” Flourishing Souls”

Rest for the Weary Series Lesson 4

Sermon Notes

January 28, 2024

I. Soul Reflections…

A. Today we conclude this series which has been for those of us who are tired of having a soul that is always

! (Matthew 11:29)

B. When it is not well with our souls, the consequences are huge!

C. When our souls are not well, we struggle to withstand the storms and stresses of life.

1. When your inner world is healthy, then nothing in the outer world can keep you from having a thriving and

   Reveal Answer
   soul! Ask yourself: Is it well with my soul?

2. Remember, Jesus doesn’t make empty promises! You can trust what He said in Matthew 11:29!

D. The prayer that I desire to pray over each of you is this: “I pray that everything else in your life is as healthy as your

!” (III John 2)

E. Life Group Discussion Question: Think about your life and the lives of other family members and friends. What types of consequences have you seen in your life and/or the lives of others when your soul or their souls was not healthy? What impact does an unhealthy soul have on a person’s ability to handle the storms and stresses of life? How might a healthy soul impact a person’s ability to cope with the storms and stresses of life?

II. Strategies For Pursuing A Flourishing Soul…

A. Fill your lips with thanksgiving and

!

1. Did you know that you can command your

   Reveal Answer
   ? (Psalm 103:1; Psalm 146:1-2)

2. There are few things more toxic to your soul than a spirit of entitlement! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

3. When we cultivate a thankful heart, we begin to see blessings all day long that we had been missing!

4. Life Group Discussion Question: Keith noted that we can praise God

   Reveal Answer
   our problems, even if we can’t praise God
   Reveal Answer
   our problems. What does that mean to you? How can praise and thanksgiving nurture a healthy and flourishing soul? How does a spirit of entitlement cause praise and thanksgiving to God to go silent?
   

B . Fill your mind with

!

1. Remember, the enemy is a compulsive liar and he wants you to live on lies.

2. Any serious plan for soul care has to include time in God’s

   Reveal Answer
   ! (Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:28)

3. You must speak truth to yourself every day. And you must let other people speak truth into your life as well!

4. Life Group Discussion Question: Reflect on this question for a moment: What “lies” of the enemy are you vulnerable to believing? What Biblical truths offer you guidance and counsel in these areas? In what ways do other believers speak truth into your life?
   

C. Fill your heart with the

!

1. Write these words across your soul every day: God is
   Reveal Answer
   us!

(Romans 8:31-32) Communion reminds us that God is for us and of our identity.

(Isaiah 61:10)

2 . As faithful and obedient disciples of Jesus, the gospel reminds us of our

! (Hebrews 6:19)

3 . Life Group Discussion Question: Our souls need regular reminders of what God has done for us! What are some different ways that you remind yourself of the gospel and its meaning and implications in your life? What role does Bible reading and Bible study play? What role does worship songs and hymns play in reminding you of the gospel?