1.7.2024 | Steve DeFrain | Ticking Time Bomb

Bible Passage:

Psalms 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalms 39:4-5 – ⁴ “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. ⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 ^– It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.

TIME TRUTHS… “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” – William Penn

(POINT ONE) TIME IS PRICELESSLY PRECIOUS 

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

James 4:13-16 – ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

(POINT TWO) YOU CAN’T SAVE IT, YOU CAN ONLY SPEND IT!  

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

(POINT THREE) THE QUESTION IS, ARE YOU WASTING OR INVESTING IT?

Ephesians 5:15-17 – ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

Introduction:

• Begin with a brief introduction to the discussion, setting the tone and purpose.
• Welcome the Group together and be intentional in starting your discussion time.
• State the title of the sermon and the specific Bible passage it was based on.

Key Points:

• Summarize the main points or key messages of the sermon.
• Highlight any memorable quotes or phrases from the sermon.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Discuss the Bible passage(s) that were used in this sermon.
• Explore the context and significance of the chosen scripture.

Personal Reflection:

• Share your personal thoughts and feelings about the sermon.
• How did the sermon impact you? What resonated with you?
• Were there any moments of conviction, inspiration, or clarity?

Discussion Questions:

Come up with a set of open-ended questions to facilitate discussion. These questions can help attendees engage with the sermon’s content on a deeper level.

Example questions:

1. What do you think Steve’s main message or takeaway was from the sermon?

2. How does the scripture relate to the sermon’s message?

3. Were there any practical applications or actionable insights that stood out to you?

4. Did the sermon challenge any of your beliefs or perspectives?

5. How can we apply the sermon’s teachings in our daily lives?

Encourage participants to share their thoughts, questions, or personal experiences related to the sermon.

Create an open and respectful environment for discussion.

Time of Group Sharing

Additional Resources:

• Provide information about any recommended books, articles, or further readings related to the sermon’s topic.
• Mention upcoming events or opportunities for Group members to explore the sermon’s theme further.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key takeaways from the discussion.
• Emphasize the importance of applying the sermon’s teachings in daily life.
• Announce any follow-up actions or future discussions related to the sermon.

Closing Prayer:

• Take the time to ask members of the Group if they have any prayer requests.
• Conclude the discussion with a brief prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in applying the sermon’s message to be on mission.