MARCH 3
GROWTH-MINDED WISDOM
“The wise create proverbs for fools to learn, not to repeat.” – Nigerian Proverb
We are wise when we learn from everything and everyone.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is a mistake in your life that you continue to repeat? Why do you think that is?
- Read Philippians 3:4-8 and 4:11-13.
Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say?):
- What do you notice and what are you curious about?
Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean?)
- What do you learn about humanity?
- What do you learn about God?
Now make some applications (what’s my response?)
- How are you encouraged, challenged, or convicted by this passage?
- What should be our response to this passage?
3. How does Paul demonstrate a growth mindset instead of a fixed one through his letter to the Philippians?
- What would it look like to learn through your own experiences (good and bad) to be content no matter what? Would you say this is true for you? Why or why not?
4. Read James 1:2-4
- What do suffering and trials have the potential to produce? What does it require? How have you experienced this in your own life or witnessed it in the life of another?
5. Do you have a Growth mindset or are you stuck believing change isn’t possible?
6. What aspect of wisdom from today could you apply and begin growing again?
- Is it learning from everyone and everything?
- Is it being open and courageous to learn from failures and mistakes?
- Or maybe you need to get in the scriptures and ground yourself in your identity in Jesus or if you aren’t sure about God yet, explore Him with others in a group.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Philippians 3:4-8 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Have you made the most important decision to follow Jesus and receive the gift of His death and resurrection that bought you new life? If not, talk to your group leader about what it means to take this important step.
PRAYER
Intercession: As a group, pray for one another in the area that they see the need for growth addressed above.
TAKE A NEXT STEP
We desperately need others to grow in wisdom. If you have yet to take the step to join a group, take that wise step today! You can sign up here: https://www.gatewaychurch.com/groups/
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week we will be learning about how Baptism is important to Jesus and God the Father.
THE BIBLE: “he is not here; he is risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
THE MESSAGE: Jesus being baptized shows us that baptism is an important part of obedience to God. Jesus lived a sin-free life, but He still had John baptize him as an example for us. Jesus’ baptism began His ministry (the time when He was teaching people about God and performing miracles). For us, the first step is to believe in Jesus. Baptism is a sign that we have decided to follow Him.
THE BIG IDEA: God can use me to do amazing things!
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- What do you think it means to “repent”?
- Why did Jesus have John baptize Him?
REMEMBER THIS
God wants you to know that baptism is something special we get to do once we have decided to let Jesus be in charge of our lives. Jesus came to save us from sin and eternal death. Being baptized does not save you. Placing your faith in Jesus alone saves you. And just like God was pleased with His Son Jesus after being baptized, there are many times in our lives when God is very pleased with us. Like whenever we make a decision to follow Jesus, or we are kind to others, or we put someone else’s needs above our own.
NEXT WEEK
Next week we will learn how the people prepared for Jesus as He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday!