October 25th, 2026
Cart Before the Horse - Week 4
Getting Closer to God
1.) Recognize the Emptiness
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV
2.) Put God First
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
3.) Stay Connected to Jesus
John 15:5 NIV
Life Group Study Guide Week 4
Pre-Decide: Getting Closer to God
Key Scriptures
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” -Matthew 6:33 NIV
- They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. -Acts 2:42-43 NIV
- “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 NIV
- “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” -John 15:4 NIV
Talk it Over
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
- What are some of the different activities you spend time on throughout the week?
Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.
- Which part of this message was the most impactful for you and why?
- Read Acts 2:42-43. What does it mean to be devoted to Jesus? How does your life compare to the lives of these early followers of Christ?
- When you think about Jesus calling Himself the vine and us the branches, what does that bring up for you?
Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.
- What are some ways that you practice being devoted to Jesus throughout the week? Talk about some differences between being partially devoted and fully devoted.
- Describe a time or moment when you felt close to God. How does that time compare to your life right now, and what might need to change in your life to begin feeling close to God again?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
- Father, we want to be fully devoted to You. We know that we won’t grow close to You by accident, so please help us pre-decide now to put You first in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Take this opportunity to pre-decide a time, place, and plan for meeting with God. Then, apply those decisions to your life this week.
- Start the Habits Bible Plan using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/habits
- Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend or with a Local Mission Partner.
Cart Before the Horse - Week 4
Getting Closer to God
1.) Recognize the Emptiness
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV
2.) Put God First
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
3.) Stay Connected to Jesus
John 15:5 NIV
Life Group Study Guide Week 4
Pre-Decide: Getting Closer to God
Key Scriptures
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” -Matthew 6:33 NIV
- They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. -Acts 2:42-43 NIV
- “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 NIV
- “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” -John 15:4 NIV
Talk it Over
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
- What are some of the different activities you spend time on throughout the week?
Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.
- Which part of this message was the most impactful for you and why?
- Read Acts 2:42-43. What does it mean to be devoted to Jesus? How does your life compare to the lives of these early followers of Christ?
- When you think about Jesus calling Himself the vine and us the branches, what does that bring up for you?
Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.
- What are some ways that you practice being devoted to Jesus throughout the week? Talk about some differences between being partially devoted and fully devoted.
- Describe a time or moment when you felt close to God. How does that time compare to your life right now, and what might need to change in your life to begin feeling close to God again?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
- Father, we want to be fully devoted to You. We know that we won’t grow close to You by accident, so please help us pre-decide now to put You first in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Take this opportunity to pre-decide a time, place, and plan for meeting with God. Then, apply those decisions to your life this week.
- Start the Habits Bible Plan using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/habits
- Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend or with a Local Mission Partner.