GCF Hays

Life Group Questions Key Verse: Isaiah 59:17 - He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.1. There is a clear line between not taking revenge in the natural realm but engaging in battle in the spiritual realm. What does it look like practically for you to “leave vengeance to God” with people, while still fighting spiritually?2. Pastor Ryan warned against fighting people instead of the real spiritual enemy behind the scenes. Where have you caught yourself focusing frustration on people instead of recognizing a deeper spiritual battle?3. Real warriors fight because they love something (family, purpose, God’s kingdom). What are you personally fighting for right now?4. We are called to war and keep warring in the spirit. What are some good ways to stay consistent with this? 

Life Group Questions 1. The sermon flipped a common image — we tend to picture the devil with fire and flames, but the sermon argued that God is the source of all heat and the devil's domain is cold — the absence of everything God is. How does that reframe the way you think about the spiritual battle you're in every day?2. Zeal isn't a brush fire — it's a bed of hot coals: quiet, steady, hot for hours. The flames get the attention, but the coals do the work. How does that change what it means for you personally to be zealous for God?3. David's first domino wasn't Bathsheba — it was the comfortable rooftop, the moment he chose comfort over calling. Where is your rooftop right now? That is, name the specific place you're choosing comfort over what God is actually asking of you.4. The sermon said the first action to pick your cloak back up is to add fuel — return to what first set you ablaze. What first set you ablaze for God?5. The second action was to borrow coals — get next to someone who is already a blazing inferno. Who is that person for you, and what are you doing this week to get closer to them?

Life Group Questions Key Verse: Ephesians 6:14 – Stand firm then…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…1. Which of Paul’s seven resume items most resembles what you have trusted in to feel valuable or approved, career success, church involvement, moral reputation, family name, or something else? Why do you think that one is so easy to lean on?2. Are you carrying a self-made breastplate right now, trying to prove yourself, keep up appearances, or earn what Jesus Christ has already given you? What would it practically look like to lay that burden down this week?3. When the enemy comes at you with accusations, shame, or reminders of your past, what is usually your first reaction? How could responding with the truth of your righteousness in Christ change that battle?4. In what area of your life do you struggle most to believe God fully accepts you right now, past mistakes, current struggles, insecurity, comparison, or something else? Why do you think that area feels so vulnerable?5. If you truly woke up every day convinced your identity was secure in Christ, how do you think it would change your confidence, decisions, relationships, and peace?

Life Group Questions Key Verse - Ephesians 6:15 - and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.1. When you hear the word “peace,” what do you naturally think of, and how does that differ from the biblical idea of eirene (being made whole and stronger after being broken)?2. Ryan talked about “binding” the truth of what Jesus has done to your life (not just knowing it). What does that actually look like for you on a daily basis?3. The shoes of peace help us “stand our ground.” Can you share a time when life tried to knock you off balance? What would it look like to stand firm instead of reacting?4. The message challenged the idea that not every battle is from the enemy; sometimes it’s from open doors in our own lives. What are some practical ways we can “close those windows” in our hearts?5. Romans 16:20 says the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet. How does that change the way you see your authority and identity in Christ in everyday situations?

Life Group Questions Key Verse: Ephesians 6:14 — "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…"1. What was your biggest takeaway from this week's teaching? 2. When life gets busy or hard, what usually replaces time in God's Word for you, and how does that affect you?3. Can you think of a time when a specific Scripture anchored you in truth during a difficult or confusing season? What happened?4. What would it look like this week for you to actually "wear" the Belt of Truth, not just know the Word, but live from it daily?

Life Group Questions 1. The message talked about three responses to God's call; running, reluctant obedience, and full surrender. Which one do you relate to most right now, and why?2. Can you think of a time when you knew God was prompting you to do something, but you delayed or avoided it? What was going on in your heart at the time?3. The message made a distinction between outward obedience and heart obedience: doing the thing but resenting it the whole time. How do you even recognize that in yourself, and what do you think it takes to close that gap?4. The Ninevites responded to God with immediate, total surrender, while Jonah, the seasoned prophet, dragged his feet. What do you think makes someone more or less likely to surrender fully when God speaks?5. The book of Jonah ends without telling us if Jonah's heart ever changed, and the message said that silence is intentional; the question gets passed to us. So honestly, is there something right now that God has been asking of you that you've been running from or grumbling through?

Life Group Questions 1. Acts 2:42 shows the early church devoted themselves to fellowship.
What do you think real biblical fellowship looks like today compared to how most people interact with others?2. Pastor Rob said “Christianity is not a solo sport.”
Who are the “gym partners” God has placed in your life to help you grow spiritually?3. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor—even difficult people.
Why do you think loving difficult people is so important for real fellowship?4. James 5:16 talks about confessing and praying for one another.
Why do you think vulnerability is often the hardest part of fellowship?5. What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen fellowship with someone (call them, invite them to lunch, join a group, open up about something)?

Life Group Questions 1. After 3 days in the “cardio area” of the Spiritual Gym, what has God revealed to you? What stirred your heart, and what needs to change?2. What was the most convicting aspect of this teaching for you? Was it related to something you are currently doing or something you tend to avoid? 3. Before this teaching, where were you serving? 4. Now that you know you’re called to serve, where will you step in? What’s one action you’ll take this week?

Life Group Questions 1.    What was the single hardest thing you heard in the teaching? Are you willing to obey it anyway?2.    Which day of the week is your Sabbath? What do you do to protect it? If your answer is that you don’t have one or that you don’t protect it, what are you going to do about that?3.    Three problems were named for why we don’t rest: too driven (can't stop), too busy (won't stop), and wrong rest (escaping instead of restoring). Which one is yours? Explain.4.    The teaching on commerce was provocative — no shopping, no restaurants, no gym, no transactions. What was your gut reaction? Has it changed? What's one transaction you could realistically eliminate this Sunday?5.    The Sabbath robe has four threads: Stop, Rest, Gather, Delight. What stood out to you about any of these?

Life Group Questions 1. Where do you see noise, hurry, and busyness hiding things in your heart right now, and what might God want to comb through in your life if you actually slowed down long enough to let Him?2. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). What usually keeps you from doing the same: distractions, feeling unproductive, guilt about resting, fear of being alone with your thoughts, or something else?3. Have you ever experienced God’s “still small voice” in a quiet moment with Him? How was that different from trying to hear God in the midst of busyness, pressure, or emotional moments?4. What habits, attitudes, or pressures do you think might be shaping you right now without you realizing it because of constant noise, hurry, and interaction with people and responsibilities?5. In the Spiritual Gym, solitude is one of the workout stations, so what would “working out solitude” realistically look like for you this week in real life (when, where, and for how long will you actually get alone with God)?

Life Group Questions 1. Jesus says in John 4:24 that true worshipers worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." Can you think of a time when your worship felt real and Spirit-led—not just routine? Can you also think of a time it felt more like effort or habit? What helped you notice the difference?2. In personal and during corporate worship, what distractions do you struggle with that interrupt your worship of God?3. What does your personal worship time look like? If you do not currently have a personal worship time, do you plan to establish one?4. Matthew 5:23–24 teaches us to be unified with our brothers and sisters in Christ before we make an offering to God. Can you share about a time you experienced offense with a brother or sister in your church family, how that affected your worship — and, thinking back to Pastor Ryan's teaching on relationship principles, have you taken any steps to restore that relationship?5. What has God revealed to you this week that needs to change about your worship? (personal, corporate, or in your daily life)

Life Group Questions 1. Are you treating God's Word more like a real gym (to get strong) or a spa (for comfort)? Why?2. Which "exercise" in the word of God do you neglect most, hearing, reading, studying, or meditating, and what's one reason you avoid it?3. Who are the main voices shaping you right now (podcasts, social, news, preachers), and how do you test them against Scripture?4. What's one verse you've rushed past that you need to slow down and "chew on" this week?5. If the Word truly "dwelt richly" in you, what area of your life would change first: marriage, parenting, habits, or thought life?

Life Group Questions 1. When you pray, how much of it is about what you need versus praying for other people? What makes it hard to pray more for others?2. If someone looked at your calendar this week, what would they say you're most devoted to? Where does prayer actually fit in?3. The idea of "praying continually" sounds overwhelming, but the sermon describes it as just recognizing God throughout your day—talking to Him, thanking Him for green lights, that kind of thing. What would that actually look like in your everyday routine? What gets in the way?4. Prayer should be 80% listening and only 20% talking. Does that feel backwards to you? How comfortable are you with just being quiet and listening when you pray?5. The real battle isn't on the battlefield—it's on the hillside in prayer. Think about something you're struggling with right now. Are you mostly trying to fix it yourself, or are you really fighting it through prayer? What would change if you shifted your approach?

Life Group Questions 1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word fasting: excitement, confusion, fear, or resistance? Why?2. Have you ever fasted before? If so, what was that experience like for you? If not, what has held you back?3. Why do you think fasting is such a difficult discipline for many believers today?4. Which biblical purpose of fasting connects most with your current season of life, and why?(Prayer • Deliverance • Repentance • Victory over temptation • Love & worship)5. What do you hope fasting might produce in your relationship with God, not just during the fast, but after it?--

Life Group Questions1. The Faithfulness Principle says the relationship should outweigh the offense. Think of a recent or past offense. How did you respond? What would loyalty to the relationship have looked like in that moment?2. When communication gaps appear, we choose to fill them with trust or distrust. When someone goes silent or distant, what is your default response and what helps you choose trust instead of assumption?3. The Friendship Principle teaches that it’s our responsibility to communicate our heart. Why is it sometimes easier to be offended than to be vulnerable? What fears or risks hold you back from speaking honestly?4. Jesus prioritizes reconciliation even over worship. What typically keeps conflicts “living rent-free” in your soul longer than they should? How might practicing the four-day principle change that?5. The First Word Principle challenges gossip, venting, and secondary offenses. When you’re hurt, who is your first instinct to talk to and why? What would obedience to Matthew 18:15 look like instead?6. The sermon ended with a call to be “saturated with God and reconciled to one another.” Which relationship principle do you most need to apply this year, and what is one concrete step you can take this week to live it out?

Life Group Questions 1. Why do you think it can be difficult for us to speak gratitude out loud, even when we genuinely feel thankful? What holds people back?2. In your experience, how does worship, especially singing, shift your mindset or help you refocus on God? What happens in your heart when you worship with gratitude?3. What does choosing gratitude look like for you when life is painful, disappointing, or uncertain? How do you practice it even when it’s hard?4. What rhythm or practice of gratitude (morning thanks, evening reflection, milestones, spoken praise, etc.) would help you grow right now, and why? What simple step could you start this week?

Life Group Questions 1. Kasey said, "There's no difference between someone who is actually ungrateful and someone who feels gratitude but never expresses it." Is this true? What do you think about this?2. What is "glory theft?" When have you been guilty of this crime? Be specific.3. In Luke 17, Jesus distinguished between the nine who were blessed (i.e., cleansed) and the one who was both blessed and saved. How might you be settling for just His blessings without pursuing a relationship with Jesus?4. Which of the three foes of gratitude are you battling most: Forgetfulness (failing to remember God's past faithfulness); Comparison (measuring your life against others); or Entitlement (not getting what you think you deserve)? Why is this particular foe so powerful in your life?5. Jesus asked: "Has no one returned to give glory to God?" Will you be among the nine who walk away with the blessing, or the one who returns - and what does "returning" look like practically in your life this week?

Life Group Questions 1. Jesus says in Luke 10:19: "I have given you authority over ALL the power of the enemy," and in Matthew 28:18: "All authority has been given to me...THEREFORE GO." What specific authority has Jesus actually given you? Over what areas of your life, family, or circumstances do you have the right to exercise spiritual authority?2. Jesus said believers would do "even greater works" than He did (John 14:12)—not greater in number, but in QUALITY. How can that be? Does this sound crazy to you or empowering?3. Look at the contrast: "God, please take away my fear" vs. "I reject this fear in Jesus' name. Get out." Which way do you usually pray? Which way will you pray going forward?4. James 4:7 says, "Submit to God, THEN resist the devil." Kasey used the metaphor of swatting flies with windows open. What "windows" in your life might need to be closed (areas of compromise) before you can effectively resist the enemy?5. Kasey emphasized that Satan can't read your thoughts—only God can. You have to SPEAK authority out loud. Have you ever done that? Does it make you feel weird to speak commands to Satan out loud? Why not start doing this?

Life Group Questions 1. What’s one area of your life where you sense you’ve settled for less than God’s full promise, and what steps can you take this week to fully possess it?2. Joshua’s mistake was not asking God before deciding—how can you build a habit of seeking God first in your daily choices, relationships, or major life decisions?3. The enemy deceived Israel through something that looked right but wasn’t. What are some “good-looking” distractions or compromises in your life that could be pulling you away from God’s best?4. When have you seen God redeem a bad decision or a moment of deception in your life, and how did He use it to strengthen your faith or bring you closer to Him?

Life Group Questions 1. Your Mountain of Failures Picture your worst failure as a stone in a pile. Now see God's cross planted right through the middle of that pile. What specific failure is your heart convinced is too big for God to forgive—and why do you think YOUR sin is somehow stronger than Jesus' blood?2. The Path Reality Check: You're not where you want to be in at least one area of life. Can you trace the small daily choices that led you here? Name one specific choice you'll make differently starting tomorrow.3. Inside-Out vs Outside-In: Where are you exhausting yourself trying to act like a better Christian while your heart stays unchanged? What would happen if you stopped performing for God (and others) and started letting Him actually transform that area?4. Your Weekly Evidence If someone filmed your choices for the next seven days, would they see someone actively choosing God's path or drifting toward disaster? Pick ONE decision you'll make differently for the next week because of this teaching.5. The Unused Gift Card God's promises aren't automatic—they require daily choices to activate them. Which specific promise of God (e.g., peace, wisdom, strength) have you been carrying around like an unused gift card, and what's really stopping you from "swiping" it today?

Life Group Questions1. In what ways have you seen yourself focusing on promises that benefit only you, and how might God be inviting you to see His promises as part of a bigger plan, meant to bless others and expand His Kingdom through your life?2. Look at the lessons from the battle of Jericho. Which of these truths speaks to where you are in life right now, and why?- If we do things God’s way, we get God’s results- There is no stronghold too strong for our God- God’s instructions carry a message- Man is into starting things; God is into finishing things3. God commanded the Israelites to devote the plunder of Jericho as a tithe—holy, set apart, and belonging to Him first. Malachi 3:10 challenges us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and promises that if we do, God will “open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing until it overflows.” How does this shape your understanding of tithing and trusting God with your resources today? 4. What area of obedience—whether tithing, serving, leading, or sharing your faith—are you holding back in, and how could your “yes” to God impact the people around you who may be waiting on what God wants to do through you? 

Life Group Questions1. At Gilgal, Israel was stretched before Jericho. When God stretches you by asking you to change by adding or removing something, do you tend to resist or lean in?2. At Gilgal, God rolled away the reproach of Egypt. What old label or lie do you sometimes still catch yourself believing, and what truth from God’s Word do you need to replace it with?3. Before Jericho could fall, the Israelites had to spend years in Gilgal, where God prepared, reshaped, and stretched them. Do you find yourself in a “Gilgal” season today? What is God trying to show you in this moment?4. Change is inevitable. What’s one change in your life you resisted at first, but now you’re thankful for because of how God used it?

Life Group Questions1. In the story of Gideon, an angel of the Lord tells him that he is a mighty warrior and that the Lord is with him, and he reacts out of fear, insecurity, & doubt. Contrarily, David could have approached Goliath similarly, but instead, demonstrated faith, boldness, and courage. What is the difference between these two men? If God were to tell you to do something you would deem as impossible, would you react like Gideon or David?2. The first giants we must face in order to possess what God has for us are the giants of fear, doubt, insecurity, anxiety, worry, despair, guilt, and shame. Do you need to overcome any of these giants? If so, which of them do you struggle with?3. "Chazak" is translated to "be strong". This is a picture word that means to take possession of, to take hold of, to fasten upon, to be hardened of the head and heart, and to be resolute. Which areas of your life do you need to "chazak" in?4. "Amats" is translated to "courageous". This is a picture word that means bold, forceful, strength in motion, eager with your feet, or to have heavenly audacity. We see "amats" in action with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant into a mile-wide flooded Jordan River believing that God will part the waters. The spiritual truth for us here is that until you step into what God tells you to do, your situation/circumstances will not change. Do you get bogged down by your circumstances or do you have the heavenly audacity to step into what God is calling you to do?5. Every time Joshua is being told to be strong and courageous, we see a promise, process, and God's presence. God gives a promise, tells us what we need to do, and promises that He will always be with us. How have you seen this pattern play out in your life?

Life Group Questions1. Since we started this series, have you taken some time to ask God about the specific promises He has for your life? Or, has He already revealed some promises to you in the past? Let's spend a few minutes sharing some of these with the group.2. Read Joshua 1:3. God's promises are "yes" & "amen" for those who are in Christ, but there is action required of us to obtain His promises. The action in this verse is in the words, "every place where the sole of your foot treads." What does this mean to you in regard to your promises from God?3. Roy stated that there is no junior Holy Spirit & there is no retired Holy Spirit. How will this truth encourage your life in God moving forward?4. In order for us to be "armed" Roy explained that we need to know who we are in God, go together, & ensure that we are with God. Which one of these do you need to work on the most and why?5. In the first chapter of Joshua, God tells Joshua, "Do not be terrified or dismayed." The Hebrew word for "dismayed" is hatat which means to break down or crack under pressure. In other words, when we are under pressure we should chill out. This seems easy to understand but hard to do when the pressure comes. What is the key lesson that we need to learn here in order to walk this out successfully?

Life Group Questions1. Read Joshua 1:6. What does it mean to “Be strong and courageous” in light of Father God reminding Joshua that He had already given their ancestors the Promised Land?2. Charles Spurgeon said, “Not many of us are living at our best. We linger in the valleys because we are afraid to climb the mountains. We do not know what glories await if only we had the courage for the mountain climb. What blessings we would find in the mountains of God! Too low they build who build beneath the stars.” How does this quote speak to you in what you are doing for God’s Kingdom?3. King Saul was unwilling to take a risk, despite having the full assurance of victory from God. Share a time in the last 60 days when you took a risk and saw Father God meet you, resulting in success.4. King Asa missed his healing because he did not seek the Lord. His prayerlessness caused him to miss his healing. What is the biggest and smallest thing you have prayed for?5. What are you passionate about?

Life Group Questions1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:20. If you are a believer in Christ, do you truly believe that this is true for you?2. Why did God tell Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead" after the Israelites mourned his death for 30 days?3. Read Isaiah 43:18. What does this verse mean to you? Do you believe that God is wanting to do a new thing in your life? Do you perceive it? What do you need to do in order to walk into this new thing God wants to do?4. Pastor Ryan shared a story from his life when he had to declare, "Moses is dead." Describe a time in your life when you did the same and what your Moses was.5. Do you currently have a situation from your past (good or bad) that you need to declare dead so that you can begin the process of possessing God's promises for your life? If so, what is it?