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CHeck yourself

September 6 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together.
If you’re launching a new Group, trust and friendship take time to build. Take turns each week having someone share a bit of their story.

Read Together: Ephesians 4:17–29 CSB

Following Jesus is all about change. Paul reminds us that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are called to leave behind our old way of living, be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new self—the identity God is forming in us. This kind of change isn't about simply trying harder; it's about allowing God to transform our thoughts, desires, words, and actions as we become more like Jesus. Because God loves us and desires more for us, He invites us to stay awake to the places in our lives that need to change and to walk in the freedom Jesus has already made possible.

The One Question:
If you only have time for one question, ask this one.

As you honestly check yourself, where do you sense God inviting you to grow or change right now?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your Group or for personal reflection.

Check Your Head
  1. What stands out to you most in this passage?
  2. Paul says the Gentiles live in the “futility of their thoughts” and are “darkened in their understanding.” What do you notice about the connection between what we believe and how we live?
  3. What kinds of thoughts or messages tend to occupy your mind most? How do you discern whether they are actually worth thinking?

Check Your Heart
  1. Paul describes people as having “hardness of heart” and becoming “callous.” What do you think it looks like for someone's heart to gradually become less responsive to God?
  2. Are there areas where you sense God has been prompting, correcting, or inviting you to change that you've been tempted to push aside?

Check Your Tongue
  1. Paul says our words should be “good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” Think about your conversations, texts, social media, humor, and sarcasm. Do your words tend to build people up or tear them down?

Check Your Hands
  1. Paul contrasts stealing with honest work that allows us to “have something to share with anyone in need.” How does this passage challenge the way you think about your time, work, money, and resources?
  2. Looking at your head, heart, tongue, and hands, which area feels like the most important place for you to take inventory right now? What might putting off the old self and putting on the new self look like there?

Pray Together:

  • Thank Jesus that He has made true change possible through the gospel.
  • Ask God to search your heart and reveal anything that needs to change.
  • Pray for renewed minds that recognize what is true and good.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to soften any places where your heart has become hardened or calloused.
  • Pray for words that build others up and give grace to those who hear.
  • Ask God to help you use your hands, work, time, and resources to bless others rather than simply serve yourself.
  • Thank God that His correction is an expression of His love and that He is forming you into the person He created you to be. 

Next Steps:

  • Pray “Search my heart”: Begin each day this week with Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, God, and know my heart.” Ask God to show you where He wants to work.
  • Do a four-part inventory: Take five minutes each day to ask: How are my thoughts? How is my heart? How are my words? How are my actions?
  • Catch one thought: When you notice a recurring negative, anxious, judgmental, or untrue thought, pause and ask whether it aligns with what God says is true.
  • Listen for the prompting: If the Holy Spirit brings a person, habit, conversation, or decision to mind, don't immediately push it away. Stop and ask what God may be inviting you to do.
  • Build someone up: Intentionally encourage one person this week with your words. Send a text, make a phone call, or tell someone specifically what you appreciate about them.
  • Practice generosity: Look for one practical way to use your time, money, work, or resources to meet someone else's need.