July 21st- July 26th Life Group Notes

July 17th, 2025
by Nancy Wiltshire

Being Changed By Jesus' Words- "Store Up Treasure in Heaven and Don't Worry"

Matthew 6:19-34

LEADERS - Take attendance in the TLC app. Read group guidlines.

Open in Prayer

Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?

Does anyone have a God story? An undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in your day-to-day life. These moments can be extraordinary or very humble, but always personally powerful.

Opening Question: If you were walking on a beach and found an old chest, what would you hope you would find inside?
Share background for the passage: This is one of Jesus’ sermons on not worrying about how you will live, and making sure our treasures are heavenly focused without earthly worries.
Thought/Focus: Jesus is teaching us to get our priorities of living straight. We should trust in God for everything we need.
Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: Matthew 6:19-34

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

In our society, how is success generally measured?
Do you ever feel pressured to meet the standards set by the world?
What alternatives does Jesus propose with respect to treasures? Vs. 19-20
If Jesus were to analyze your life, what do you think he would say your treasures are?
Read vs 22-23. Explain what you think Jesus is talking about concerning the light and darkness of the eyes.
According to Jesus, what are we to seek in place of food and clothes? What results come from seeking this?
What is one thing you can do this week to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”?
What do you worry most about? What is God saying to you through this passage about handling your particular worry or disappointment? Will you try to change your focus?

Next week's passage/story: Matthew 7:1-12
Select someone to tell next week's story
Dismiss in Prayer

Life Group Guidelines

This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some group guidelines that will help create a safe environment.

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.

LISTEN: Let's value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond or what you are going to say next.

PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give
encouragement, empathize, point to Jesus. You may share solutions God has led you through. The other person should never feel shame or failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.

SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share.

SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone else to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are personally affecting the environment through your words, actions, and non-verbal communication.

"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.

FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between group members, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues. We will fight for relationship. I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others.)