Community Group Resources

Discussion Questions

1. Have someone in your group give a brief recap of Sunday’s message, highlighting the primary Scripture points and the main idea of the message.
2. Read 1 John 5:20-21 aloud together. Why do you think John chose to conclude his letter with the words, "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols"? How does that final warning connect to everything else he has written throughout 1 John?
3. Sunday’s sermon described idols as making both promises and threats: "If you have me, you will live," and "If you lose me, you will die." How have you found that to be true in your own life? What can our fears, frustrations, anxieties, or disproportionate reactions reveal about what may be competing for our worship?
4. Some of the most dangerous idols are good things that have quietly become ultimate things. Family, ministry, comfort, success, security, and even being right can all become counterfeit sources of life. Why are good things often the hardest idols to recognize in ourselves?
5. On Sunday, we were reminded that idols are not merely defeated through greater self-awareness, but by abiding in the Son. What does it practically look like for you to abide more deeply in Christ this week?

Action Step

This week, spend some time asking the Lord to reveal any counterfeit sources of life that may be competing for your worship and affection. Prayerfully consider the following questions:

• What am I currently asking to give me life that only Christ can provide?
• What disappointment has the potential to make me question God's goodness?
• What good thing might be quietly becoming an ultimate thing in my life?
• What would I have the hardest time surrendering if God asked me to place it in His hands?

Once you've spent time with the Lord, identify one specific area where He is inviting you to trust Him more deeply this week. Then take one tangible step of obedience in response.