LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
GIGO, or “Garbage In, Garbage Out,” is a phrase that became popular in the 1960s amid early work with computers. In essence, it means if you put bad information into your computer, you will get bad information out of it. Flawed data input = garbage output. The same can be said of athletes and what they eat. If they eat unhealthy junk food, they can expect to perform poorly in competition.

Spiritually, this concept has a much greater effect. If we are not careful about what we put into our minds, we will be filled with the garbage of the world. We will see the sinful characteristics flow out, like anger, jealousy, hate, greed, lying, sexual immorality, and so much more. When we are careful to fill our minds with the things of God and allow Him to fill our hearts, we will see the outpouring of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - the things of God! It can be easy to drift away from these things when we find ourselves in the middle of hectic, stressful, trying times. In this week’s study, we will look at the importance of surrounding ourselves with other believers to help us keep our focus on God and encouraging us to not turn away from Him when we find ourselves in times of doubt.

Passages we’ll review:
Hebrews 3:12-14; Proverbs 4:20-27

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

Can you think of a time in your life when you “drifted away” or deviated from your core values and beliefs and it turned out good? Explain.

READ

Read Hebrews 3:12-14

As we saw in Sunday’s message, many chose to turn away from Jesus and not believe. In Hebrews, we find it was the same, just as the nation of Israel chose not to follow God, despite what they had seen Him do throughout the Old Testament. They wandered away from God and their hearts were hardened. —Editor’s Note

In this week’s video, we saw that the writer of Hebrews addressed “brothers and sisters.” Why is this warning directed toward everyone, and not just one or two specific people? What does this say to you about the importance of community?

What are some of the circumstances that can lead to an “unbelieving heart?”

The writer of Hebrews stirs up his readers to encourage, or exhort, one another. To exhort someone means to strongly encourage them; to give warnings or advice; to make an urgent appeal. —Editor’s Note

How often are we told to encourage or exhort one another? What would this look like in your life? In your LifeGroup?

Why is sin so deceitful?

What does it mean that we are companions of, or partakers in, Christ?

Why does the writer of Hebrews talk so much about holding firmly?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Proverbs 4:20-27

Why is it so important to guard your heart?

Why is it so important to keep your eyes straight ahead, to keep your feet on the ways that are firm, and to keep your foot from evil?

What can you do to guard yourself and remain steadfast and true as you go through life, keeping your “heart” healthy?

It is not enough to have strong commitments and convictions; we must also have strong connections where we can be encouraged, supported, and held accountable. Otherwise, we tend to drift away from the things we need most! —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. How is your heart-attitude toward God? Are you obeying His commands and following what He is leading you to do?

2. Where do you feel discouraged right now? Where might unbelief be creeping into your heart? How can your LifeGroup come alongside you to encourage you this week? In order to be a person of encouragement, we all need to be encouraged!
   

3. How can you be a person of encouragement this week? Who can you share the love and hope of Christ with this week? Remember, you may be used to lead an unbeliever to Christ!