Can't do life on our own

In week three of Now What, Pastor Chip goes into the importance of strong biblical counsel.

Dive deeper into the message with these discussion questions!

1 Ki. 12:4-11

General:

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Mother Knows Best”? How has that idea shown up in your life—positively or negatively?
Pastor Chip stated that, “Often we need someone outside ourselves to point us in the right direction.” Do you agree? Can you think of a time when someone’s advice helped change your direction or perspective?
Why do you think we naturally tend toward autonomy (wanting to be our own authority)? How does that shape the way we approach decisions or relationships?
Pastor Chip highlighted several verses in Proverbs (from Solomon to his sons) about seeking counsel. What stands out to you from these verses? Why do you think wise counsel is so strongly emphasized in Scripture?
Based on 1 Kings 12:1–15, how would you describe King Rehoboam’s character? What does his response to advice reveal about his leadership and priorities?
Pastor Chip emphasizes that King Rehoboam ultimately chose the counsel that supported what he already wanted to do. How can we guard ourselves from doing the same thing?
Who are you inviting into your “Now What?” moments—and how do you know they’re pointing you toward God’s best?

Take Home 1: Who we surround ourselves with and the voices we allow to speak into our lives will massively influence our future and destiny when deciding "Now What?" (1 Ki. 12:8)

Re-read Proverbs 4:23. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart in a culture that constantly pulls at your attention and values?
Do you tend to tell people what they want to hear or what they need to hear? Why do you think that is?
Do you seek out people who challenge you with godly wisdom, or people who will tell you what you want it hear? How has that impacted your decisions?
Where might you be receiving unwise or unbiblical advice right now? (People? Media? Cultural influences?) What needs to shift?

Take Home 2: Who are our 2, 3, or 5 when we are deciding a "Now What?" moment? (1 Ki. 12:6, 9)

“Your network is your net worth.” Who are the type of people you surround yourself with? What do you think that says about you?
Do you have 2-5 people you trust for wise, godly counsel when facing big decisions? If not, what steps could you take to build those relationships?
In what ways are you showing up as a person of value and integrity for the people around you? How are you helping others grow?
Pastor Chip talks about the dangers of doing life alone. What are the risks of deciding in isolation?
Pastor Chip talks about serving and joining groups as good way to build deep relationships with people. Have you taken those steps? If not, what’s holding you back?

Take Home 3: Take this truth to heart—Godly counsel shouldn't begin with "what's best for us?" but with "how can we best serve others?" (1 Ki. 12:4)

Verse 4 shows the people asking for Rehoboam to be a servant and to lighten their burden. When you face decisions, do you typically ask, “What’s best for me?” or “How can I serve others?”
What does it mean to make decisions through the lens of service rather than self-preservation or comfort?
Ex. 23:25-27 speaks of blessings tied to serving and honoring God. How have you seen blessings flow from a posture of service in your own life?
What’s one area of your life where you could begin putting others’ needs ahead of your own this week? What might God do through that shift?

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In this series

May 11, 2025