Discussion Guide for Week of March 16, 2014 One Thing that Changes Everything Philippians 4:8-9 Intro:

We are not what we think we are what we THINK, we are. Our minds are filled with thoughts and opinions about the world around us, about others and about ourselves. Many of those thoughts are not accurate or healthy. When we intentionally filter our thinking through the qualities Paul identifies in this passage, everything can change! Opening Question: Life is a string of learning experiences, often with many surprises. Ask each one in your group to share one example where they experienced a big shift in their opinion of someone, or a change in the way they viewed the world around them an example of how they once thought one way, but now another.

Discussion Questions: (Select those that are most appropriate for your group.) 1. Do you agree with the premise that how we choose to think about something changes everything? 2. Why does the way we think about something really matter? 3. What other passages of scripture can you think of that address how we think? (Matthew 22:37, Romans 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Philippians 1:9, James 1:26) 4. Is this effort toward changing our thinking just a psychological technique, or is there something spiritual and substantive about it? 5. What are some examples of destructive patterns of thinking that individuals fall into? 6. Can one err on the side of thinking positive thoughts about someone or something? 7. What is one of your patterns of thinking that you sense you might need to reevaluate?

Ultimate Journey Step: Take a few moments for your group members to write in their Life Application Journal or bulletin, one step they might take as they apply this passage and grow more into Christs likeness.

Prayer: Suggest that in your prayer time you address your need to invite the Lord to reveal false or destructive patterns of thinking in your lives, perhaps by including Davids prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 . Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.