PA RTI C I PAN T’S GU I D E
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ONE
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SESSION ONE WHAT IS THE CHATTERBOX? S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: What does your chatterbox say to you?
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SESSI ON 1 V I DE O WHAT EV E R , W H AT E V E R Visit elevationchurch.org/sermons to watch the full sermon. V I D E O N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. What does your chatterbox say to you?
2. Where is the chatter coming from in your life?
3. What areas of your life have you opened yourself up to dialogue with the chatterbox?
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4. Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to focus on things that are true, right, excellent, and beautiful, but the chatterbox wants to distract and discourage you with condemnation. What promise or blessing is the enemy trying to block in your life with a lie?
5. When lies are not confronted, callings are not fulfilled. What are you called to do? Which of these callings does the chatterbox want to keep you from fulfilling?
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This week, use God’s truth to overpower the lies of the Enemy.
You already have every tool you need to crash the chatterbox. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. - E PH ES IA N S 6: 10-11
You can’t always erase unwanted thoughts, but you can always choose what to do with them. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 COR I N T HI A N S 10: 5
No matter how great the battle is, God is infinitely greater. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. - 1 JO H N 4: 4 1 0 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8:37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37. Use the space below to write it out.
PR AYE R REQUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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TWO
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SESSION TWO INSECURITY S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapters 2 and 3 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: What are some situations that make you feel insecure?
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SE SSI ON 2 V I DE O C RASH T HE C H AT T E R B OX - I NS E C URIT Y
VID EO N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. What are some situations that make you feel insecure?
2. Have you ever had the thought, ‘God loves me, but I’m not sure He actually likes me?’ What was the context for that chatterbox lie? What did it do to you?
3. Arrogance and insecurity may look different, but they are both a result of pride. How does pride look when you are arrogant? How does pride look when you are insecure?
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4. Our power and significance comes because of our connection to Christ. Read the following statements that describe who we are in Christ. Which of these five statements has the chatterbox challenged recently? Why does the enemy want to damage that part of your identity? • • • • •
I I I I I
am am am am am
protected. (John 10:28-29) free. (Romans 6:6) loved. (Romans 8:35-39) chosen. (1 Peter 2:9) God’s child. (1 John 3:1-2)
5. Accepting what God says about us frees us to live differently. Fill in this blank: The chatterbox says I am _______________, but God says I am _________________.
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This week, overcome your feelings of insecurity to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
Before you ever chose God, He chose you. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”. - JER EMIAH 1: 5
Every time you see yourself, you are looking at a reflection of the one who made you. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - G EN E S I S 1 : 27
You don’t have to feel approved to be approved. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time... - 2 T I M OT HY 1 : 9 1 8 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37. Use the space below to write it out.
Find a partner and practice reciting the verse to each other.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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THREE
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SESSION THREE INSECURITY S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapter 4 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: When insecurity strikes, how does it affect your relationships, your emotions, your productivity?
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SE SSI ON 3 V I DE O T HE F RA M E GAME Visit elevationchurch.org/sermons to watch the full sermon. VID EO N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. When insecurity strikes, how does it affect... • your relationships? • your emotions? • your productivity?
2. The chatterbox tries to obscure our identity by confusing our understanding of what God says about us. What do you allow in your frame that distracts you from the Word of God and hearing His voice?
3. How does the enemy try to cast doubt on the affirming things you know God has said about you?
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4. Faith is largely about focus. If we fix our focus on Jesus we can better frame our world with faith. When is your focus the strongest? When is it the weakest?
5. How can you use God’s Word to improve your focus and shift your perspective?
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This week, overcome your feelings of insecurity to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
You didn’t earn your approval, so you can never lose your approval. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - EP HESI A N S 2 : 8-1 0
God created you to be unique and He made no mistakes. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. - P SA L M 139 : 13 -14
You don’t have to fully understand God’s thoughts to fully obey His truths. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - ISAIAH 55: 8-9 2 6 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37. Use the space below to write it out. Try to write it without using your Bible.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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FOUR
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SESSION FOUR FEAR S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapters 5 and 6 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: What did you fear as a child? How are the fears you experience as an adult different than your fears as a child?
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SE SSI ON 4 V I DE O C RASH T HE C H AT T E R B OX - F E A R
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. What did you fear as a child? How are the fears you experience as an adult different than your fears as a child?
2. As an adult, what is your greatest fear? What is the worst that could happen if your greatest fear was realized? What could God do for you even in that situation?
3. Read Matthew 25:14-30. The fear of making a mistake can lead you to hide what God has entrusted to you. What has God entrusted to you? What is one way you have tried to hide it?
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4. Often we avoid stepping out in faith because we don’t want to leave our comfort zone. What does your comfort zone look like?
5. When is the last time you were taken out of your comfort zone by a situation out of your control? What happened?
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This week, overcome your feelings of fear to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
Even in our greatest fears, God will work out a greater purpose. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - R OM A NS 8: 2 8
Fear paralyzes. God empowers. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 T I M OT HY 1: 7
What the enemy calls a burden God can call a blessing. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” - 1 P ETER 3 : 13 -14 3 4 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-38. Use the space below to write it out.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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FIVE
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SESSION FIVE FEAR S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapter 7 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: Sometimes what used to feel like a privilege turns into dread. What roles and responsibilities have you been called to? Describe a time when your role felt like an opportunity, as well as a time it felt overwhelming. PART IC IPANT ’S GU IDE | 37
SE SSI ON 5 V I DE O W HEN A N X I E T Y AT TAC KS Visit elevationchurch.org/sermons to watch the full sermon. VID EO N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. Sometimes what used to feel like a privilege turns into dread. What roles and responsibilities have you been called to? Describe a time when your role felt like an opportunity, as well as a time it felt overwhelming.
2. Where do your fears send you running?
3. Fear is especially powerful when experienced in isolation. How does the chatterbox try to isolate you when you feel afraid?
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4. How is the noise of your fear interfering with the signal of God’s reassuring words to you?
5. When God finds us in our fears, He responds with care and concern. Think of a time when God provided for you in the midst of of your fears. How did He provide?
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This week, overcome your feelings of fear to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
Fear attempts to drive us into isolation, but God’s presence drives fear into recession. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 JO H N 4: 18
Fear is never fought alone. God wants to fight with us. David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. - 1 CHRON I C L ES 28 : 20
The very thing that fear seeks to separate us from - the voice of the Lord - is infinitely more powerful than the threats that attempt to silence it. No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. - I SA I A H 54 : 1 7 4 2 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-38. Use the space below to write it out.
Circle key words in the verse. Draw a symbol over each word to represent its meaning and to help guide you as you practice the verse.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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SIX
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SESSION SIX CONDEMNATION S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapters 8 and 9 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: Think of time when you messed up big time. What messages about yourself did you hear in your head afterward?
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SE SSI ON 6 V I DE O C RASH T HE C H AT T E R B OX - CO N DEMNAT IO N
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. Think of a time when you messed up big time. What messages about yourself did you hear in your head afterward?
2. What are the condemning messages you hear inside your head on a daily basis?
3. How has a sense of condemnation affected you, your relationships, and your relationship with God?
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4. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. How is the outcome of conviction different from the outcome of condemnation?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. God can use even our biggest mistakes for His glory. In our weakness, He is strong. How has God used your struggles to prove His strength in your life?
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This week, overcome your feelings of condemnation to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
The enemy condemns with shame. God convicts with kindness. Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? - ROMANS 2: 4
It’s not how far you run from God, it’s how quickly you return. “...For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate. - LU KE 15 : 24
Our sin is our personal responsibility, but in Christ it is no longer the center of our identity. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who l oved me and gave himself for me. - G A L AT I A N S 2: 20 50 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-38. As an eGroup, use the space below to write out the verses. Write the first word of the verse then pass your guide to the person on your left. This person will write the next word of the verse. Continue until both verses are written. (If you forget a word, just draw a line as a placeholder.)
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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SEVEN
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SESSION SEVEN CONDEMNATION S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapter 10 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: When are you vulnerable to condemnation? When is the chatterbox the most likely to rehearse your failures? Why?
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SE SSI ON 7 V I DE O N O M O RE N A I L S Visit elevationchurch.org/sermons to watch the full sermon. VID EO N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. When are you vulnerable to condemnation? When is the chatterbox the most likely to rehearse your failures? Why?
2. The Devil has no more nails. Jesus took the punishment for all your sin but that doesn’t mean the chatterbox won’t try to keep you from moving forward. What is one “failure” (big or small) the enemy has used in the past to hurt or paralyze you?
3. How do you respond to the weight of condemnation? How does it make you feel? What does it make you do?
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4. Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those who believe in Christ. Jesus died so we could be fully forgiven. What are some sins in your past that God is urging you to forget?
5. God wants to release power in your life through forgiveness. How do your scars empower you to remember not what you’ve done, but what Christ has done for you? How can your scars give others hope?
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This week, overcome your feelings of condemnation to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
What Jesus saves, the enemy can never steal. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. - R OM A N S 8 : 1-2
You can’t escape your past, but you don’t have to be chained to it. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. - R OM A N S 6 : 14
Even when shame creeps in, your faith can still shine. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. - PSAL M 34: 5
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ROM A N S 8:37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-39. Use the space below to write it out.
PR AYER RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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EIGHT
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SESSION EIGHT DIS COURAGEMENT S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapters 11 and 12 NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: What have you been discouraged about lately? Who or what has helped you fight this discouragement?
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SE SSI ON 8 V I DE O C RASH T HE C H AT T E R B OX - DI S CO URAG E ME NT
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. What have you been discouraged about lately? Who or what has helped you fight this discouragement?
2. One road to discouragement is comparison. Who or what do you compare yourself to? What is the danger of comparison?
3. In your current situation, what does it mean to keep the faith while facing the facts?
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4. The chatter starts when what we see doesn’t match what God said. What has God promised you? What might you lose out on if you give up too quickly on God’s promises to you?
5. Who is someone you know who has dealt with a discouraging situation without losing their faith? What have you learned from them?
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This week, overcome your feelings of discouragment to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
God could have chosen anyone else in the world, but he specifically chose you. I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - ISA IA H 41: 9-10
Discouragement focuses on your ability, but God focuses on your availability. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” - E XO DU S 4: 11-12
Jesus didn’t die for you to merely survive the world; He wants you to overcome it. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - JO H N 16: 33 66 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-39. Write the first letter of each word in the verse. Then, looking at just the first letters, see if you can recite the entire passage.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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NINE
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SESSION NINE DIS COURAGEMENT S ESSI O N ASSI G N ME NT Read Chapter 13 and the Conclusion NOTE S:
What was one concept from the reading that connected with you? Why?
Come prepared to discuss this question: Gratitude is the key to overcoming discouragement. What can you praise God for this week? List a few ways God has been faithful to you this year.
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SE SSI ON 9 V I DE O G RA D UAT I N G I N GR AT I T U DE Visit elevationchurch.org/sermons to watch the full sermon. VID EO N OT E S
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RESPOND QUESTIONS 1. Gratitude is the key to overcoming discouragement. What can you praise God for this week? List a few ways God has been faithful to you this year.
2. Who is the most grateful person you know? How have you seen this person express gratitude in discouraging situations or circumstances?
3. Gratitude isn’t natural, it is learned. Where did you learn to be grateful?
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4. How does gratitude set the table for you to see God’s provision and promises even though you may not be able to see the evidence of it?
5. Gratitude combats discouragement by reminding us, “If God did it before, He’ll do it again. If God says I can, I can.” What discouraging situation are you facing that you need to thank God for even though you are facing it?
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This week, overcome your feelings of discouragment to access the truths God has already spoken over you.
While you may be your greatest critic, Jesus is your greatest advocate. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. - 1 JOHN 2: 1
A spirit of gratitude can find a blessing within any burden. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - PH IL IPP IANS 4: 8
Gratitude is a key that brings freedom. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. - PSAL M 100: 4- 5 74 | C R AS H THE C HATTE R B OX
ROM A N S 8 :37-39 Focus on memorizing Romans 8:37-39. Use the space below to write it out.
Find a partner and trade participant guides. As you recite the verse, have your partner put a checkmark next to each word in the verse you correctly recited.
PR AYE R RE QUE STS Use the space below to record any notes or prayer requests from your eGroup. Pray for eGroup members during the week.
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ROMANS 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ROMANS 8:37-39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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