Be careful with what you allow to penetrate your heart as it will affect the way you think and what you value.
Talking Points:
- The heart is our central command because everything we think, say, and do comes from what’s in our hearts. Proverbs 4:23-26
- An unguarded heart is restless and hardened toward God. Temptation can start out as something innocent, but anything that pulls us away from God is sin. James 1:14-15
- Guarding your heart requires intentionality and doing so will keep you safe. Spending time in God’s word, in prayer, and in praise is a way to open ourselves to a closer connection with him.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time you let your heart lead you and it got you into trouble. (Bad relationship, anger, unforgiveness, etc.)
- Read Proverbs 4:23,25-26. How has what’s in your heart shaped the person you are today?
- Read James 1:14-15. Identify the steps listed in this passage that lead toward sinful acts. What are some examples of enticements that we allow to penetrate our hearts that can lead us to make bad decisions?
- Susanna Wesley talked about sin as anything that impairs our tenderness toward God or pulls us away from pursuing him. Share a time you pursued something that you knew you shouldn’t and how that affected your pursuit of God. How have you seen the little decisions lead you astray?
- Have there been times in your life where you have avoided certain people, or even God, because you knew they wouldn’t approve of something you were doing or even thinking? Explain.
- Why is it so important to have good spiritual habits like reading the Bible and praying? How do these things impact our hearts and our course in life? Why is it so hard to choose to do them?
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. Why is it important to be aware of our thoughts? How has wrong thinking affected your life? What are some practical things you can do to capture bad thoughts? How have good thoughts impacted your life?
- How can you be more intentional about guarding your heart? What are some daily steps you can take to help you submit your thoughts to God?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
