community group notes
INTRODUCTION
The world is full of vices, but the 4th century desert fathers of faith noticed a pattern. A pattern of seven deadly sins or vices. How do we rid ourselves of these vices?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Which one of the Seven Deadly Vices (pride, envy, wrath, greed, gluttony, lust, sloth) seems to be a bigger problem in society? In the church? In this county?
2. Read Galatians 5:13-25. What stands out in these Scriptures?
3. What does Paul mean by “walk by the Spirit”?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-16. Why is it necessary to have the Spirit of God to accept what God says?
5. How important is it to surrender to “Walk by the Spirit”?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Pride is in all of us. As soon as it seems like we beat it, it shows back up. Christ didn’t just talk about humility; He led the way in it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Where does pride show up the most for you? Arguments, lifestyle, looks?
2. C.S Lewis said, “The more pride we have in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
3. Read Genesis 3:1-5. Why does the lie, the enemy tells, seem to work so well on Eve?
4. What do you feel like you deserve in life? Respect, money, stuff, friendship, etc.?
5. Read Philippians 2:5-8. What sticks out in these verses?
6. How does humility break the grip of pride in your life?
7. How can the group pray for you this week concerning pride?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Envy may not be the most prevalent or the most powerful vice, but it is the nastiest of all. Envy has a way of ruining every part of our life. For those caught in this vice, it’s the worst.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think envy is prevalent today? If so, where do you see it the most?
2. Read 1 Samuel 18:6-12. Do you see a change in Saul’s attitude toward David? When did the change occur?
3. In his sermon, Justin said, “Envy is fueled by bitterness and comparison.” Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
4. Have you seen envy show up in your own life? What areas do you tend to be envious about?
5. How can gratitude combat these envious thoughts?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Wrath is the loudest of the seven vices, and it’s kind of obvious if you have an anger problem. What keeps us from dealing with this problem? It may be tied to a deeper issue than just an emotion.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think wrath is prevalent today? If so, where do you see it the most?
2. Read Matthew 5:21-25. What stands out to you in these verses?
3. Why do you think that Jesus connects anger with murder?
4. In his sermon, Justin said, “The spiral from anger to wrath is so deadly because it’s so intoxicating.” Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
5. Read 1 John 4:19. How can God’s love help us break the path of anger becoming wrath in our life?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
No one wants to be known as greedy, and yet there are times when all of us think only about ourselves. Jesus challenges us to move past the temporal things, to the eternal.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is something that comes to mind that you’re greedy with (money, stuff, food, etc.)?
2. "More money/stuff doesn’t generate more contentment.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
3. Read Matthew 12:15.
4. Is there anything in your life that is extremely valuable to you? Or maybe gives you a feeling of contentment when you have it?
5. Read Matthew 6:19-24. What sticks out in these verses?
6. Why does Jesus constantly point to eternal things as our focus?
7. What has God put in your hands that you’d like to manage better?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (NIV) ur text
INTRODUCTION
Gluttony is one of the most misunderstood vices. What if gluttony was not just about overconsumption of food, but a misdirected hunger under the surface? Let’s unpack it together.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think gluttony is a problem today? Do you think its misunderstood?
2. Gluttony is defined as the misguided attempt to find ultimate satisfaction in what we consume. Do you agree or disagree with this definition? Why or why not?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. What stands out in these verses?
4. How does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 address the issue of gluttony?
5. Read Philippians 4:12-13. What stands out in these verses?
6. How does Philippians 4:12-13 help us to combat gluttony?
7. In this weekend’s sermon, Justin talked about the practice of fasting. What are your thoughts on fasting? Could this be a regular discipline to consider? Why or why not?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
We live in a culture defined by lust. It’s everywhere. The question becomes; how do we avoid it?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(If you have both men and women in your group, it might be better if you split up.)
1. What stuck out to you the most in John’s sermon this week?
2. Why is it so difficult for people to talk about their struggle with lust?
3. Read 2 Timothy 2:22 - What sticks out?
4. What are some areas you need to start pursuing more from this scripture?
5. Statistics say that 64% of Christian men and 37% of Christian woman view porn monthly. Did this surprise you? Why or why not?
6. Is this an area of struggle for you?
7. Read Matthew 5:28-30. What are some extreme actions you need to take in your life right now? How can the group help you?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Sloth is one of the most controversial of the vices. We wonder if it should be included among the big ones like wrath or envy? What if sloth was more than laziness? What if it’s a trap?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think sloth is a problem today?
2. Sloth is defined as the “do nothing” sin? How is doing nothing a sin?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9. What stands out in these verses? Do you think this verse applies to you?
4. Read 2 Peter 1:1-7? What stands out in these verses?
5. Justin listed different spiritual practices in his sermon. Which ones are missing from your life? Which ones do you enjoy? Are you willing to try something different?
Spiritual Disciplines/Spiritual Practices
Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting, Generosity, Scripture (reading/memorizing), Community, Service, Witness
CHANGING YOUR MIND
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)