How Pursuing the Right Goal Leads to Unbreakable Joy
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
In this talk, Pastor John Mark Caton emphasizes the importance of pursuing the right goals to achieve unbreakable joy, as outlined in Philippians. He highlights that while many goals in life may seem appealing, followers of Christ should avoid pursuing wealth, comfort, or the approval of others, focusing instead on loving God and developing Christlike character. Pastor also shares practical steps to personal growth, including owning one’s reality, learning from past mistakes without being defined by them, and committing to spiritual discipline with energy and focus. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to maintain their spiritual progress and keep moving forward in their walk with God.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life, but it had to be a food you hate, what food would you pick and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
How can we 'press on toward the goal to win the prize' as mentioned in Philippians 3:14?
Pastor emphasized the importance of having energy and focus to move toward God's calling.
What areas of your life do you need to put more effort into to reach your spiritual goals?
What does it mean to live with integrity in our day-to-day lives according to the sermon?
Pastor emphasized developing a character of Christlikeness and being honest about our struggles.
How can you practice integrity in your relationships and responsibilities this week?
According to the message, what are some examples of wrong goals people might pursue?
Pastor talked about wrong goals like pursuing wealth, the approval of man, or comfort over growth.
Can you think of a time when you realized you were pursuing the wrong goal in your own life? What happened?
Why is it important to own our current reality, and how does this relate to striving for unbreakable joy?
Pastor explained that acknowledging where we are spiritually helps us to move forward rather than remain stagnant.
What truths about your current situation can you start acknowledging this week to help you grow?
Pastor said that past sins are life lessons and not labels. How can one differentiate between the two?
He shared that lessons help us grow, while labels can drag us down and keep us stuck in our past.
Reflect on a past mistake. What lesson did it teach you that you can apply moving forward?
Prayer 🙏
• Pray for God to help you identify the right goals in your life this week.
• Ask God to give you the strength to pursue those goals diligently.
• Request prayer for any specific needs or struggles you are currently facing that may hinder your journey.
• Seek guidance for how to support others in their goals and spiritual growth.
