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Run to Win

Small Group Discussion

Guide

Dear Friend, Welcome and thank you for being a small group participant! The idea of small groups is not new, but was one of the core practices of the early church in the Book of Acts. Believers would gather regularly to learn the Word of God together and experience community. Disciples were made in this type of environment and became mightily used of God as a result. We believe the same results will take place for each of you. Together you will learn that, although we each have our individual lane of calling in which to run, we are not called to run alone. Our service “to” others has been designed to be done “with” others, thus, our learning and growth can be done with and through others as well. In the weeks ahead, expect to increase in knowledge, understanding and application of God’s Word in your daily life. This will occur as you set your heart to be a participant in the group assignments, discussions and activities. Your contribution will not only enhance your spiritual life, but the life of everyone in the group also. So, seize the opportunity to grow in friendship, fellowship, and faith. My prayer is that you will all discover your lane, and run with God and one another to the finish line. Run To Win! - Kenneth

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HOW TO USE THIS SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE The Run To Win Small Group Discussion Guide is a resource to enhance the spiritual truths communicated in the Run To Win book. Therefore, the guide must be used in conjunction with the reading of the book from which it was based. These instructions will provide guidelines for effective use for your small group and should be reviewed in the first meeting of the group.

1.  READ THE CHAPTER – The group discussions are based on the content

and verses that appear in each chapter. Therefore, it is essential to read the chapter first before beginning with the discussion. The small group leader will determine if the group should read the chapter prior to each time the group meets, or, if the chapter will be read together at the time the group meets. The former would be more effective if there are time restraints on how long the group will meet, but either can work well and will not hinder the discussion.

2.  OPEN IN PRAYER – Since the purpose of the small group discussion is

discipleship and spiritual growth, prayer will invite God’s Presence into the discussion to direct and illuminate the hearts and minds of the participants. This will also provide an opportunity for the small group leader to elect a person to pray at the beginning of each meeting. An opportunity such as this will help each person grow in their faith regarding learning to pray “publicly” in a small group setting.

3.  KEY THOUGHT – At the end of each chapter there are “Thoughts On

Training To Win”. These vary in number based on the content of each chapter and are provided to provoke thought and action. Follow the proper numeric order of each thought provided as you begin your discussion. The group leader can read the key thought or assign a group member to do so.

4.  KEY VERSE – Once the key thought has been read, the small group

leader or another member of the group should read the key verse provided in their small group guide. The key verse is taken from the chapter which was read and is provided to inspire discussion. A majority of the time the verse is taken from the chapter itself, or is in line with the main thought(s) of the chapter. All the verses used are taken from the New King James Version.

5.   SUPPORTING VERSES – The truth stated in the key verses are

supported by others in the bible which communicate the same or a similar

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truth. These verses will prove helpful for personal study, meditation, and group discussions when needed. The verses used are taken from the New King James Version.

6.  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS – A discussion question(s) has been

provided for each key thought at the end of the chapter. These questions are the tools that will provoke thought, insight, and discussion around the biblical truth of the key verse. The interaction of each group member will increase the learning of not only the individual, but also of the group.

7.  ACTION ITEMS – At the end of every discussion, an action item(s) is

given to activate the teaching of God’s Word in each group member’s life. Some of the items require immediate action while in the group, while others are to be practiced upon your return home. Whether the action item is to be acted upon during the group time or later, the purpose is to begin these actions so they can become regular practices in your life. Notes can be taken as to “how” and “when” these action items can be done in your life.

8.   END OF CHAPTER CHALLENGE – The purpose of this section is to help

each group member streamline his selection of which action items to choose from. This will enhance individual focus and commitment to the practice of the chosen action items. This does not mean the other action items should not be implemented; they can be worked on after the initial choice has been carried out. In most of the chapters the choice will be to select two out of three or two out of four possible action items. Chapters four and eight do not have this component because they have a smaller amount of action items from which to choose. At the conclusion of the small group, the participant should have implemented sixteen different action items.

9.  ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER – An accountability partner should be

chosen at the beginning of the group. This will work best if a man is paired with another man and a woman pairs with another woman. If a group member does not have another partner within the group, then that individual must select another friend and inform him of the action items so there can be accountability. The purpose of an accountability partner is for contact within the week prior to the next group meeting to make sure each person is successfully applying the action items. Additional discussion and prayer can also be implemented during these conversations. These moments of sharing have no length-of-time requirement.

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Chapter 1 We Are In A Race

GROUP DISCUSSION Key Thought #1: Meditate on the truth that, as a Christian, you are in a race. Key Verses: A - 1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27 “24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” B - Hebrews 12: 1-2 “1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Supporting Verses: Acts 20:24, Philippians 2:16, 2 Timothy 4:7 Discussion Question: How does viewing your life as a race change your perspective on how you live? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 1.1: Commit to spend three minutes in the morning and evening meditating on the key verses. Key Thought #2: Remember that you can live and serve in such a way so as to win God’s eternal prize. Key Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Supporting Verses: Matthew 25:14-23, Luke 19:12-19, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Peter 5:4 Discussion Questions: 1. Based on the key verse, how do you fight the good fight? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2. Has there ever been a time where you were tempted to let go of your faith in God? Briefly explain. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Action Item 1.2: Reflect upon your current life. Write down “the thing” that would stop you from finishing what God has placed in your heart. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Key Thought No. 3: Seek to compliment and edify fellow Christians and churches, as opposed to comparing them and/or competing with them. Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:12 “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” Supporting Verses: Romans 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Galatians 6:10, Philippians 1:15-18 Discussion Questions: 1.   In your opinion, why do Christians compete with one another? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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2.   How can you help to promote and improve the mission of your church? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 1.3: Think of one specific person and one specific way you can practically help that person. Determine to carry out that idea within the next week. Key Thought #4: Winning your race begins with growing and going towards spiritual maturity. Key Verse: 1 Peter 2:2 ”…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby.” Supporting Verses: Romans 8:29, Ephesians 4:13-16, Hebrews 5:12-14, James 1:22 Discussion Question: Discuss what spiritual maturity looks like and how one grows spiritually. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 1.4: Determine to implement a previously discussed practice that will cause you to grow spiritually. Chapter One Challenge: Write down TWO of the FOUR action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When completed, share with the group. Discuss your progress with your accountability partner at least one time within the next week. 1.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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Chapter 2 Look At The Winner GROUP DISCUSSION

Key Thought #1: Purpose to look at Jesus, which means turning your eyes and mind away from other distractions and fixing them on God’s Word. Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 - 2 “1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Supporting Verses: Proverbs 4:20-22, Matthew 14:22-30, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 11:27 Discussion Questions: 1.   According to this chapter, why does Hebrews 11:27 give us the directive

to look at Jesus? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   Discuss your major distraction(s) when it comes to giving your

undivided attention to the Word. __________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 2.1: Set a daily amount of time to read the Word. Consider this a priority and develop a plan to be consistent. Key Thought #2: Starting today, remove all possible distractions during your daily Bible reading, thus giving it your full attention. Key Verse: Luke 4:16 “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” Supporting Verses: Acts 17:11, Colossians 4:16, 1 Timothy 4:13 Discussion Question: What steps can you take to remove distractions that hinder you from applying God’s Word in your daily life? How can you turn your eyes and mind away from distractions in order to focus on God’s Word? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Items 2.2: List the areas for which you are thankful. Purpose to wake up five minutes earlier for one week to thank God for His goodness. 1. _________________________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________ 4. _________________________________________________________ 5. _________________________________________________________ Key Thought #3: Remember that God expects His leaders to be examples of godliness for those they are called to serve. Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” Supporting Verses: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:12, James 3:1, 1 Peter 5:3 Discussion Question: Share the impact a leader’s life has had on you because of his/her example. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 2.3: Contact a person who has been an example in your life and thank them for following Christ. Key Thought #4: Define a Christ-like quality in one of your spiritual leaders/mentors that you would like to emulate. Key Verse: Philippians 4:9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Supporting Verses: 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, 2 Timothy 3:10, Hebrews 6:12; 13:7 Discussion Question: Discuss why the Christ-like quality you have seen in your spiritual leaders/mentors is important to you. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Action Item 2.4: Consider one specific lifestyle change you can make to emulate a Christ-like quality of one of your spiritual leaders/mentors. Write down what this will look like in your life. _____________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Chapter Two Challenge: Write down TWO of the FOUR action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When finished, share with the group. 1.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Chapter 3 Run Your Race

GROUP DISCUSSION Key Thought #1: Close your eyes and imagine standing before Jesus as He asks about your life on earth. Key Verses: A - Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” B - 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Supporting Verses: 2 Chronicles 26:16-21, Psalm 33:15, Romans 11:29 Discussion Question: Describe what you think it will be like to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 3.1: Write out two questions you believe Jesus will ask you at the Judgment Seat and what your two responses will be. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Key Thought #2: Realize your lane is filled with good works to serve others and that they are prepared beforehand by the Lord. Key Verse: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Supporting Verses: Matthew 5:16, 1 Timothy 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:21 Discussion Question: What type of good works have you realized God has done through you? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 3.2: Write down the good works you enjoy the most, and why. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Key Thought #3: Learn from Uzziah about the importance of remaining in your calling while you maintain a humble heart. Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 “16 But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the LORD — valiant men. 18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the LORD God.” 19 Then Uzziah became furious; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead, before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the incense altar.20 And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and there, on his forehead, he was leprous; so they thrust him out of that place. Indeed he also hurried to get out, because the LORD had struck him. 21 King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He dwelt in an isolated house, because he was a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD. Then Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.” Supporting Verse: Proverbs 11:14, Romans 11:13, 1 Peter 5:5-6

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Discussion Question: Try to define God's calling on your life. Articulate it to your group. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Action Item 3.3: Talk to a friend or leader and discuss what you are certain of regarding your calling. Key Thought #4: Consider that God has fashioned you individually and that being yourself shows the uniqueness of His grace in your life. Key Verse: Psalm 33:15 “He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” Supporting Verses: Jeremiah 1:5, Romans 12:4, 1 Peter 4:10 Discussion Question: Since God has fashioned your heart individually, describe two unique expressions of God's grace noted by things you do well. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Action Item 3.4: Write out a list of five positive attributes that you have recognized within your life (consider the compliments and encouragement others have shared with you). _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Chapter Three Challenge: Write down TWO of the FOUR action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When finished, share with the group. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Chapter 4 Finding Your Lane

GROUP DISCUSSION Key Thought #1: Settle in your heart that you can understand God's plan (lane) for your life. Key Verse: Ephesians 5:17 "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Supporting Verses: Psalm 40:8, Romans 12:1-2, Acts 13:22, Acts 16:6-10 Discussion Question: What are some common doubts that must be overcome in order to settle and accept the knowledge of God's will for your life? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 4.1: Find 3-5 verses in the Bible which expressly state God's will (i.e. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Key Thought #2: Find your lane by committing to do the following: 1 - Ask God

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2 - Find yourself in the Word of God 3 - Acknowledge the inward witness 4 - Follow strong desire 5 - Receive revelation / vision from God 6 - Assess where you are fruitful in serving 7 - Get confirmation from your church leadership Key Verse: Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Supporting Verses: Numbers 17:1-8, Psalm 37:4, Psalms 40:8, Proverbs 29:18, Isaiah 28:9-10, John 15:16, Acts 6:6 and 7:23, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 16:6-10 and 17:11, Romans 8:14, 16, Ephesians 5:17, Colossians 1:9-10, Philippians 2:13, 1 John 5:10 Discussion Question: 1.   Which of the seven areas listed would you choose to commit to first?

2. Provide a brief explanation. ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

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Action Item 4.2: Make a verbal commitment to begin implementing three of the seven steps to finding your lane. Write them down and share with your accountability partner. _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

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Chapter 5 How To Run My Race GROUP DISCUSSION

Key Thought #1: Ask yourself, “What weights in my life need to be laid aside?” Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”. Supporting Verses: Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, 1 Peter 2:1 Discussion Question: What are the differences between “weights” and the “sin” described in Chapter 5? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 5.1: Identify two weights in your life and determine to lay them down. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

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Key Thought #2: Understand that sin does not have dominion over you because of Christ’s work on the cross. Key Verse: Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Supporting Verses: Romans 6:2, Romans 6:18, 1 John 1:9 Discussion Question: Sin no longer has dominion over you. Name one way to combat the temptation to sin. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 5.2: Spend 15 minutes per day for the next two days meditating on the Key verse and also its supporting verses. Write down what the Holy Spirit reveals to you during this time. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Key Thought #3: Remember that a “Marathon mindset” equates to the qualities of endurance, consistency, and perseverance. Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Supporting Verses: 2 Timothy 2:3, Hebrews 10:36, and Hebrews 12:3 Discussion Question: What keys are mentioned Chapter 5 that might help you think differently about your life as Christian? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 5.3: Pray about an area where you demonstrate anxiety. Write it down and confide in a friend for ongoing accountability. Key Thought #4: Be determined to endure God’s discipline in your life, in order to yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

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Key Verse: Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Supporting Verses: John 15:1-3, Hebrews 12:5-7, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Discussion Question: Why is it so difficult to let go of the unfruitful and unproductive areas of our lives? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 5.4: Discuss with a group member an area where the Lord disciplined you and what the results have been like for you. Key Thought #5: Practice accountability from the bottom-up. Key Verse: Galatians 2:1-2 “1Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.”

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Supporting Verses: Romans 13:7, Romans 14:10-12, Hebrews 4:13 Discussion Question: Would the practice of accountability from the bottom-up be a challenge for you? Why or why not? ___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 5.5: Think of a current situation where you can communicate the status of a task with a leader on your job, church, or organization. Chapter Five Challenge: Write down TWO of the FIVE action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When finished, share with the group. 1.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Chapter 6 Win

GROUP DISCUSSION Key Thought #1: Consider a circumstance in your life today. Which promise of God can you apply by obeying the truth? Key Verse: Galatians 5:7 “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” Supporting Verses: John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, 3 John Discussion Question: According to this chapter, who or what has ever “cut into your lane” as you were obeying biblical truth? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 6.1: Write down how you can avoid being coaxed into disobedience. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Key Thought #2: Stir yourself to live for God and to serve God wholeheartedly. Do it regardless of position or audience. Do it solely to serve Jesus. Key Verse Colossians 3:23-24 “23And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Supporting Verses: Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:17, 2 Timothy 1:6 Discussion Question: How do you practically motivate yourself to live for God and continually serve Him? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 6.2: Based on the group discussion, write down two ideas that you can practice to stay motivated for the Lord. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Key Thought #3: Remember, temperance or abstinence, applies to every indulgence that would render the body weak. Where can you apply temperance today? Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” Supporting Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:12, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 1:7 Discussion Questions: 1.   What have you done in the past to deny yourself from indulging in your

area of weakness?

_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ 2.   How can you be more successful in your efforts? _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Action Item 6.3: Take a moment today to write down your area of weakness and a two step plan (with God’s help) to begin abstinence. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Key Thought #4: Exercise focus and gratitude as God promotes you. Do not give attention to those whom you may have advanced passed in this process. Key Verse: Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Supporting Verses: Psalm 75:6-7, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 12:2 Discussion Question: Why is it important to be thankful to God for any progress or promotion in your life? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 6.4: Reflect on a specific area of progress in your life or a recent promotion and take five to ten minutes to give thanks to the Lord. Key Thought #5: Contemplate upon the fact that you can receive a full reward for finishing the work that God has called you to do. This will determine your authority throughout eternity.

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Key Verse: 2 John 8 “Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.” Supporting Verses: 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 22:12 Discussion Question: What hinders you from completing things you begin? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Action Items 6.5: 1.   Ask yourself this question; “Is there anything the Lord has placed in my

heart to do, that I have not completed?

2.   Based on your response to question 1, create an action plan in order to complete what has been unfinished up to this point.

Key Thought #6: Be faithful in the small things because this is the catalyst of God’s movement forward for your life. Key Verse: Luke 19:17 “And he said to him, well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.”

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Supporting Verses: Zechariah 4:10, Matthew 25:21, 1 Timothy 1:12 Discussion Question: What is your attitude when given an insignificant task, versus a more significant and notable task? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Items 6.6: Think of an area of life where you have not been faithful “in little”. Share with the group and then write a statement of commitment to become faithful. Chapter Six Challenge: Write down THREE of the SIX action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When finished, share with the group. 1.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________ 3.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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Chapter 7 God Runs To You

GROUP DISCUSSION

Key Thought #1: Remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is with you today, just as Jesus was with His disciples. Key Verse: John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever." Supporting Verses: Matthew 28:20, John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5-6, Romans 8:31 Discussion Question: Name two benefits of the Holy Spirit being with you. __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 7.1: Starting today, verbally acknowledge to yourself that the Holy Spirit is with you. Practice this in the morning and evening. Key Thought #2: Know that God will strengthen you if you've fallen, so that you can rise up and continue to run your race.

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Key Verse: Proverbs 24:16 "For a righteous man may fall seven times yet rises again and is restored." Supporting Verses: Psalm 37:23-24, Matthew 14:22-31, 2 Corinthians 12:9 Discussion Question: How has God strengthened you when you have fallen? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 7.2: Pray for God's strength for yourself and your accountability partner according to Ephesians 3:16 and Galatians 1:11. Practice this for the next seven days. Key Thought #3: Meditate on the truth that God runs to help you and will not judge but restore you. Key Verse: Luke 15:20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him."

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Supporting Verses: Luke 22:31-32, John 21:4-19, 1 John 1:9 Discussion Question: According to the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24), why didn't the father judge the son? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 7.3: Meditate on either Romans 8:1 or Galatians 6:1 for the next five minutes. Write down any thoughts from the Lord during this time. Chapter Seven Challenge: Write down TWO of the THREE action items that you will commit to begin practicing. When finished, share with the group. 1.   __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 2.   __________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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Chapter 8 Entering The Race

GROUP DISCUSSION Key Thought #1: You cannot win your race if you have not entered the race. Key Verse: Romans 10:9 "…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Supporting Verses: John 1:12-13, John 3:16, Romans 10:13 Discussion Question: Has everyone accepted Jesus Christ into their heart? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Action Item 8.1: If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ, sincerely pray the prayer at the end of Chapter 8 to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If there is not a group member who is in need of this prayer, do the following: 1.   Think of an unsaved family member, friend, or neighbor.

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2.   As a group, pray that God would open up a door for you to speak with this individual.

3.   Commit to reach out to this individual and to talk with them. Trusting God for an opportunity to talk with them about Him.

A.  Write down when you will contact this individual.

B.  Write down how you will contact this individual.

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