Pastor Matt described how our words, actions, and decisions flow out of what's in our hearts—and then, if we allow our hearts and character to be shaped by God's wisdom, we will keep moving toward an abundant and flourishing life.
MY STORY
Think about the last time you were really angry about something, and how you expressed (or suppressed) that rage. Did that experience reveal anything about you that took you off guard? If so, talk about what happened.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
-Proverbs 4:20-23
Why does Solomon want his son to pay close attention to what he is saying? What will happen if the young man does this?
What does Solomon identify as the source of all that can energize a person toward flourishing?
Explain what Solomon means by the metaphor of the heart.
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual "takeaways" from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Anytime you have ever echoed the words, 'I don't know where that came from' the reality is that you are not just dealing with your words and actions. You are always dealing with what controls your behavior, which is your heart."
What is it about a stressful situation that can bring things to the surface that might surprise us?
How can a person figure out where those internal dormant volcanos reside before they erupt?
What might happen if you asked a wise person, someone who knew you well, to look inside your blind spots—and tell you what was there?
How can people we trust help us to uncover the parts of our character that still need to be shaped and developed by the Holy Spirit?
What does God want us to do? What are some hypothetical, but practical, ways to apply this chapter from Proverbs?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Solomon looks at his sons, and says 'Boys, if you focus on anything in this life, make it this. Make this the priority. Don't get distracted. Don't go down the paths of foolishness. Keep your eyes on this, keep your heart with all vigilance. Son, pay attention to the content and character of your heart because as Solomon says the well spring of your life flows from it."
Describe a time, when your words, expressed in the heat of the moment, revealed something in your heart that surprised you (and perhaps the person to whom your words were directed).
Take a brutally honest look at what your recent words and actions have revealed about your heart. What do you see that makes you happy? What concerns you—or should concern you?
How do you think God wants to repair or redeem those parts of your character that have significant gaps? What could you do to move that process along?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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