Wk. 1 - The Habit That Will Heal Your Heart

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

We are reaching out to our family, friends, and neighbors as the body of Christ.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY:

Opening Scripture:

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

If you want to change your life, change your habits.

If you want to change your habits, let God change your heart.

Series: Habits of a Healthy Heart

Week 1 The Habit of Self-Examination

Week 2 Habit of Simplicity

Week 3 The Habit of Solitude

Week 4 The Habit of Sorrow

Week 5 The Habit of Slowing

Psalm 139:23–24 “23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

2 Samuel 11:1 “1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.”

Psalm 36:2 “2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.”

5 Indicators of Self-Deception

• Addiction to Distraction

• Manic Cheeriness

• Judgmentalism

• Defensiveness

• Cynicism

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! ...”

2 Samuel 12:7 NIV

• What problem are you denying?

• What sin are you rationalizing?

• What issue are you hiding?

3 Warning Signs:

1. Watch for what others have tried to tell you.

2. Watch for what you rationalize.

3. Watch for where you’re most defensive.

The more convinced you are that you don’t have a problem, the more likely it is that you do.

You cannot change what you won’t confront.

Psalm 51:10 “10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:12 “12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 139:23–24 “23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Conclusion/Reflection:

*Communion*

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 “23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

EXAMINE… 1 Corinthians 11:27–29“27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

Prayer of Examine

1. Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you.

2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.

3. Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings at the time.

4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away?

5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the “Our Father.”

TALK IT OVER

Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?

Read Psalm 139:23-24. Have you practiced the habit of self-examination before? What are your thoughts or feelings when you think about this habit?

Which of the five indicators of self-deception do you relate to most? What would living differently look like?

Share one habit that you need to quit. How would your life look different a year from now if you allowed God to work in your life and change your heart?

PRAY: Father, thank You for a new year and a fresh start. We want to honor You with our whole lives. Please search our hearts and show us where we need to make a change. Help us run toward You and trust that You are able to change our hearts to better honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.