WELCOME ICEBREAKER What is one thing you are procrastinating on doing right now? WORSHIP Psalm 105:1-8. If you are unable to have a time of singing in your group read these verses of worship before starting the discussion. WORD What is procrastination?
From the Latin: "crastinus" - of tomorrow, pro of tomorrow, means you are in favor of putting off today what you can do tomorrow.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) defined it as: “Living ones life in such a way so as to depend on another day.”
St. Augustine: “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” Read James 4:13-17 - Why do we put off tomorrow what we should do today?
- As a group brainstorm on why people procrastinate.
- Why did Jonah procrastinate on going to Ninevah to preach?
Read Hebrews 12:2 (use a Message Bible if there is one in the group) - What kept our Lord Jesus from procrastinating on going to the cross according to this verse? (See Matthew 26:36-46 for a sample of how He wrestled with the task.)
What are some of the excuses we give for our procrastination? - See Proverbs 20:4, Proverbs 26:13,16 - sluggards have “wise excuses”
- Excuses undermine other people’s confidence in you.
- Excuses undermine the confidence you have in yourself.
Read Jeremiah 29:11, Habakkuk 2:1-4
It only makes sense to go to God and find out what His plans are for your life. If you have a God idea in your heart procrastination is difficult for God is there to remind you and empower you. Someone once said that our dreams are simply goals that have a deadline. Zig Ziglar uses the acronym for GOALS as — God’s Objectives Assure Lasting Success. - How important do you think goal setting (writing the vision down) is in beating procrastination?
What does procrastination do?
Read Philippians 4:6-9 - It causes guilt and stress which leads to anxiety which will eventually lead to depression.
- Note verse 9 Paul says what you heard and saw in me, these do.
- The peace of God will be there after the doing.
WORK As we get back into the new year please remember to send in your home group reports. In your reports please highlight your prayer requests and other issues so we can pray for them. This will be a year of great opportunity for your group. It is our prayer that many lives will be changed through your faithful service.
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