Part 3 - Test Yourself
Discussion Guide
There are so many issues that keep us from accomplishing our goals and realizing our dreams. But what about the dangers of reaching them and gaining a measure of success? Let’s spend some time considering our attitudes, testing ourselves and our hearts.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Would you say you have lots of relationships, from “deep” friendships to routine interactions with the barista? Or would you describe yourself as isolated? Would you say you are “happy”?
2. Test yourself. Read Psalm 139:23-24. Have you ever tested yourself and reviewed your own actions, maybe a personal debrief after an event? Even further, the Bible tells us to invite God into our introspection, asking Him to reveal anything that is evil or offensive. Have you ever asked God’s opinion of your actions or thoughts or sensed direct actions He wanted you to take to change your attitudes, thoughts, or direction?
3. Give God the credit. Read Genesis 40:8, 41:16, 39:3, and 23. What had Joseph consistently done throughout his life? In what ways does that remind you of Jesus? How do you do this in your own life? Or where do you see this in others and how does it have an impact on you?
4. Read Deuteronomy 8:11-18. What things easily translate over to today’s culture? What things are different...and what could they mean to us today (try the first part of verse 13). Where in this passage are you convicted?
5. Read Philippians 2:3-5. What is the antidote to “selfish ambition”? Is all ambition evil? How do you display humility to others from this passage?
6. Action Steps:
a. Listen more than you talk: Really listen, not listening just to see how you can insert your story into the next pause. Focus on them, not yourself.
b. Spend time in relationships: Take the time to connect with others, doing what they are interested in doing, not just your hobbies and plans. (It's never too late to start!)
c. Put down your stuff: People are more important than things, so make an effort to stop what you're doing and greet and interact with people.
d. Test yourself: Am I humble and grateful?
e. Ask yourself: Am I willing to pause my dream for people when God tells me to?
Deeper
7. Read Philippians 2:5-8. What attitude did Jesus have and how are we supposed to have the same mindset as He did? Use specific examples from the text and relate them to choices you must make.
8. Contrast the character qualities of selfishness and humility. When have you been selfish? When have you shown humility? Which version of yourself would you like to be around and why?
9. Read Isaiah 53. Consider the way Isaiah describes the Savior of the world. Jot down some adjectives or phrases. One of Jesus’ most prominent characteristics was His humility. In fact, humility is the only character trait that Jesus uses to describe Himself (see Matthew 11:29). List some ways you see humility lived out in His life.