DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Before getting to the message, our next Baptism Weekend is coming up on 5/15-17. If you have been baptized, share what led you to decide to get baptized. And if you are a follower of Jesus but haven’t been baptized, is this something you would consider?
- This week’s message is about the saying “follow your heart.” Why do you think “follow your heart” is such a popular message in culture?
- Can you think of a decision where you “followed your heart” and let feelings lead more than wisdom or faith? What happened?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Luke 14:27-30. From this passage, Ryan shared the following guardrail for decision-making: “Count the cost before you make the call.” How can counting the cost help with making a good decision?
- Read Matthew 6:22-23 and Proverbs 4:23. These passages encourage us to “Guard what shapes your heart.” What are some common “inputs” (social media, entertainment, relationships) that most influence your heart right now?
- Read Matthew 6:31-34. Ryan’s third guardrail for us was “Seek first, decide second.” What does it practically look like for you to seek God first before making decisions?
Go Deeper
- Where in your life are you most tempted to follow your feelings right now?
- What is one decision you need to slow down and “count the cost” on this week?
- What is one change you can make to better guard your heart?
- How would your life look differently if you consistently put God first in decisions?
- What step can this group encourage you to take this week?
Pray
Prayer is powerful. Take turns sharing prayer requests and things you are thankful for and then go around and pray for one another.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 – Awareness (Feelings vs. Leadership)
- Read: Proverbs 14:12
- Practice: Notice your emotions throughout the day. Ask: “Is this a signal or am I letting it lead?”
- Pray: “God, help me recognize my feelings without being ruled by them.”
Day 2 – Count the Cost
- Read: Luke 14:27-30
- Practice: Take one current decision and write out the short-term and long-term costs.
- Pray: “God, give me wisdom to see where this decision leads, not just how it feels.”
Day 3 – Guard Your Heart
- Read: Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 6:22-23
- Practice: Audit your inputs (social media, shows, music). Remove or limit one negative influence.
- Pray: “God, help me protect what shapes my heart.”
Day 4 – Seek First
- Read: Matthew 6:31-34
- Practice: Spend 10-15 minutes in silence, Scripture, or prayer before making any major decision today.
- Pray: “God, I give you first place. Guide my steps.”
Day 5 – Follow Jesus, Not Feelings
- Read: John 10:27
- Practice: When faced with a choice, pause and ask: “What would following Jesus look like right now?”
- Pray: “Jesus, I choose to follow you over my feelings.”