Spring Cleaning - Week 2

In this sermon, Pastor Josh explores the notion of evaluating the cravings and desires present in our lives, framing it as a kind of spring cleaning for our hearts. Using the metaphor of a dining room table filled with items representing our wants, he prompts listeners to consider what truly satisfies them. He emphasizes that while material possessions or temporary pleasures may not be inherently bad, they can distract us from seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus. Pastor outlines three key actions to take in the "dining room" of our hearts: wash the table to cleanse our cravings, set the table to establish the right expectations about what we desire, and create a centerpiece around Jesus to ensure He becomes the focus of our longings.Pastor highlights the importance of recognizing that our cravings can be transformed through faith in Jesus, who not only saves our souls but also liberates our desires from the grip of earthly temptations. By encouraging the congregation to fixate on Christ and His righteousness, Pastor invites them to realign their cravings towards what truly fulfills and satisfies. The sermon culminates in a prayerful reflection, where attendees are invited to invite Jesus into their spiritual dining rooms, helping them identify their cravings and surrender them to God for renewal.

Q1 - Let's begin by reading Ephesians 2:1-5 together. Pastor Josh emphasized that "your cravings were also saved at the cross." How does this challenge the common belief that Christians will always crave sinful things? What difference does this perspective make in how we approach temptation?

Q2 - Take a moment to examine Matthew 6:19-24. The passage talks about our eyes being "the lamp of the body." In your own words, what does it mean that our eyes "shine" things onto our hearts? What might your eyes be shining onto your heart currently?

Q3 - Would someone read Psalm 37:4 aloud? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Pastor Josh suggested that when Jesus becomes our centerpiece, our desires actually change. Share a time when you experienced God changing a desire in your heart as you focused on Him.

Q4 - Open your Bibles to Matthew 6:33: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." How does making Jesus our centerpiece help align all other desires? What practical steps can we take to make Him the centerpiece of our "table"?

Q5 - In the sermon, Pastor Josh mentioned different types of cravings: sexual, chemical, relational, power-oriented, position-oriented, or stuff-oriented. Which of these do you find yourself most vulnerable to? How might focusing on Jesus transform that particular craving?

Q6 - As we conclude, let's consider Proverbs 23:7: "As a man thinks within himself, so he is." The pastor shared how God transformed his motorcycle craving as he focused on praying for the city. What area of your life might God be asking you to release or realign as you seek Him first?