LifeGroup Discussion Guide
VISION SERIES
Session 1: The Pursuit of Whole-Heartedness
“The heart of the matter”
Start the discussion.
This first session brings to focus the fundamental need to guard our hearts, so that we may live surrendered lives.
Scripture text(s):
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9
“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” - Proverbs 4:23
Start by opening in prayer.
Share key points from the Session.
Other passages:
1 Samuel 16:7b, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:21, Psalm 14:1, Ezekiel 36:26, Hebrews 8:10, Psalm 119:112.
Main idea:
To be aligned with God’s purpose and wholeheartedly walk in the way of Jesus, we must place utmost importance on the condition of our hearts.
Some key points:
What is “the heart”? It is the core of our being, the “executive center” of a human life.
Without God, the heart is desperately wicked.
Because the heart is of utmost importance to God, He does not just want a people for himself but the hearts of his people.
God wants to transform our hearts; by our own effort, we are unable to fix our heart condition. But through Jesus we have a new heart, by God’s divine act of grace.
“To guard” = to be diligent, treat with utmost care, on the lookout against trespassers. We must guard against a hedonistic heart, a hardened heart, and a hurting heart.
Discuss Questions
What did you find most challenging or valuable in this message?
Why is it so fundamental to guard our hearts with utmost care?
How do you pursue whole-heartedness towards God? How do we do so as a community?
Do It
Action steps:
Seek First
Inner Healing ministry/retreats
CORD Groups
Go into groups of three. Share one action step you desire to take and how you will do it.
Resources:
Prayer: join Seek First prayer; also this ministry — Burning Hearts .
CORD Group: especially in the practice of Confession (see Primer for pointers).
Inner healing ministry or retreats: The City Pastoral Care; also these options — Elijah House ; Cleansing Stream ; still more others — Sozo ; Restoring the Foundations (e.g. upcoming seminar 22-23 April here); Freedom in Christ ;
Do inventory: daily Examen ; craft a Rule of Life ; take a 1-day retreat (we have a guide you can use).
Books to check out: Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard; The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen; Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero;
Spiritual direction in-person or online: Community for Spiritual Formation ; CenterQuest Asia Network .
For more info, email us at hello@thecity.sg or reach out to our leaders.