Open Hearts Series 2025
Sunday Morning’s message 5th of January 2025
Pastor David Jones
citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MqQdGYRdv0
Objective
Encourage everyone in the group to open their hearts, tune In to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not just hear but truly listen and then obey what God is saying.
Leaders Note
Encourage everyone to allow God by His Spirit to reveal Jesus a fresh. Following Jesus is the most exciting and yet challenging adventure we could ever go on. We would be YES people to the purposes and plans of God.
Please choose what best suits your group and fits time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun Jesus People!
Discussion Time
Read together Scripture:
Acts 16:6-10: "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
1. Paul’s Redirection
Discussion Point: Paul had good intentions to preach in Asia, but the Holy Spirit redirected him to Macedonia. Why do you think God prevented Paul from going where he planned? How do you think Paul felt about this redirection?
Personal Reflection: Have you ever had a situation where you thought you were headed in the right direction, but God closed that door? How did you respond?
2. Hearing vs. Listening
Discussion Point: Talk about the difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is a passive process, but listening is active, involving both the mind and the heart.
Hearing
A physiological response to sound that happens without conscious effort. Sound waves travel through the ear and cause vibrations that signal the brain.
Listening
A voluntary process that involves paying attention to sounds and making an effort to understand them. Listening involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding.
Can you think of a time when you were hearing something but not really listening? What happened as a result?
What are some ways you actively listen for God’s voice, rather than just hearing the noise around you?
Share with the group: Share one example of a time you were in a busy or distracting moment and had to intentionally listen for God’s voice. How did you make space for Him to speak?
3. Obedience to the Holy Spirit
Discussion Point: Paul responded quickly and obeyed the Holy Spirit’s direction, even though it was unexpected. The Bible says, “we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia” (Acts 16:10).
What does swift and complete obedience look like in your own life? Are there areas where you have delayed obedience? Why do you think that happens?
Personal Reflection: How do you differentiate between the Holy Spirit’s voice and your own desires when it comes to obedience? (Leader: take time to explain)
4. Positioning Ourselves for More
Discussion Point: In 2025, how can we position ourselves to hear God more clearly and be obedient to what He is calling us to do?
Tune In: What are some practical steps you can take daily to “open your heart” to the Holy Spirit?
Listen Up: What can we do to make sure we’re actively listening?
Obey: How do we know when it’s time to act in obedience? What steps can we take to respond immediately when God speaks?
Group Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to greater obedience in the year ahead?
5. Unity in Obedience
Discussion Point: In Acts 16:10, it says, “We got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
This decision was made together as a group of believers.
How does the idea of unity in obedience apply to us as a church or group of believers? How can we ensure we are moving together in obedience to God’s call in 2025?
Group Activity: Brainstorm as a group. How can we collectively, as a community, listen to and obey God in the year ahead? What steps can we take to ensure we are all moving in the same direction, led by the Holy Spirit?
Conclusion
Wrap-up Thought: God has specific plans and purposes for each of us in 2025, just as He had a specific mission for Paul. The key is to remain open-hearted, actively listen to the Holy Spirit, and respond in obedience.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who leads, guides, and speaks to us. We pray that in 2025, we would be open-hearted, tuned in to Your voice, and quick to obey. Help us as a community to move together in unity, following where You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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