August 31st - Small Group Guide

Published August 28, 2025
August 31st - Small Group Guide

Small Group Study Guide
This Week’s Focus: Whatever is TRUE

Opening Question: When you hear the word “truth,” what comes to mind? Why is it so difficult to cling to truth in today’s culture?

Philippians 4:8 – “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.”

Key Word: True (Greek alēthēs) = genuine, valid, reliable

Teaching Focus: Three First Steps to Changing Your Perspective

1. Recognize the Lies

  • 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – People will turn away from truth and chase myths.
  • Our culture is saturated with half-truths, exaggerations, and outright lies.
  • Practical Step: Pause and ask: “Is this true?” before you believe, share, or dwell on something.
Discussion:
  • What are some common lies (about God, about ourselves, about life) that people often believe?
  • How do these lies affect our outlook and decisions?

2. Replace Lies with Truth

  • Truth is not just an idea—it’s a Person: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
  • We combat lies by filling our minds with God’s Word (Psalm 119:160).
  • Practical Step: Identify a lie you’ve believed. Find and memorize a verse that replaces it with God’s truth.

Discussion:
What is one verse that has “rewired” the way you think about something in your life?

3. Reframe My Circumstances

  • Philippians 1:12–14 – Paul saw his imprisonment not as defeat, but as an opportunity for the gospel.
  • Truth doesn’t change our circumstances, but it changes how we see them.
  • Practical Step: Ask: “What’s the bigger truth God is showing me in this situation?”
Discussion:
  • Share a time when you reframed a difficult circumstance and saw God at work.

Challenge of the Series: Rewire My Brain

  • Our minds naturally drift toward negativity, fear, or lies.
  • Choosing to “think about such things” requires daily practice.
  • Transformation comes as we keep renewing our minds with truth (Romans 12:2).

Group Activity

Write two columns: Lies I Believe vs. Truth from God’s Word.
  • As a group, list some examples together.
  • Close by praying over these truths, asking God to renew your minds.

Closing Question

What’s one practical way you can focus on whatever is true this week?