I Will Put God First
Gen. 2:18-25, Matt. 6:33, Mark 12:30 (NLT)
1. Welcome & Connection
Have everyone share a highlight and a challenge from their week.
Follow-up: Last week we ended by asking what God was leading you to do. Did you take a step toward that? How did it go?
2. Engage with the Message
What stood out to you from this week's message?
Was there a specific scripture, quote, or idea that challenged or encouraged you?
3. Dive Into Scripture
Genesis 2:18-25 (NLT)
18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
19So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one.
20He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.
21So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening.
22Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
23“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”
24This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
25Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
30And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’
1 John 4:19 (NLT)
19We love each other because he loved us first.
What does this passage reveal about God?
What does it reveal about humanity?
4. Reflect on Discipleship Focus
Follow Jesus: What does it look like practically to seek God first in your marriage or life?
Be Changed by Jesus: In what ways do you need to trust God to provide everything you need as you live righteously? (Matthew 6:33)
On Mission with Jesus: Where has God been second (or less) in your priorities and what changes do you need to make?
5. Pray & Apply
What is God asking your next step of application to be this week? Pray together for each other's application.
Leader Note: Write down the application/prayer for everyone to reference next week.