Discussion Guide | Jan. 25, 2026

January 26th, 2026

Introduction

"Matters of the Heart" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon explores the concept of spiritual heart health, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual heart disease. Pastor Bill examines the story of Jesus healing a blind man from John 9, highlighting how religious leaders (Pharisees) suffered from spiritual heart disease - prioritizing rules and religiosity over relationship with God.

Just as physical hearts need exercise, nutrition, and protection from hereditary factors, our spiritual hearts require faith exercise, biblical nutrition through prayer and scripture, and breaking generational curses. We must guard our hearts above all else and be people who act in faith rather than merely discuss or debate God's work.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us. Just as You searched the heart of David and called him a man after Your own heart, we ask that You would search our hearts today. Help us to be receptive to Your Word and open to the ways You want to speak to us through our time together. Remove any distractions or preconceptions, and let us hear Your voice clearly. We pray that our discussion would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing that requires regular maintenance in your life (like a car, garden, or hobby), and what happens when you neglect that maintenance?

Main Study

Key Verses

Proverbs 4:23
John 9:1-41
Psalm 139:23
Psalm 4:4

Questions

Pastor Bill mentions that David was called 'a man after God's own heart.' What do you think this phrase means, and how can we cultivate hearts that are after God's own heart?
In the story from John 9, the disciples wanted to discuss and debate about the blind man rather than help him. How can we avoid being people who just talk about needs rather than meeting them?
The sermon identifies three contributing factors to spiritual heart disease: lack of faith exercise, poor spiritual nutrition, and hereditary/generational issues. Which of these resonates most with your current spiritual condition?
The Pharisees couldn't recognize God's work because of their religious mindset. What are some ways that religious thinking can actually hinder our relationship with God?
The healed blind man progressed from calling Jesus a prophet to believing He was God to worshiping Him. What does this progression teach us about growing in our faith?
Pastor Bill mentions being 'the healer of the breach' in your family line. What generational patterns or issues do you feel called to break in your family?
Proverbs 4:23 says to 'guard your heart above all else.' What are some practical ways we can guard our hearts in today's world?
The blind man's simple testimony was 'I was blind, but now I see.' How would you describe your own before-and-after story with Jesus in simple terms?

Life Application

This week, commit to a daily 'heart check' by praying Psalm 139:23: 'Search me, O God, and know my heart.' Spend 5 minutes each day in quiet reflection, asking God to reveal any areas where your heart needs healing, cleansing, or realignment with His will. Write down what He shows you and take one specific action to address what He reveals.

More Sermon Study Guides

Closing

Key Takeaways

Spiritual heart health requires the same attention as physical heart health - exercise, nutrition, and addressing hereditary factors
Guarding our hearts should be our top priority according to Proverbs 4:23
Religious thinking can become a disease that prevents us from recognizing and participating in God's work
We should be people of action rather than just discussion when it comes to meeting needs and serving others
God can use us to be the 'healer of the breach' in our family lines, breaking generational curses and establishing blessings

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion around Your Word. We pray that the truths we've shared today would take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. Help us to be people who guard our hearts diligently, who act in faith rather than just talk about faith, and who recognize Your work in the world around us. Search our hearts, O God, and heal any areas that need Your touch. Make us people after Your own heart, and use us to bring healing and wholeness to our families and communities. We commit to walking closely with You this week. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

More Sermon Study Guides

Posted in Life Groups, Sermon Blog