Discussion Guide | Nov. 16, 2025

November 17th, 2025

Introduction

"What's in Your Backpack?" - Sermon Summary

What are you beholding in your spiritual life? This week, Pastor Jeff challenges us to "tune into the right station" so that we can God more clearly. He warns us against spiritual drift that occurs when we become tired and begin compromising our standards, gradually accumulating spiritual 'baggage' that weighs us down. Using the illustration of collecting items in a backpack, he demonstrates how small compromises can accumulate over time, hindering our walk with God. The message emphasizes that freedom comes through surrendering these burdens to Jesus rather than trying to manage them through our own strength or religious efforts.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You this morning asking that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to speak to us today. Help us to set aside our own understanding and preconceptions, and give us ears to hear Your voice clearly. We pray that You would reveal any areas in our lives where we have drifted from Your best for us, and give us the courage to respond to Your gentle correction. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to be honest with ourselves and with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one brand logo or company that you can always recognize immediately, even from a distance? What makes it so memorable to you?

Main Study

Key Verses

Proverbs 3:5-6
Acts 17:28
Romans 12:2
Romans 12:9
Proverbs 14:12
Luke 9:23
James 4:7-10
John 10:10

Questions

Pastor Jeff talked about 'spiritual drift' that happens when we become tired. Can you think of a time when weariness led you to make compromises in your spiritual life?
What does it mean to 'lean not on your own understanding' in practical, everyday situations? How do you distinguish between godly wisdom and human reasoning?
The sermon mentioned that we tend to settle for what's easy or convenient. What are some areas where you've noticed this tendency in your own spiritual walk?
How do you define what is 'evil' in your life? What helps you discern between what seems right and what actually is right according to God's standards?
Pastor Jeff asked, 'What have you been beholding?' What are you currently focusing on or consuming that might be influencing your spiritual health?
Discuss the backpack illustration. What are some 'items' that people commonly carry that weigh down their spiritual walk without them realizing it?
Why do you think we sometimes try to 'clean up' our spiritual baggage rather than actually getting rid of it? What's the difference between managing sin and surrendering it?
The message emphasized that 'freedom begins when we stop carrying things that don't belong to us.' What does this look like practically in your daily life?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area where you feel the Holy Spirit is asking you to 'lay down your backpack.' Write it down and carry that reminder with you. Each day, when you feel drawn back to that old pattern or compromise, surrender it to Jesus again and ask Him to show you a glimpse of the freedom He has for you. At the end of the week, reflect on what you learned about God's faithfulness and your own spiritual patterns.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Spiritual drift happens gradually when we become tired and start compromising our standards, often without realizing it
We must 'dial in' to God's frequency rather than relying on our own understanding, especially during difficult seasons
Small compromises accumulate over time like items in a backpack, eventually hindering our spiritual walk and effectiveness
True freedom comes through surrendering our burdens to Jesus, not through managing them with religious effort or willpower
God has specific plans and promises for each person, but we must be willing to lay down what's weighing us down to step into His best

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of honest reflection and discussion. We acknowledge that we all carry things that don't belong to us - burdens, compromises, and patterns that hinder our walk with You. We thank You that You came not to condemn us, but to offer us freedom and abundant life. Help us to have the courage to surrender what You're asking us to lay down, and give us strength to walk in the freedom You've provided. As we go from this place, keep our hearts tender to Your voice and help us to encourage one another in this journey. We trust that You are faithful to complete the good work You've started in each of us. In Your precious name, Amen.

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