The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. —Proverbs 27:12

The decisions we make today will determine the story we tell tomorrow.

• Unwise decisions are the gateway to regret.

Wise people pay attention and respond to the signs. (Proverbs 27:12)

What is the wise thing to do?

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit… —Eph 5:14-18

Invest your time wisely.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15-16

• See your time as a gift to be used to serve God.

• Seize the opportunity to live for God.

Face up to the things you know you should do.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. —Ephesians 5:17

• Obey the Lord where he’s trying to get your attention.

Don’t hand over control of your life to something or someone else.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit… —Ephesians 5:18

• Submit your life to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

And when [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. —John 16:8 NLT

Discipleship Guide (June 4 – 10, 2023)

Let’s Connect

• Have you ever ignored a traffic sign?

Let’s Talk About It

We all want to make decisions to help us get the future right. Following a few rules for the road will help you get there on time and on purpose. Another significant travel rule is to pay attention to the signs. Road signs are intentionally placed to direct us and protect us from danger. But roads aren’t the only place we should pay attention to the signs. What if we sought God’s leading and direction every day by asking Him, “What is the wise thing to do?” Invest your time wisely, face the things you know you should do and don’t hand control of your life over to something else, but instead submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 27:12; Ephesians 5:8-18; John 16:8 NLT

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

• Read Proverbs 27:12. How have you seen the truth of this proverb play out in your life and relationships? How is paying attention and responding to the signs in our life a wiser way to go than ignoring them? Have a story to share?

• How does asking, “What is the wise thing to do?” help you make wise and careful decisions? What clarity does it bring to a current decision?

• Read Ephesians 5:15-18. Of the three areas that Pastor Gregg mentioned (time, facing things, handing over control), to which do you need to pay attention and respond wisely? How can this group support you and hold you accountable?

• Are there any warning signs you’re ignoring? Any dangerous relationships or situations you need to steer away from? If so, what step will you take?

Take a Step

• Where do you need God’s wisdom? What step can you take this week to submit your life to the leading of the Holy Spirit?

Here’s My Prayer
Lord, I need You, and I need Your wisdom. Sometimes I ignore the signs and follow my desires instead of obeying Your will. I invite Your guidance into my decisions and ask for Your leading to make wise decisions. In Jesus’ name, amen.