Guarding Your Heart: Week 2
Opening Prayer
Video Link: July 20 Service
Understanding the Heart in Scripture
- Key Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- Discussion Questions:
- What does the heart represent in this verse?
- How does the biblical understanding of the heart differ from our modern view?
- Application: Reflect on how your heart influences your daily decisions. Identify one area where you need to be more vigilant in guarding your heart.
Seeking Wisdom from God
- Key Scripture: Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
- Discussion Questions:
- How do you currently seek wisdom in your life?
- What are some barriers that prevent you from seeking God’s wisdom?
- Application: Commit to a daily practice of seeking God’s wisdom, such as setting aside time for Bible study or prayer. Share your plan with a partner for accountability.
Treasuring God’s Commands
- Key Scripture: Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Discussion Questions:**
- What do you treasure most in your life, and how does it affect your heart?
- How can treasuring God’s commands change your priorities?
- Application: Identify one command of God that you want to treasure more deeply. Write it down and place it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
Experiencing the Joy of Knowing God
- Key Scripture: Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
- Discussion Questions:**
- How does your relationship with God bring you joy?
- In what ways can this joy sustain you during difficult times?
- Application: Share a testimony of how knowing God has brought joy into your life. Encourage others by listening to their stories.
Avoiding the Path of the Wicked
- Key Scripture: Proverbs 2:12-13 – “Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.”
- Discussion Questions:
- What influences in your life could lead you away from God’s wisdom?
- How can you discern and avoid these paths?
- Application: Identify a specific influence or habit that you need to change to stay on the path of righteousness. Pray for strength and guidance to make this change.
The Role of Community
- Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
- Discussion Questions:
- How has being part of a Christian community helped you guard your heart?
- What can you do to strengthen your community ties?
- Application: Plan a community activity or small group meeting to encourage and support each other in guarding your hearts.
Embracing a New Heart
- Key Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”
- Discussion Questions:
- In what areas of your life do you need God’s transformative power?
- How can you open yourself to receive a new heart from God?
- Application: Spend time in prayer, asking God to transform your heart and renew your spirit. Write down any insights or commitments that arise during this time.
Closing Prayer