Proverbs 4:20-27
“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.” Proverbs 4:18-19 (p. 483)
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 (p. 787)
- My Heart Determines The Course Of My Life.
1. Pay attention to what God says.
“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22 (p. 483)
2. Guard your heart.
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.” Proverbs 4:23-24 (p. 483)
3. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
“Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27 (p. 483)
Series Memory Verse: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (p. 866)
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Colossians 3:1 (p. 903)
My Next Step This Week:
___ I am taking the 7-day challenge to read Proverbs 4 every day this week. (Text “daily” to 520-492-0122 to get daily reminder texts).
Small Group Questions Week 3
One Thing: My Heart Determines The Course Of My Life
Key Verse: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2Bible References: Proverbs 4:20-27
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Was there ever a time that you didn’t listen? A time when you wished you listened more carefully? What happened and what would you do differently?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Proverbs were short sayings that spoke about living in right relationship with each other and with God. These brief statements were used to convey God’s wisdom and direction for His people. A proverb was intentionally phrased so that it would be easily remembered by people of all ages and educational backgrounds. Proverbs offers God’s wisdom and direction in our lives.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Proverbs 4:20-22. Pay attention to what God says.
- What causes you to get distracted or lose sight of Jesus?
- Are there habits that helped you keep your attention on Jesus?
// Read Luke 6:45. This passage states that what we say reflects what’s in our hearts.
- How have you seen this truth play out in your life?
- What can we do to change our hearts and align them with God’s heart?
// Read Proverbs 4:23-24. God wants you to guard your heartagainst corruption and bad influences.
- Are you trusting God to guide you right now? What does that look like for you?
- How can you guard your heart and protect it from being corrupted?
// Read Colossians 3:1. We are raised to new life in Jesus.
- How can new life in Jesus help you determine the course of your life?
- What habit can you develop to help guide you to God’s will?
// Read Proverbs 4:25-27. You can reset your habits by fixing your eyes on Jesus.
- What causes you to stop looking to Jesus?
- What can you do to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
NEXT STEP
My Next Step This Week: ___ I will read Proverbs 4 each day and reflect on the condition of my heart.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Matthew 12:34. In this passage Jesus states that we will be either acquitted or condemned by our words. Jesus reiterates that words reveal our true thoughts and intentions and to be careful about what we decide to say.
Read Hebrews 12:13. Here the writer of Hebrews explains that it is in our journey and through our walk with Jesus that we become strong. We do not start out that way, but it develops through our relationship with Jesus.
Psalm 34:11-14 Proverbs 5:1