REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

Got Distractions?

ICEBREAKER: What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

DEFINITION: Distraction

1. a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.

synonyms:: diversion, interruption, disturbance, interference, hindrance

2. a diversion or recreation.

synonyms:: amusement, entertainment, diversion, recreation, leisure pursuit, divertissement

3. extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.

synonyms: frenzy, hysteria, mental distress, madness, insanity, mania;

NOTES:

· Bathsheba was David's distraction

· Wind and waves were Peter's distractions

· Money was Judas’ distraction

· Bitterness was Jonah's distraction

· Wine was Noah's distraction

· Doubt was Thomas' distraction

· Jealousy was Cain's distraction

· Anger was Moses’ distraction

· Rejection was Absolom's distraction

How do you know a diversion has become a distraction?

1. Distractions can rob you of precious time.

2. Distractions can detour you off your destiny

3. Distractions can be very expensive and come with a price

4. Distractions can cause you to question your priorities

5. Distractions can compromise relationships

6. Distractions can frustrate other people in your life who are goal oriented or task driven

7. Distractions can become an obsessive compulsion

8. Distractions can delay your harvest, your rewards, and your breakthroughs

9. Distractions can reshape your character and your values

10. Distractions can divert your attention creating an unexpected crisis

How does the enemy skillfully use distraction?

1. Sometimes the art of distraction can redirect our focus, losing sight of the real attack

2. The enemy uses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life to distract us

3. The enemy will bring a wave of many little attacks to deplete our resources and divide our attention

4. Sometimes the enemy uses distraction to offer us a piece of fruit while getting us exiled from a garden full of fruit.

5. All temptation is a form of distraction redirecting us from our destiny

6. Sometimes the enemy will send needy people, flattering people, vindictive people, irritating people to distract us from our primary purpose.

7. He often uses distraction to drain us, deplete us, disarm us, and defeat us like he did with Samson.

8. Sometimes momentary distractions can be life altering or even fatal

TEXT: Mark 4:1-20

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (Luke 10:41 KJV)

I’m saying this for your benefit, not to restrict you. I’m showing you how to live a noble life of devotion to the Lord without being distracted by other things. (1 Corinthians 7:35 GW)

With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG)

Since we are surrounded by so many examples ⌊of faith⌋, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. (Hebrews 12:1 GW)

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. (Proverbs 4:23-27 MSG)

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. What is your favorite way to relax?

2. Describe one of the biggest distractions in your life?

3. Why do you think Martha in the Bible was so stressed all the time?

4. According to Mark 4 name one of the reasons people do not bear fruit?

5. How do you know when a diversion has become a distraction?

6. How do you get back on track after a distraction has occurred?

PRAISE REPORTS & PRAYER REQUESTS:

ACTION POINT: I will ask a God if there is anything he wants to show me or tell me and I will wait in complete silence without any distractions for at least 60 seconds and listen.