Leader Guide
As we close our American Scheme series, we’re looking at one of the most subtle schemes of the enemy and our culture today: comfort, especially the kind that comes from distraction, digital noise, and endless entertainment. From social media scrolling to binge watching, to constant notifications, to always having something to fill silence. Our culture has created a comfort that numbs us spiritually rather than feeding our faith. Comfort isn't the problem, however if comfort becomes our goal, then that's a problem. When comfort leads, it slowly produces apathy, distractions, and spiritual self-reliance. But Jesus doesn't expose this to shame us—He exposes it to love us, discipline us, and call us back. Let’s discuss this idea.
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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What is one comfort item or habit that would be hard for you to give up? (Think: social media, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, doom scrolling at night, podcast, online shopping, Doordash, grocery pick up...)
2. Read Luke 9:57-62. How do you see Jesus challenging comfort, delay, or distraction? If these verses were written today, what might Jesus mention—Tik Tok, binge—watching, constant digital noise, etc?
Leader: Digital comfort can easily replace spiritual pursuit if we are not careful to keep watch over our habits.
3. Read Revelation 3:15-17. What does it look like to be “lukewarm” in a world of constant entertainment? How can the comforts of this world contribute to spiritual distractions, apathy, and self-reliance?
Leader: Many times, these things happen slowly, it’s not our intentions, however, they can become a go-to escape and replace our time with God.
4. Read Revelation 3:19-20. What does Jesus correcting us in love show us about His heart? Discuss how Jesus knocks versus forcing His way in.
Leader: This isn’t Jesus condemning but inviting, He’s knocking, calling us to repentance, return, and restoration with Him.
Action Step: Where might Jesus be knocking in your life and inviting you to repent and return to Him? Your time, attention, morning or evening routine, a spiritual discipline replaced by scrolling, or obedience delayed for entertainment.
Deeper Dive: For the Thanksgiving Holiday: Share one unique thing you are thankful for. (Example: healing, recovery, provision, breakthrough, a moment. Now, share one thing you are looking forward to at your holiday meal.
Read Psalm 107:1, Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 9:1