Guard Rails

Focus on the Father

PDF VERSION HERE

MEETING AGENDA:

  1. OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to Open the meeting in prayer. 
  1. DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Development Questions. 
  1. ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the SG Attendance System. 
  1. TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s SG lesson. 
  1. CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.  

Development Questions

Question #1

Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?

Question #2

What did you learn from this week’s sermon? 

Question #3

What was your most important accomplishment this week?

This Week's Passage:

Philippians 4:4-9
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Connection Question:

When life becomes overwhelming or distracting, what is your natural tendency: worry, control, withdraw, or seek God?  Why do you think that is? 

Truth #1:

Focusing on the Father Produces Joy and Stability 

Discussion Points:

  1. Joy is rooted in the Lord, not in our circumstances. (Philippians 4:4; John 15:11)
  2. God’s presence provides stability during life’s uncertainties.  (Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 16:11)
  3. Rejoicing is a daily choice and act of faith. (Habakkuk 3:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Growth Question:

What circumstances currently challenge your ability to rejoice in the Lord? 

Truth #2:

Focusing on the Father Replaces Anxiety with Peace 

Discussion Points:

  1. God invites us to bring every concern to Him in prayer. (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7)
  2. Prayer is God’s antidote to anxiety. (Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 55:22)
  3. Thanksgiving shifts our focus from problems to God’s faithfulness. (Philippians 4:6; Psalm 100:4)

Growth Question:

What would it look like to intentionally pray first instead of worry first? 

Truth #3:

Focusing on the Father Shapes Our Thinking and Living 

Discussion Points:

  1. What we focus on ultimately influences how we live. (Philippians 4:8;Romans 12:2)
  2.  Believers are called to intentionally dwell on godly things.  (Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2) 
  3.  God’s Word helps renew and guard our minds.  (Psalm 119:11; Joshua 1:8)

Growth Question:

What thoughts or influences most often compete for your attention? 

GO THEREFORE QUESTION:

This week, what specific step will you take to keep your focus on the Father rather than on your circumstances, anxieties, or distractions, and how can this group help hold you accountable? 

PRAYER:

Question #1

Who are you praying for  
to be saved? 

Question #2

Who can you invite to Church and/or to Small Group?  

Question #3

What are your prayer requests?