Spring Cleaning - Week 1

In his sermon, Josh emphasizes the importance of engaging in personal spiritual "spring cleaning" as we prepare for summer, inviting everyone to evaluate their lives. He highlights the need to invite Jesus into our hearts and minds, assessing what we allow to shape our thoughts and behaviors. Josh encourages listeners to identify their mental triggers and to develop new habits that promote godliness, such as stopping to pray, giving thanks, and correcting lies with truth. Ultimately, he motivates the congregation to create a positive mental environment by removing negative influences and embracing uplifting practices.

Q1 - Pastor Josh began by asking what preparation we would make if Jesus were coming to our actual homes. Read Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock." What specific "rooms" in your heart might you be hesitant to let Jesus enter? Why do you think we sometimes keep certain areas of our lives closed off from God's influence.?

Q2 - In Romans 12:2, Paul writes about being "transformed by the renewing of your mind." Pastor Josh talked about the powerful influence of what we watch, read, and listen to. Take a moment to honestly consider: What forms of media or content do you regularly consume that might be working against this transformation? What practical steps could you take this week to begin "renewing your mind"?

Q3 - Pastor Josh shared that one of his personal triggers is messiness and clutter, which can lead to inappropriate anger. Read James 1:19-20 together, which instructs us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." What are your emotional or spiritual triggers? How might identifying these triggers help you respond in ways that better reflect Christ's character?

Q4 - In Philippians 4:6-8, Paul gives us a process for dealing with anxiety that includes prayer, thanksgiving, and focusing our thoughts on what is good. Pastor Josh recommended praying "God, help" when triggered. Share a time when shifting your focus to gratitude changed your perspective on a difficult situation. How might thanksgiving serve as a spiritual discipline for your group this week?

Q5 - Pastor Josh recommended writing down the lies we believe and replacing them with God's truth. Look at 2 Corinthians 10:5, which talks about "taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." As a group, identify some common lies our culture promotes (about success, happiness, relationships, etc.) and then search Scripture together to find truths that counter these lies. How might actively replacing lies with truth transform our daily thought patterns?