See It Differently
Larry Brey
Sermon Summary
Sometimes the biggest thing keeping you stuck isn’t your situation — it’s the way you see it. The more consumed you become with your circumstances, the heavier life will feel. But real joy begins when you shift your focus, invite God into your struggles, and start living with a purpose beyond yourself.
Sermon Highlights
What’s your “it?” What’s making it hard for you to run toward Jesus?
Trash: things holding you back, like past mistakes and insecurities
Trophies: things you want more than God, like finances, relationships, or successes
You know you’ve got joy when you’re thanking God in the middle of your circumstances, not when He gets you out of them.
Your purpose is discovered through partnership — with people, with the Holy Spirit, and with Jesus.
Partnership is not about being in the same building. It’s about being in the same Spirit.
Significance is never determined by size. It is demonstrated by sacrifice.
You keep asking God to change “it,” but He wants to change how you see “it.”
Maturity in our faith is to have joy and sorrow in the presence of each other and neither one disqualifies the other.
Self-care without self-denial is self-indulgence, and it leads to self-worship.
Denying the flesh doesn’t mean you deny that anxiety exists, it means that you don’t let it dominate your thinking and drive your decisions.
The currency of the world is all about self. But in the Kingdom, the way you get filled up is by being poured out. Go find someone to serve!
Scriptures
Read this week’s scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Epaphroditus brought Paul a care package from the Philippians. If someone brought you a care package, what would you hope was in it?
What’s one small act of kindness you typically like to give and/or receive?
What’s something that’s been bringing you joy lately?
Discussion Questions
What “trash” or “trophies” have been holding you back from running after Jesus lately?
“You know you’ve got joy when you’re thanking God in the middle of your circumstances, not when He gets you out of them.” What’s one thing you can thank God for today, even if your situation hasn’t changed yet?
“You keep asking God to change ‘it,’ but He wants to change how you see ‘it.’” What circumstance have you been asking God to change lately, and how might God be trying to change your perspective instead?
“Denying the flesh doesn’t mean you deny that anxiety exists, it means that you don’t let it dominate your thinking and drive your decisions.” What are some healthy ways you can respond to anxious thoughts this week instead of letting them control your decisions?
“Go find someone to serve!” Who is someone you could intentionally encourage, support, serve, or pray for this week?
Prayer Prompt
Ask your eGroup if they have any prayer requests or praise reports they’d like to share, and include them in your closing prayer.
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
Lord, when anxiety is great within us, Your presence brings us joy. Thank You for partnering with us and giving us purpose. When we face difficult circumstances, help us become quick to shift our perspective, serve others, and reclaim joy as we mature in our faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Content
Here’s some additional content you can use to encourage your group this week.
“When I Think About The Lord” Share the lyrics from one of LB’s favorite old worship songs with your eGroup as a reminder to thank God in the middle of their circumstances this week.