishable seed” (1 Peter 1:22-25).If this biblical “seed” penetrates the heart by faith, it results insalvation (James 1:21). When it comes to gospel messages, there is agood seed that brings life—the true Gospel , and there is bad seed—falsegospels that bring only death. It is eternally critical that we do not trustin a false gospel.1 2What makes the following false gospels, “bad seeds”. so appealingand easily believed? Which of these false gospels have been enticingto you in your past?God is there to work for me; I’m still in charge of my life.Salvation is simply a prayer; I can have my old life plus Jesus.I am saved by Jesus plus my good works.Jesus is not the only way to heaven.I don’t have to believe in the details of the Gospel (like the virginbirth or the resurrection) to be saved.A sincere desire to get to heaven is all that mattersRead the following verses: Matthew 7:13-23. The people Christrefers to in these verses are obviously mistaken—having thought theywere Christians and finding out too late that they’re not. Where do youthink you would find the people Jesus refers to who “do many mightyworks” in the name of Jesus but who aren’t true Christians? How canwe be sure we don’t fall into that same category of mistaken identityresulting in hell?7
STUDY ONWEEKONEYOUR OWNDAY 2: AM I ALIVE? - THE GOOD SEEDAnd without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6a)So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17)3When you die, if God asked why He should let you into heaven, howwould you answer him?I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace ofChrist and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one(Galatians 1:6-7a)8VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR4Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 10:8-10; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 3:1-6;Luke 14:33. Based on these verses, what things are essential parts of theGospel? How does your answer to the question 3 match up with these?Was there a time when your understanding of the Gospel wasincomplete? If so, how? Describe how God brought you to aaccurate understanding.
STUDY ONWEEKONEYOUR OWNDAY 3: AM I ALIVE? - THE SOILSFor land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful tothose for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bearsthorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to beburned. (Hebrews 6:7-8)VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION6What are some things that influence the condition of our heart; makingit either softer or harder?CHECKING YOUR5Read the following verses: Matthew 13:3-23; Hebrews 4:2, 7;1 Corinthians 15:1-2. What characteristics describe the heart condition ofa person that is receptive to the Gospel? Describe the characteristics of aheart that is not receptive.Take a minute to ask God to reveal to you the condition of yourheart. Now, analyze the soil of your heart. If your soil could bemore receptive to whatever God desires to do, what steps couldyou take to soften your heart?9
STUDY ONWEEKONEYOUR OWNDAY 4: AM I ALIVE? - THE SOILSExamine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do younot realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you failto meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5)10VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION8Read the following verses: Hebrews 3:12-13; Matthew 7:4-5. Is it everappropriate to examine someone else’s faith? Why or why not?CHECKING YOUR7Read the following verses: Matthew 7:16-20; Galatians 5:19-25. Whatquestions would you ask in order to “test yourself” to see whether youare in the faith?Read the following verses: Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:25-27;1 John 2:15-17. Have the affections and priorities of your heartbeen changed by the Gospel so that you now love God morethan other things? Describe some ways the new heart God hasgiven you has resulted in changes in lifestyle and priorities.
STUDY ONWEEKONEYOUR OWNDAY 5: AM I ALIVE? - THE SOILSVITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR9Re-read the essentials of the Gospel you listed on day 2. How do youthink these should affect our daily living?Read 1 John 1:4-6. In what ways does your daily life reflect yourfaith in the Gospel?11
HELPINGWEEKONEEACH OTHERMAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTHAfter discussing your vital signs this week, what practical steps (both immediateand ongoing) will you and your Life Group take to support each other in makingnecessary changes to grow and maintain spiritual health? List those stepsbelow.12
2 GODTHE SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL HEALTHSERMON NOTESKey PointsScripture ReferencesNotesImplications or Applications13
SERMON REVIEWPrimary ScripturesWhat then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as theLord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Soneither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who givesthe growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive hiswages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’sfield, God’s building. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family inheaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he maygrant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rootedand grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saintswhat is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love ofChrist that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness ofGod.(Ephesians 3:14-19)The Big Idea:The first vital sign of spiritual life & health is GOD. All spiritual health begins withGod, is sustained by God and ends with God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit areeach a source of Spiritual health and growth for the believer and our properresponse to the work of each of them is crucial.Main Points:1.God makes us growA. God is not just the source of spiritual life, He’s the source of growth2. The Father’s role in growth & our responseA. As Creator, He is our source. Our response dependence3. The Son’s role in growth & our responseA. Jesus is our perfect example. Our response imitators of Christ4. The Holy Spirit’s role in growth & our responseA. He reveals truth, convicts us of sin & works to produce fruit. Ourresponse diligence, repentance & obedienceWhat truths or insights in this week’s message were most meaningful to you?14
STUDY ONWEEKTWOYOUR OWNDAY 1: GOD AS SOURCE & AUTHORITY1Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-7. In what ways are you depending on God foryour spiritual growth? What are some ways you tend to depend onyourself for growth instead of God?VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR2Read the following verses: James 4:7; Daniel 4:34-37; Hebrews 12:9. Givesome examples of how you submit to God in your daily life. Give someexamples where you struggle submitting to Him.Identify some specific ways that you see yourself relying onGod’s help as you go through each day.15
STUDY ONWEEKTWOYOUR OWNDAY 2: JESUS THE SON - OUR EXAMPLEFor I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.(John 13:15)16VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION4Read the following verses: 1 John 2:4-6; Matthew 7:21-27 The only way aperson can follow Christ’s example is by examining His life. How familiar doyou feel you are with how He lived and what He taught? Give someexamples from the bible of how Jesus responded to life situations.CHECKING YOUR3Read the following verses: Matthew 10:38; Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 2:21. Whatare some of the costs you’ve personally accepted as you pursue imitatingChrist?Which costs in following Christ’s example are most difficult foryou?
STUDY ONWEEKTWOYOUR OWNDAY 3: JESUS THE SON - OUR EXAMPLEVITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION6Read the following verses: Hebrews 5:5-9; Hebrews 12:2-4. How is theexample of Jesus intended to help us be more diligent in pursuingspiritual growth? How can we “fix our eyes” on Him when we’re temptedto lose heart and give up?CHECKING YOUR5Read the following verses: Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16. How does Christ’sexample encourage and strengthen us against temptation?Describe a time when you were encouraged or challenged byChrist’s example.17
STUDY ONWEEKTWOYOUR OWNDAY 4: THE SPIRIT - GUIDE, TEACHER18VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION8Read the following verses: Psalms 25:5; Galatians 5:16-18. How often doyou ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your decisions? How do you knowwhen it is the Spirit leading you and not your own will?CHECKING YOUR7Read the following verses: John 14:26; John 16:13. Describe a time when theHoly Spirit has brought God’s Word to your mind to specifically address thecircumstance you’re in. If not, why not?Galatians 5:22-25. Describe ways you’ve seen growth in the fruitof the Spirit in your life this year.
STUDY ONWEEKTWOYOUR OWNDAY 5: THE SPIRIT - SANCTIFIERSpiritual growth doesn’t just “happen;” it requires God’s provision and ourobedience.VITAL SIGNSCHECKING YOUR10Read the following verses: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:16– 24. Is therean ongoing battle against sin in your life? If so, describe it. If not, why not?GROUP DISCUSSION9Read the following verses: Romans 8:12-14; Colossians 3:5-10. From Romans8:13, what is the Spirit’s part in putting to death the sinful deeds of the bodyin our lives? What is our part (In other words, what practical things do we do,by the power of the Spirit, to actively “put to death the deeds of the body” )?How quickly do you respond in repentance when the Spiritconvicts you of sin? Where are you facing the greatest battleagainst sin right now?19
HELPINGWEEKTWOEACH OTHERMAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTHAfter discussing your vital signs this week, what practical steps (both immediateand ongoing) will you and your Life Group take to support each other in makingnecessary changes to grow and maintain spiritual health? List those stepsbelow.20
3 TRUTHGETTING A PULSE ON WHAT YOU BELIEVESERMON NOTESKey PointsScripture ReferencesNotesImplications or Applications21
SERMON REVIEWPrimary Scriptures:Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17)The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules enduresforever (Psalms 119:160)All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, forcorrection, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may becompetent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17)And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people lovedthe darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyonewho does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest hisworks should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, sothat it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. (John3:19-21)The Big Idea:Truth is another vital sign of spiritual health. Whether we really believe God’struth determines both our spiritual life and health. We must be truthful aboutourselves as God’s Word shines light on our sin.Main Points:1.2.3.4.What is Truth?How truth is meant to inform youHow truth is meant to affect youWhat does it mean to be truthful?What truths or insights in this week’s message were most meaningful to you?22
STUDY ONWEEKTHREEYOUR OWNDAY 1: WHAT IS TRUTH?All Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16a)Inerrant: Scripture as originally given is without errorInspired: Every word of the Bible was breathed out from God and written by menunder the influence of the Holy SpiritRead the following verses: 2 Peter 1:19-21; Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 24:35Psalms 12:6. Do you accept the Bible’s claim that every word of it is inspiredby God and inerrant? Is there anything that causes you to struggle acceptingthis claim? Are you willing to pursue getting answers to your questions (anyof our pastors would be happy to talk with you!)?1“The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words insuch a way that to disbelieve any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.” Wayne GrudemVITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR2It’s one thing to believe God’s Word is true, it is altogether another thingto submit to its authority. Read the following verses: 1 Thessalonians2:13; Psalms 119:161; 2 Timothy 2:15. Do you accept and submit to theauthority of all of God’s Word for your life? Why or why not?Describe how you respond to the authority of God’s Word—isyour life marked by a pattern of obedience or disobedience tothe bible?23
STUDY ONWEEKTHREEYOUR OWNDAY 2: HOW TRUTH IS MEANT TO INFORM YOURead the following verses: 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 5:11-14. Wherewould you place yourself on the following scale as it relates to the timeyou spend in God’s Word? What are some of the things that keep youfrom moving up the scale?3NoneSporadic readingLight ReadingConsistent In-depth studyWe need more than teaching to grow. We tend to stray from Christ and rebel. Wetend to be self-centered and often in denial about our wayward hearts. So, we needreproof; we need rebuke; we need to be confronted and admonished for our sin.God’s living Word, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, can cut through self-deceptionand right to the heart.— Pastor Jim24VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR4Read the following verses: Proverbs 16:2 & 25; Hebrews 4:11-13. In whatways do we tend to justify our own thoughts or actions when they’re inconflict with God’s Word?List some fresh things that God’s Word has revealed to you thisyear about your inner motives and intentions.
STUDY ONWEEKTHREEYOUR OWNDAY 3: HOW TRUTH IS MEANT TO AFFECT YOUBut be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves(James 1:22)VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION6Read James 1:21-25; Hebrews 4:2; Romans 12:2. If we hear God’s Wordbut don’t obey it, how are we being deceived?CHECKING YOUR5Read the follow verses: John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 8:32;Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 4:12-13; Isaiah 66:1-2; Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 1;Hebrews 5:14. From these verses, list ways that God’s Word is meant toaffect us.What specific changes have you observed in your life this yearas a result of obedience to God’s Word?25
STUDY ONWEEKTHREEYOUR OWNDAY 4: HOW TRUTH IS MEANT TO AFFECT YOU7Read Hebrews 3:12-13. Describe ways God uses the Word incombination with other believers to keep us from sin.Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may growin respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.(1 Peter 2:2-3)26VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR8Think about the above verse: What would it look like for you to pursueknowing the Word like a newborn pursues milk?If repentance is a “turning away” from sin, how often do yousense your need to “turn” as a direct result of time in God’sWord? Are there areas of your life in which you are a “heareronly” (James 1:21-25) and not a “doer” of the Word? If so,describe them.(Suggested Life Group exercise: Identify a meal or a day this weekwhen you will fast and pray together for an increased heart’s desireand devotion to God’s Word)
STUDY ONWEEKTHREEYOUR OWNDAY 5: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE TRUTHFULVITAL SIGNSCHECKING YOUR11Read James 1:21-25. How does the example of seeing our reflection ina mirror relate to being truthful about ourselves? Read Psalms 139:2324: How often do you invite God to reveal sin in your life?GROUP DISCUSSION10How does the light of God’s Word reveal our true condition? In whatways must we become truthful in order to become Christians?Read the following verses: Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16. Are youtruthful about your sin with other believers or are there sins youkeep hidden? What fears drive you to keep your sins hidden? (Inlight of James 5:16, how will you and your group move fromfear into the freedom of transparency?)27
HELPINGWEEKTHREEEACH OTHERMAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTHAfter discussing your vital signs this week, what practical steps (both immediateand ongoing) will you and your Life Group take to support each other in makingnecessary changes to grow and maintain spiritual health? List those stepsbelow.28
4 ATTITUDECHECKING YOUR SPIRITUAL BLOOD PRESSURESERMON NOTESKey PointsScripture ReferencesNotesImplications or Applications29
SERMON REVIEWPrimary ScripturesTake care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandmentsand his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you haveeaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when yourherds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you haveis multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, whobrought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.Beware lest yousay in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to getwealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is thisday. (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, 17-18)Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the fullassurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators ofthose who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away fromyou, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving oneanother, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)The Big Idea:Your attitudes are another sign of spiritual health. The attitudes of your heart caneither inhibit or foster your spiritual health.Main Points:1. Attitudes that inhibit spiritual healthA. PrideB. LazinessC. Bitterness2. Attitudes that foster spiritual healthA. HumilityB. DiligenceC. EagernessWhat truths or insights in this week’s message were most meaningful to you?30
STUDY ONWEEKFOURYOUR OWNDAY 1: ATTITUDES THAT INHIBIT SPIRITUAL HEALTHPrideRead the following verses: Deuteronomy 8:11-18; James 1:16-17. How isthe problem of our pride connected to the warnings in these verses?How have you struggled with this kind of pride in your own life? Howmight these warnings be more applicable in a prosperous society likeAmerica than in a poor 3rd world country?1.and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it provesunfruitful (Mark 4:19b)VITAL SIGNSIn what ways do you see pride inhibiting your spiritual growth?GROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR2Read the following verses: Romans 1:24-25; Mark 4:18-19; James 4:3-4.How does a pursuit of self-gratification reflect a destructive attitude ofpride? In your own life, list some of the “other things” mentioned inMark 4:19 that entice you to please yourself rather than to God.31
STUDY ONWEEKFOURYOUR OWNDAY 2: ATTITUDES THAT INHIBIT SPIRITUAL HEALTHLazinessIn his fourth volume of Church Dogmatics, Karl Barth brilliantly observes that slothis as much the heart of sin as pride. We do not have to be heretics to be unfaithful,we simply have to be too lazy to swim against the tide.—Michael Horton3Read the following verses: Proverbs 24:30-34; Proverbs 13:4; Romans12:11; Proverbs 15:19. In what ways does an attitude of lazinessnegatively affect our spiritual lives? How can we overcome an attitude oflaziness?Bitterness32VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR4Read the following verses: Ephesians 4:31-32; James 3:13-16; Matthew18:23-35. You cannot hold onto bitterness and grow spiritually. Describeways bitterness has affected your life. Describe ways you have struggledwith unforgiveness.We’ve looked at the attitudes of pride, laziness and bitterness.Which one of these would you say most inhibits your spiritualgrowth and why? (As a Life Group, discuss how you can helpeach other grow past these issues)
STUDY ONWEEKFOURYOUR OWNDAY 3: ATTITUDES THAT FOSTER SPIRITUAL HEALTHHumility5Read the following verses: James 4:6-10; Luke 18:9-14; 1 Corinthians1:26-31. How do we cultivate the attitudes of humility and brokenness(that are essential to our relationship with Christ) in our pursuit ofspiritual health?If God is the Creator and we are the creation, we have to depend on Him for life andprovision. Independence is not an option for us. God existed without us, not visaversa. So, the role that we must take in life is not only for dependency, but alsoagainst self-sufficiency.—How People GrowVITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSIONCHECKING YOUR6How are you actively dependent on God in your daily life? How ofteneach day do you find yourself prayerfully asking for God’s help orthanking Him for it?Describe ways you see your heart of independence conflictingwith our call to depend on God.33
STUDY ONWEEKFOURYOUR OWNDAY 4: ATTITUDES THAT FOSTER SPIRITUAL HEALTHDiligence34VITAL SIGNSGROUP DISCUSSION8Read the following verses: Hebrews 6:11-12; James 1:2-3; Galatians 6:9.How does impatience affect our diligent effort in spiritual growth? Canyou think of a person who is an example of spiritual perseverance thatyou are inspired to imitate?CHECKING YOUR7Read the following verses: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4;7-11; 2Peter 1:5-10. How does the Christian life require effort and determinationin order for us to grow? In what ways are you “making every effort,” togrow spiritually and in what ways could you be more diligent?Describe how your level of diligence is affecting your spiritualhealth.
STUDY ONWEEKFOURYOUR OWNDAY 5: ATTITUDES THAT FOSTER SPIRITUAL HEALTHEagernessGod’s basic ingredient for growth is need. The reason our Father creates and allowsneeds in our lives is to turn us from all that is outside of Christ and center us on Himalone.—Miles StanfordVITAL SIGNSCHECKING YOUR10Read the following verses: Jeremiah 31:25; Psalms 107:9; Isaiah 55:12. Think of something you’re deeply passionate about (hobby, sports,etc.). Would your spiritual life be different if you had that samepassion for Christ? How?GROUP DISCUSSION9Read the following verses: Psalms 63:1; Matthew 5:6; Psalms 17:15. Namesome things that capture your heart and affections. How does findingsatisfaction in Jesus compare to the things you just listed?Read Hebrews 12:1. What steps could you take to eliminatesome of the hindrances to your being more passionate forChrist?35
HELPINGWEEKFOUREACH OTHERMAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTHAfter discussing your vital signs this week, what practical steps (both immediateand ongoing) will you and your Life Group take to support each other in makingnecessary changes to grow and maintain spiritual health? List those stepsbelow.36
5 RELATIONSHIPSTAKING YOUR RELATIONAL TEMPERATURESERMON NOTESKey PointsScripture ReferencesNotesImplications or Applications37
SERMON REVIEWPrimary ScripturesFor just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of thebody, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we wereall baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made todrink of one Spirit. For the body
He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) The Big Idea: In order for us to have vital signs, we must be alive! Spiritual health begins with spiritual life. So the first question is, are YOU alive? Spiritual life come
