So often we have a battle with how to hold onto the hope that Jesus provides through his resurrection and the promise of eternal life. This repeatedly shows up as a battle in our minds, as we struggle with fear, worry, anger, anxiety, resentment, loneliness, and more. But we know that God desires more for us. He is the one who can change our outlook so we can experience a life full of joy that is not dependent on our circumstances, peace that passes all understanding, and a confidence that is rooted in the truth of eternity. Through this seven week series called “On the Road with Jesus,” we'll learn to navigate the detours, hazards, off ramps, congestion, and bad directions that try to limit our journey in life.

Week 7 | The Destination

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14, 19-21 NLT

Memory Verse:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

Questions to consider:

• What is one question about your faith you have struggled/struggle with? How have you gone about finding answers?

• Read Philippians 4:13. How is this verse sometimes misinterpreted? How does the life of Paul change the context of this verse?

• How have the forces of this world tried to take your eyes off of Jesus? What are some of the common things that we encounter in life that try to distract us from him?

• Can you identify areas of your life where you have a bias? How can we - as followers of Jesus - become more aware of our biases and let Jesus transform our minds?

Week 6 | Staying Power

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Memory Verse:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Questions to consider:

• When you hear the word habit, what emotions does it evoke?

• When can a habit lead to freedom and when can it lead to bondage?

• What has been your experience of reading the Bible and praying? Is it:

  • Fake it until you make it

  • I have been a lifelong student

  • Avoid it at all cost

  • None of the above

• Where do you see that some of your habits have led to shame, fear, or a difficult relationship with control?

• Who is someone you admire that seems to have good habits that you would like to learn from? Will you initiate a conversation to learn from their experience this week?

Week 5 | Gridlock: When Life Gives Us No Way Out

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-10

Memory Verse:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

Questions to consider, please use this resource guide:

• When you consider Jesus words "I am the way, the truth, and the life" which one of these words describing Jesus do you tend to apply to your life first?  Why?

• Does your participation in church look different than any other community you are a part of? Why or why not?

• Paul warns us from worldly based philosophies, traditions, and elements that can distract us from Jesus' way.  What is one distraction that consistently leaves you hitting a wall and keeping you from living out God's purpose for your life. Share this with someone.

• What is one step that you would be willing take to help yourself live more fully in who God says you are?  Who could you walk with to follow through on that decision?

Week 4 | Construction Barriers

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-8

Memory Verse:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Questions to consider:

• As you reflect on your journey of faith, what are some barriers you have encountered along the way?

• Think about an experience you have had that has impacted your faith. How was that influenced by your belief and expectation of what will happen in the future?

• Is there a specific area of your life right now that continually frustrates you and you have given up hope?

• Is there one person that you could reveal a barrier that has prevented you from experiencing the abundant life that Jesus has for all of us?

• Pray 1 Peter 5:7 as a group, or individually, and ask God to allow His promis to permeate every thought that you are battling to overcome.

Week 3 | Dismantling Lies With Truth

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-5

Memory Verse:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14

Questions to consider:

• What is something someone said to you when you were young that impacted your life for a long time?

• Has there ever been a time when you discovered something you once thought was true was actually false? How did you react?

• There are many lies we accept as truth over time that impact our sense of value, worth, potential, and so much more. What is one thing you've come to believe about yourself that may not be true?

• Read Romans 6:6. Lies are birthed from our sinful human nature, so often what we believe as truth is the result of our fallen condition. This verse implies that in Christ we find a new eternal identity freed from the influences of sin. What is an area of your life into which you can Christ to transform and make new? 

• What thoughts are holding you back and making you feel unworthy of Christ's love? Read Ephesians 3:11-12. What does Christ offer in place of false narratives of self-criticism and shame?

Questions to consider:

• What’s a song that constantly gets stuck in your head?

• Think about a time you struggled with anxiety or toxic thoughts. What did you learn through that experience?

• Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. Where do you think your life is headed, based on your thoughts? Is there anything you would like to change about your destination?

• What stronghold is holding you back? What negative statement do you say about yourself, and how does it affect you?

• What truth demolishes that stronghold? How can you replace that negative statement with truth from Scripture?

Memory Verse:

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to the day of completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Questions to consider:

• Where do you often struggle in living out your faith?

• How have you approached these struggles in the past?

• Do you tend to ignore issues in your life, or face them head on?

• In Luke 24:15, on the Road to Emmaus, Jesus comes alongside two of His followers, but they do not recognize Him. Have you ever had an experience where you didn’t recognize Jesus, but later realized that it was Him that was walking alongside of you?

• What hope does it give you that we don’t have to escape to our own “Emmaus,” and we can begin to work through the road hazards of our own journey with Jesus alongside?

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