THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Winter Thrive Gathering is an Ada Bible Women’s Ministry event February 18. Ash Nibbe, our Director of Service Programming and Worship Arts, will be sharing her story and encouraging us about the story God is writing in our lives. No registration needed. Connect online with other women for fun and faith at 7 pm February 18 at adabible.org/thrivegathering.
GROUP VALUES
This month we are highlighting the Spiritual Practice of Chair Time, our time alone with God. Consider asking your group members what Chair Time looks like for them and share what it looks like for you.
GROW AS A LEADER
A few times a year we gather together as small group leaders to learn, grow and encourage one another. At Small Group Huddles we get better together. Mark your calendars for our next huddle the week of February 21.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the third week of The School of Contentment. Today’s conversation centers around the topic of comparison and how it is the enemy of contentment.
What was something you dreamed of having as a kid but never got? How did this experience grow you?
RESPECT THE COMPETITION
Have someone read aloud Deuteronomy 5:21 , “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” What words stands out to you in this verse?
Read Deuteronomy 5:21 aloud again. Why do you think God includes the things he does in this commandment? What might God include today if he were to give that commandment?
THE HEART SPILLS
It is easy to think that covetousness is only in our own mind, and it doesn’t hurt anyone else. Pastor Jeff Manion explained that this is not true and often our covetousness can tempt us to take actions that prove harmful to others. What are some examples he gave? Have you ever seen someone’s covetousness destroy their relationships?
EXPOSE YOUR COUNTERFIT GODS
Sometimes our covetous desire becomes so strong we find ourselves thinking, “Only if I possess THAT, then I will be whole.” How can this question help us expose our counterfeit gods and understand that our longings for security, recognition, value and wholeness only is fulfilled in God?
CLING TO THE PROMISE
Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” How is this verse both reassuring and challenging?
How can focusing on Jesus and what he has done for us lead to contentment, as well as help us remember “it’s not what I own, it’s who owns me” that defines us to bring us hope, security, significance and belonging?
WRAP UP
This week’s conversation helps us see that comparison is the enemy of contentment. What step do you want to take this week to reduce the influence of comparison on your life?
Download a printable PDF.