ACCELERATE Week 5
GOAL:
To understand the role prayer plays in creating a growing, relationship with God.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
What plans do you and your family have to make the most of the rest of summer?
What is one thing God has been speaking to you this summer during your prayer time?
REVIEW:
Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.
DISCUSSION
Prayer Equals Presence
References: Genesis 3:6-10, Luke 10:38-42
Why did Adam and Eve hide from God instead of going to Him when they sinned? Compare their response with the way people respond today.
Why do feelings of guilt keep people from praying to God and achieving intimacy with Him? How can you be sure that your prayer life is producing intimacy with God?
What else do you think keeps people from praying to God?
What effects do you feel when you aren’t engaging God in prayer on a regular basis? What effects do you feel when you are engaging God in prayer daily?
What do people allow to keep them from spending time with the Lord? What, if any, is the difference between serving the Lord and knowing the Lord?
How to Pray
Read: Matthew 6:5-15, Philippians 4:6
What instructions did Jesus give us regarding prayer? Why do you think he emphasized private prayer?
What are the benefits of private prayer compared with corporate prayer?
Based on Matthew 6:9-13, what components should make up our prayer life? Why do you think Jesus included each of these components and thought they were important?
Why does praying the way Jesus instructed help us accelerate into everything God has called us to? What other aspects of prayer that are not mentioned in Matthew 6 help us accelerate?
Read Philippians 6:4. Why is asking God for what you need such an important part of prayer? How does it help to ensure that you are always moving forward and accelerating?
How would you evaluate your prayer life on a scale of 1-10? What do you think you need to do to improve either the frequency or the quality of your prayer life?
ACT ON IT
Based on today’s discussion, evaluate your prayer life and look for an area to improve. For example, you might work on building consistency by praying 10 minutes every single day. Or, you might work on building in more time where you are listening to God and allowing Him to speak into different areas you might need to grow in. Write down what you intend to do, and put it in a place where you will see it everyday to hold yourself accountable.
BEFORE YOU CLOSE:
Read: Genesis 22, Isaiah 48:17
When we obey God and trust Him, He promises to take care of all of our needs. God is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. According to Isaiah 48:17, we know that God teaches to live in a way that prospers rather than harms us. So, we know that when we obey Him in the tithe and offering, He is teaching us a way to prosper, and He will back His Word!
If you haven’t already, take some time today to obey the Lord by giving your tithe or offering! Thank the Lord that He has given you the instructions you need to prosper! You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.
PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES
Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.
ACCELERATE Week 4
GOAL:
To understand the influence the Word of God has in accelerating us toward all that God has for us and our responsibility to pursue the Word of God every day.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
What topics do you and your family talk about most often?
What were your child’s first words? If you don’t have children, what were your first words?
REVIEW:
Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.
DISCUSSION
Set your mind
References: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Hebrews 4:12
How did Namaan initially respond to the prophet’s instructions? Why do you think he responded that way when he came to the prophet for help?
Why did Namaan change his mind and go to bathe in the Jordan river?
Describe a time when you saw someone reject the instructions of the Word of God. Why did that person reject God’s Word?
Why do you personally listen to and accept the Word of God? What do you do that proves that you accept the Word of God?
What do you believe is the purpose of the Word of God? Read Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, and Matthew 4:4 for ideas and references. How have you seen the Word be like a sword in your own life? How effective would the Word be if you did not put it into action?
How did acting on the Word accelerate Namaan’s life? Why do you think that acting on the Word will accelerate your life?
Take Over
Read: Deuteronomy 4:5-6, 9, Romans 9:6-8, Romans 10:1-13, 16
Why did Moses instruct the Israelites to constantly talk about the Words of God?
What effect have you found that meditating on the Word of God has in your life?
What happened to the Israelites when they stopped meditating on the Word of God? How did that affect their lives immediately, and how did it affect their entire people, even to this day?
Read Romans 9:6-8. Why are all Israelites not currently regarded as children of God? What role does the Word of God play in determining whether or not we are saved, regardless of if we are Jew or Gentile?
Compare and contrast the consequences the Israelites faced when they ignored the Word of God and the consequences we face when we ignore or fail to fully believe and act on the Word of God.
Think about the areas of your life that you want to accelerate in. (Finances, business, spiritual life, marriage, etc.) Share a verse or a promise from the Bible that you can meditate on and share with those around you to encourage your faith and accelerate the fruit of the Word of God in your life.
ACT ON IT
Where are you at in your dedication to the Word? How can you increase your dedication this week? For some members of your group, this may mean starting a daily Bible reading plan for the first time! For others, it may mean spending more time in the Word, studying it instead of simply reading it. For others still, it may mean focusing on applying the Word and standing on it every day of their life, and talking about it with their friends and family! Decide where you are at today and take a step toward better prioritizing the Word of God in your life!
BEFORE YOU CLOSE:
Read: Matthew 6:31-33
God’s will is never for us to worry. In fact, when we worry, we take our focus off God and become ineffective in pushing forward His Kingdom. When you put God’s kingdom first, by praying, by reading His Word, by winning souls, and by being faithful in the tithe and offering, you can be confident that God will provide for all of your needs!
Ask God what he would have you give today as an expression of your faith! Thank the Lord that He never changes and that He will fulfill all His promises to you as you give to Him! You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.
PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES
Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.
ACCELERATE Week 3
GOAL:
To understand the role our thoughts play in shaping our future and the rate at which we accelerate.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
Would you describe yourself as more of a dreamer or a doer? Why?
What was your dream job when you were a child? How has it changed since then?
REVIEW:
Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.
DISCUSSION
Set your mind
References: Colossians 3:1-3
What do you think the word “set” means in verse 1? What types of things should we set our thoughts on? Is “setting” our thoughts a temporary, or a permanent action?
What kinds of things occupy your thoughts? What would it look like for you to fix your thoughts on the things of God?
Why is it important not to dwell on Earthly things? Why does Paul point out that we have been raised to life with Christ?
What are the effects of thinking on Earthly things instead of Godly things?
What differences have you seen in your life, or the lives of people around you, when you are thinking on Earthly things or on Heavenly things?
Describe a time where thinking on the Word of God helped accelerate you spiritually, personally, or in the workplace.
Take Over
Read: Romans 12:12, 1 Samuel 17:20-50,
Read Romans 12:2. What are some of the behaviors and customs of the world that might hold us back from what God is calling us to do?
How many times did people try to discourage David from fighting Goliath? What excuses did they try to give him?
How was David able to go against the mentalities and customs of the people who were trying to discourage him from fighting Goliath?
Describe a time when you felt disqualified from something God was calling you to do? Did you change your mentality based on the word of God? Why or why not?
What scriptures do you use to align yourself with the Word of God? Ex. Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 3:12
How has/will understanding how God sees you helped you accelerate and do more for the Kingdom of God?
ACT ON IT
Evaluate your mindsets this week. Ask yourself what negative mindsets you have been allowing. Write down three verses from the Bible that are contrary to your thoughts and memorize them and meditate on them whenever you are tempted to dwell on that negative mindset.
BEFORE YOU CLOSE:
Read: Luke 6:46-48
Obedience is something that is very important to God. When we don’t obey him, we are building our life on a shaky foundation. However, when we obey God by following His commands, including honoring Him with the first 10% of what we earn, we are building our life on the promises, protection, and provision of God.
Ask God what he would have you give today as an expression of your faith! Thank the Lord that He never changes and that He will fulfill all His promises to you as you give to Him! You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.
PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES
Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need
ACCELERATE Week 2
GOAL:
To understand how to accelerate toward our destiny by overcoming difficult situations and establishing patterns that push us toward continuous success.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
What does freedom mean to you?
How do you and your family celebrate Independence Day?
REVIEW:
Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.
DISCUSSION
Stop the Excuses
References: Genesis 37:5-11, 39, 40:33
What was the significance of Joseph’s dreams? How did his dreams influence his understanding of his life and purpose?
Describe a time, whether spiritually or personally, where having a clear vision helped you carry out a project to completion. How does being connected to what God wants you to do help you accelerate?
What excuses could Joseph have made as to why he could not succeed? What excuses do people use as to why they are unable to grow their faith or overcome negative circumstances?
Why was Joseph getting closer to his destiny when it looked like he was getting farther away? How can you tell if you are getting closer to your own destiny?
Pass the Test
Read: John 21:15-17 Acts 2:14-15, 40-41
What did God “test” in Joseph’s life through his circumstances? What was the ultimate result of Joseph passing those tests?
What do you think it means to be tested? Are we tested by God, man, or the devil?
Review how Peter failed Jesus when Jesus was being crucified. What do you think would have happened to Peter if he had not chosen to be bold and address the crowd in Acts 2? How do you think God responds when we fail to follow his instructions or remain in when we are facing a challenge?
How did Peter respond to failure? How did Peter respond to success? How can we ensure that we use every situation to move into more faith and push forward to the purpose God has given us?
Why does obedience accelerate us toward our destiny? Share with the group a time where obedience either spiritually or personally helped push you forward into a new position or new season.
ACT ON IT
Think about the most recent opportunity you had to exercise your faith. Do you think that you “passed” or “failed” that test? Evaluate what you need to do to “pass” the next test that you face. Maybe you need to develop a new habit, or memorize more Bible verses to pray over yourself and your family. Share with someone close to you what you are going to do to set yourself up for success and ask them to help keep you accountable.
BEFORE YOU CLOSE:
Read: Galatians 6:7-9
When we give to God, we need to make sure that we believe what His word says. When we do, our gift becomes a seed, or a way that we express our faith. When God sees us give out of a desire to honor Him and show Him how much we believe His word, He desires to honor our faith! When we give to God and believe and do not give up, we know that we will see a harvest come forth in our life.
Ask God what he would have you give today as an expression of your faith! Thank the Lord that He never changes and that He will fulfill all His promises to you as you give to Him! You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.
PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES
Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need
ACCELERATE: Week 1
GOAL:
To understand what it means to run to win and how to measure our success as Christians.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
Would you describe yourself as a competitive person? Why or why not?
What is your favorite sport to watch?
REVIEW:
Ask Champion Group members to share some of their favorite points, examples, or questions from Sunday’s sermon. Use your own notes to help you recall your own favorite points and encourage your Champion Group members to take notes and reference them as well.
DISCUSSION
Run Your Race Well!
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Timothy 4:8-10
In what ways is our Christian life similar to a race? What does it mean to “run your race”?
What do you think the prize is that Paul is writing about?
What is the price of “running to win”? What do you think prevents people from “running to win”?
Why do you think Paul describes training for godliness as a “struggle” (1 Tim. 4:10 NLT)? How can we take authority over our fleshly desires and replace them with godliness?
Share one routine that you have in your life that helps you run your race well. How has your life changed since you implemented that habit or routine?
Biblical Examples: King David and King Solomon
Read: 1 Kings 3:4-15, 11:1-6
What habits did King David have that set him up for success? How did David succeed in the eyes of God even though he sinned and missed the mark? Do you think David ran his race successfully?
What habits did King Solomon have at the beginning of his reign? How did these habits influence his success?
What did Solomon allow to influence the way that he lived his life? How do you think this affected his habits and ultimately his ability to run his race? Do you think Solomon ran his race successfully? Why or why not?
How would you measure your success in running your race? Describe a time when you realized that you had to make a change and how that change helped you run your race well.
ACT ON IT
Pick one of the following habits that you want to start implementing this week to help you run your race well: fasting, daily Bible Reading, daily prayer, serving, or giving. Ask the Lord what area he wants you to work on and find someone, a spouse, mentor, or friend, to help hold you accountable as you begin this new habit!
BEFORE YOU CLOSE:
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6
God wants to see us prosper and increase in every area. However, we need to honor Him by being faithful to give both the tithe and the offering! When we give to God cheerfully, we show Him the true condition of our hearts. We show Him that we know that He is our source of provision!
If you haven’t already, take some time to obey God in the tithe this week and ask Him what He would have you give above the tithe. Thank the Lord that He never changes and that He will fulfill all His promises to you as you give to Him! You can do so by donating on the Champion Center App or through PushPay.
PRAYER, PRAYER REQUESTS, AND TESTIMONIES
Ask Champion Group members to share any prayer requests or testimonies they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week. Take time to pray and ask if anyone would like to receive salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, or prayer for a physical need.