SMALL GROUP STUDY – WEEK 3
Emotional Balance
From the Sermon Series “Getting Healthy in Every Way”
Icebreakers
Use the questions below to get to know one
another and open up the meeting. It is helpful
to go around in a circle with the leader going
first. (Remember if you have new members or
guests, take a moment to introduce everyone).
1. Tell the group about a vacation you’ve
taken. Where did you go and what did
you enjoy most?
2. If you had 7 days off and could go
anywhere and do anything (and it would
be paid for) where would you go and
what would you do?
AGENDA
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3. When you were a teenager, what were
some things you liked to do for fun?
Allow people to arrive, talk, and snack – 10-15 min
Open in prayer – 30 sec
Have everyone answer one of the Icebreaker questions above. – 10-15 min
Show DVD (Week 3 video) – 10 min
Discussion – 30-40 min
Prayer & Worship – 15-20 min
Ask for volunteers for the different roles within the group (see below) – 5-10 min
DISCUSSION
We live in a time and culture where many people feel like there are just not enough hours in the
day for all they have to do. Many wrestle with the busyness of life, handling hurry, handling
stress, and handling the pressures of life.
If we are not careful, the stress and busyness of life can be overwhelming. When this happens,
we can live a life different than what God intended for us. This week's sermon talked about how
Jesus understood his purpose in life, his priorities in life, and how to focus on what is important.
If we live our lives out of balance, then we can become emotionally drained. God did not intend
for our lives to always operate in the red. We need to balance work, play, and rest. We need
time to recharge our batteries. In our fast paced culture, this can be difficult to do. And we can
quickly feel the effects of a life in overload. Today we are going to look at some of Jesus’
teachings on this subject and then discuss how we can practically apply this to our lives.
CHRIST THE KING CHURCH
WEEK 3
1. When we look at Jesus’ life, we see that Jesus made time for rest. If Jesus did, that means we
must also make time for rest! When Jesus saw this need in others, he invited them to get some
rest. Have someone read Mark 6:31. Why do you think it is so hard for some people to find time
to rest, especially when it is so needed?
2. There is a saying: “Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its
strength.” If this is true, why do so many find themselves worrying?
3. A key to slowing down in life is TRUST. We must ask ourselves if we are willing to trust God
with our lives and our schedules and all the things we have to do. Have someone read Matthew
11:28-30. How do Jesus’ words encourage you? Do you ever find this teaching difficult to apply
to your life personally? Why or why not?
4. Stress has the power to derail your life. What kinds of activities deplete you emotionally? (i.e.
what “drains your batteries?”)
5. What activities replenish you emotionally? (i.e. what “recharges your batteries?”)
6. What activities do you currently do to try to replenish yourself but, instead, may be counterproductive and may actually NOT be replenishing you?
7. Take a moment to write down what you feel are the highest priorities in your life:
Next, examine how you spend your time. Does the way you spend your time truly reflect your
priorities or are you out of balance?
Are there any “nonessentials” in your life that you should eliminate?
8. Do you feel that you allow enough time in your daily schedule for God, your family, yourself,
and others? If not, what is one change you can make this week?
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CHRIST THE KING CHURCH
WEEK 3
WORSHIP
If your group has a worship leader, pick a couple songs, or feel free to practice another
form of worship (reading a Psalm, sharing a testimony, praises, etc.) as time permits.
PRAYER
Take time to share prayer requests. The group will pray for anyone that needs lifted up
in prayer, but no one should leave the group with a heavy burden on their heart that did
not get prayed for. Have someone write down the prayer requests. If the group is large,
consider breaking down into smaller subgroups to allow enough time for people to
share and pray. When you are ready to pray, allow time for different people to take
turns praying. Ask someone to close (all they have to say is “Amen”).
PITCHING IN TO HELP
Healthy small groups are like healthy families. If everyone pitches in and helps, it's a
great experience. If one person does it all, it can overburden that person and rob the
rest of the group of their opportunity to grow in the use of their gifts. To that end, we
ask Small Groups to promote a culture of shared leadership.
SIGN-UP VOLUNTEERS FOR WEEK 4
Facilitate Discussion:
__________________________
Host:
__________________________
Snacks (optional):
__________________________
Ice Breaker:
__________________________
Prayer:
__________________________
Worship:
__________________________
Childcare (if needed):
__________________________
Service Project Coordinator (Week 6):
__________________________
(Talk to your group leader for ideas)
Fun Event Coordinator (Week 8):
__________________________
(e.g. cookouts, game night, etc.)
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