HOSTS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Open up group with this icebreaker:
What is your most favorite Christmas memory?
TALK-IT-OUT
Open YouVersion and take turns reading: 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12, Deuteronomy 20:4, Ephesians 6:10-11, 2 Corinthians 12:10
Main points from this week's message: Fight the Good Fight of Faith
Main Point: What are you fighting for?
Talk-it-Out: Not every fight is worth fighting. How can we fight for God’s best in our relationships, health, our peace, our joy, etc?
Main Point: It’s 100% about you and it’s not 100% about you.
Talk-it-Out: Your fight for healing, self-control, recovery, success, emotional health, financial health, etc. is 100% about you. But, how can you use winning the fight of your life to be 100% about others?
Main Point: Don’t make the enemy a big deal.
Talk-it-Out: Pastor Jodi shared that we need to be aware that there is an unseen spiritual battle going on. Knowing that God is fighting for you, what can you do to shift your focus to the promises of God?
Main Point: Key #1 to you winning when you’re in the fight of your life: Show up when you’re winning.
Talk-it-Out: We all have a story of a battle that we’ve won. Your story, your victory is meant for others. People need to see someone winning. What is your story? What battle have you won that will help others?
Main Point: Key #2 to you winning when you’re in the fight of your life: Show up when you’re losing.
Talk-it-Out: So many people hide when they feel they’ve messed up. When you’re in the fight of your life, you need to surround yourself with people who will fight with you. How can you push past the urge to retreat and move forward toward God’s best for your future and the future of others?
WRITE-IT-OUT
Imagine what kind of future you want. Write it down and then fight for it! Write out Ephesians 6:10–18. Remember, you are more than a conqueror, the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, first and not last. He who is within you is greater than he who is in the world.
LIVE-IT-OUT
Feet in PEACE → a peace that passes all understanding
Belt of TRUTH → in Ancient battle gear, the BELT was the key for the rest of the armor to stay on. When our life is centered on God’s Truth, the rest is held together.
Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS → Right standing with God. Protect your heart by claiming “Right Standing with God” for yourself. When you say yes to Jesus, God takes you in, forgives you and wants to make you WHOLE. Not because of anything you have done, but because of everything HE has done!
Helmet of SALVATION → Say yes to Jesus. Eternal Life. “Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ”
Shield of FAITH → Our Faith protects us—it’s our strongest defense.
Sword of the SPIRIT → The Word of God/ The Holy Spirit is our OFFENSE. Use the word of God as a weapon.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.