Series Resources

sermon-based study guide

This guide is designed to guide a group discussion around the weekend sermon. You can also use this as an individual, but we highly recommend finding a friend and inviting them to discuss with you. Menlo Church has Life Groups meeting in-person and online using these guides. We’d love to help you find a group.

What you will find in this guide: A discussion guide for groups and individuals. If you are using this as an individual be sure to engage with each question in a journal or simply in your mind as you prayerfully consider what you heard in the sermon and seek to discover what God is inviting you to know and do.

Sermon Study Guide | The Cost of Connections | Choosing the Better Part

Sermon Study Guide | Series: The Cost of Connection
Title: Choosing the Better Part (Luke 10:38-42)
Date: March 23, 2025

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CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

-> This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

We live in a world that glorifies busyness. Our schedules are packed, our phones constantly demand our attention, and our to-do lists seem never-ending. In today’s sermon, we saw how Mary and Martha responded differently when Jesus visited their home. Martha was consumed with responsibilities, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen

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ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

-> This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read Luke 10:38-42 together and discuss:

What does this passage teach us about Jesus’ priorities when it comes to relationships and what it means to follow him?

What is the difference between being busy for God and being present with God? Is this a “tension” to be managed or a “problem” to be resolved?

Jesus doesn’t say that Martha’s work is wrong—He simply points out that Mary has “chosen what is better.” How can we apply this in our lives?

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APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

-> This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

Identify your distractions: This week, take note of what consistently pulls your attention away from being present with God and others.

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Prioritize presence: Set aside intentional time each day to be with Jesus—whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply sitting in silence.

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Practice slowing down: Try one or more of the sermon’s practical suggestions—drive the speed limit, take the longest checkout line, or set aside your phone during conversations. What do you notice?

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Be an unhurried friend: Who in your life needs more of your patient, undivided attention? Make a plan to show up for them this week in a meaningful way.

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PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

-> This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

“Lord, in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, help us to choose what is better—to sit at Your feet, listen to Your voice, and rest in Your presence. Teach us to slow down, to release our distractions, and to be fully present with You and those around us. May we become people who reflect Your love through both our actions and our attention. Amen.”

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GOING DEEPER - “Further Study & Reflection”

STEP ONE: Deepening Your Rest – Read John 15:4-5 Where Jesus calls us to abide in Him, just as Mary chose to sit at His feet. Reflect on how abiding in Christ is more than just a moment of devotion—it is a way of life. Consider: What does it mean for you to remain connected to Jesus daily, not just in quiet moments but throughout all your activities? How does abiding in Him transform your priorities and your sense of purpose?

STEP TWO: Read Philippians 4:6-7 – This passage teaches us to replace worry and distraction with God’s peace through prayer and thanksgiving. As you read, take note of any areas in your life where anxiety is stealing your peace. What would it look like to surrender those concerns to God in prayer? Try making a gratitude list—how does focusing on thanksgiving shift your perspective?

STEP THREE: Spend one day this week practicing intentional stillness with God. Set aside specific time to simply be in God’s presence—without an agenda, distractions, or multitasking. Journal about your experience. What was easy? What was difficult? Did your mind wander, or did you find unexpected peace? Consider how making space for stillness could shape your relationship with Jesus moving forward.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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