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 Formation Machine, Counter-Formation

Sermon Study Guide

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Date - February 16th, 2025

Series - The Formation Machine

Title - Counter-Formation

CONNECT:

What’s something most people do a certain way, but you’ve completely redefined it to fit your lifestyle, and how has that change impacted you?

ENGAGE:

Read Colossians 2:8 & Colossians 3:12-14

Paul warns about being “taken captive” by the world’s influences and then describes a life shaped by Christ. What stands out to you in his words? Are there any phrases or ideas that challenge or encourage you?

In what ways do cultural pressures, social media, or societal expectations try to shape our priorities, values, and even our faith? How does Paul’s description of a Christ-centered life contrast with these influences?

APPLY:

If you looked at your daily habits, would you say your mindset (head), emotions (heart), or choices (hands) are most shaped by Jesus? Which one feels most influenced by the world?

Jesus wasn’t rushed or reactive—He moved with intention. Where in your life do you need to slow down, be more present, or create space to hear from God?

PRAY:

Ask God to help you recognize and resist distractions that pull you away from Him.

Pray for the wisdom to align your thoughts, desires, and actions with Christ.

Lift up any personal requests, asking God for peace and clarity in a noisy world.

GOING DEEPER:

Try a “Distraction Detox” this week: Choose one habit to limit—whether social media, excessive news, or multitasking. Reflect on how it impacts your focus and faith.

Memorize Colossians 3:12-14 as a daily reminder of the character God calls us to embody.

Journal about your unhurried moments: At the end of the week, write about when you felt most present and connected to God.

Make A Difference:

For The Bay 5K

Join us for the inaugural For the Bay 5K, a community run supporting local youth! Your participation helps fund Mobilize Love, our local partner providing academic support, mentorship, and life skills training for under-resourced Bay Area youth. Sign up today and make a difference!

Let's Connect!

Let’s connect! We’d love to get to know you and help you take the next step in your faith journey.

Menlo Midweek Podcast

Explore further insights and practical applications from this week’s message.

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