community group notes
INTRODUCTION
Our thoughts are powerful—they shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God. But when unhealthy or untrue thoughts take root, they can quietly pull us into guilt, shame, and spiritual paralysis. Today, we’ll talk about what to do when guilt from the past keeps replaying in our minds—and how God’s grace invites us into freedom.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s a song or sound that tends to get “stuck” in your head once you hear it—and why do you think it lingers so long?
2. In his sermon, Justin talked about irrational guilt as connected to past regrets. Have you seen how a past regret can affect your present and future?
3. Read Colossians 2:13-15. How do these verses describe the power of grace?
4. What is one recurring regret, thought, or voice from your past that you need to intentionally surrender to God’s grace this week—and what would it look like, practically, to remind yourself of the cross when that thought shows up?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week’s trap is the Disease to Please - the tendency to live for the approval of others rather than the approval of God. Like being stuck in a trailer we chose to hide in, many of our struggles aren’t caused by our circumstances but by the thoughts we allow to control us. As we discuss together, let’s consider how renewing our minds can lead us out of these traps and into the freedom God desires for us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Romans 12:2. Was there a specific mind trap from this week’s message that you recognize in your own life?
2. Read Galatians 1:10. The Disease to Please often disguises itself as kindness or responsibility. In what ways can people-pleasing feel “right” while still pulling us away from God’s truth?
3. Why do you think living for approval can quietly trap us instead of obviously hurting us? Is there anyone in your life that has helped you or will help you recognize when your motives are off?
4. King Saul feared people more than God, and it cost him his purpose. Are there areas in your life where fear of others’ opinions may be influencing your decision more than obedience to God?
5. Paul shows us that security comes from identity, not approval. What does it look like for you personally to embrace your identity in Christ rather than earning validation from others?
6. For every mind trap, God offers a corresponding truth. What is one thought you want to replace this week with God’s truth?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ROMANS 12:2 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
There are times in life when we need a reset. A time to reevaluate and reprioritize God’s direction in our life. Let’s start the New Year with a reset.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Is there an area of your life that you feel needs God’s attention?
2. Where in your own life do you feel like you’re asking, “God, what’s next?"
3. Read Psalms 139. What stands out in these verses?
4. Do you feel like you need a spiritual reset?
5. Are you excited about the 21-Day Prayer Journey? What are you excited about? What are you nervous about? Are you considering fasting with the prayer?
CHANGING OUR MINDS
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. PSALM 139:1-24 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
The term "break me: might sound like a cry for punishment, but it runs deeper. Truly, it’s about accepting that fresh beginnings demand shedding what’s old.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In 2 Corinthians 7:8–9, Paul talks about sorrow leading to repentance. How can discomfort or “breaking” in our lives lead to spiritual growth?
2. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 speaks about demolishing strongholds and taking thoughts captive. What are some mindsets or ideologies that can become strongholds in our lives or in the church? 4. The message challenged us to pray, “God, break in me that which stands against you.” What specific thought, habit, or attitude do you sense God wants to break in you during this season?
3. The message challenged us to pray, “God, break in me that which stands against you.” What specific thought, habit, or attitude do you sense God wants to break in you during this season?
CHANGING OUR MINDS
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Christians have always wanted to sync with God’s purpose. When we pray “Lead me, God”, we’re welcoming that divine alignment into our lives.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. If you could have perfect GPS for one area of life (career, relationships, spiritual growth, etc.), which would you choose and why?
2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How can this Scripture be a filter in decision making?
3. Read Proverbs 27:17. Do you have an “iron sharpening voice” in your life?
4. Read Acts 16:6-15. What role did posture play in Paul’s journey? 5. Do you have an area where God may be nudging you toward something?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)