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Week 2: Empty Me of distractions

Sermon Recap:

“A distracted church will lose its sight and ability to be the light and carry the Gospel to the World!”  

This week Pastor John talked about returning to our first love.  When you love someone you give them all your attention and nothing distracts you away from them.  In fact if you are married and think back to when you were courting your spouse they actually captured your attention.  You thought about them all day, you couldn’t wait to call them on the phone that night or see them in person.  You were captivated.  It should be the same with the Lord.  The Lord should captivate our attention.  However when we allow distractions into our lives in the forms of other passions, interests,  hobbies, and especially sin, it can really distract us from our primary mission and purpose if we are not careful.  Now other passions, hobbies and interests aren’t bad in and of themselves, in fact it's good to have some of those things in our lives.  But are we engaging in those activities with the mindset of intentionally being a light and reflection of Jesus to those around us. 

What about the Mind?  We also get easily distracted when it comes to our thoughts.  Sometimes our thoughts can consume us.  Especially when it comes to thoughts that create fear, thoughts that add to anxiety and sinful thoughts that we choose to dwell on, like the lust of our flesh and eyes.  But you are in charge of your thoughts.  Scripture warns us and commands us in II Corinthians 10 to take our thoughts captive!  That means we don’t allow ourselves to dwell on thoughts that are evil or even thoughts that distract us away from setting our minds on Christ.  Don’t allow anything to distract you away from Christ!  


Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

Revelation 2:1-5

Philippians 4:8

II Corinthians 10:4-5 

Colossians 3:1-11


Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ. 

  1. What are some things you find yourself distracted with often?

  2. What most distracts your mind away from meditating on Jesus and the Word of God?

  3. What lies do we often hear from the enemy that lead us away from God and into distraction?

  4. Name briefly some of the wonderful things about God’s attributes and character you have experienced in the past year.  

Prayer 

Father in the name of Jesus, I ask You to show me any and all distraction in my life.  I ask you, Holy Spirit, to remove them.  I ask you to fill me with more of You.  Give me a spiritual awareness of those things that are distracting me.  And most of all empty me of me and fill me with You.  I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.



Life Application

  • Practice this week meditating on the goodness and faithfulness of God.  Read a Psalm (example - Psalm 33) and as you read through it, pray those verses out loud in your quiet time with Him.

  • Practice everyday meditating on God’s love for you and His promises to you.  

  • Ask God to help you recognize the moments throughout your day when you are becoming distracted.  Take those distractive thoughts captive and refocus your mind on Christ.  


Don’t Forget!

  1. Midweek Prayer (Wednesday’s, 9:00am) - Join in-person or online

  2. Immerse 1-Day (Saturday, October 2nd) - Women, price increases Sunday (26th) at 2:00pm.

  3. Sunday Night Prayer (Sunday, October 3rd, 6:00pm) - All church

Additional Resources

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