We heard in the weekend message that, “If you want to change your life, change your priorities.” The Oxford Dictionary defines a priority as “a thing that is regarded as more important than another.” The definition is simple enough, but actually talking about and owning our priorities is a different thing entirely. You see, in order to understand what our priorities are, we have to look at our daily actions and what we spend our time and talents focusing on. You see, what gets our time and attention will reveal our priorities. As we study, we are going to be reminded to make knowing Christ our most important priority.
Have you ever been a “party pooper?” What happened?
1. What things do people prioritize today?
2. Read Luke 10:38-40. Compare and contrast Martha's actions vs. Mary's actions. What do their actions reveal about their priorities?
Luke 10:38-40
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
3. What kept Martha from making knowing Christ a priority?
4.Read Luke 10:41-42. What does Jesus’ response to Mary show about what He values most?
Luke 10:41-42
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
1. Who can you relate to most, Mary or Martha? Why?
2. Based on your daily actions and the way you spend your time, what things are you currently prioritizing, and how are these priorities impacting your relationship with Christ?
3. What things are distracting you from making knowing Christ a priority?
Share with your group one step you can take to make knowing Christ a priority. Next, end your time together by praying, asking God to help you live for eternity instead of the temporary things of this earth.
We learned in the weekend message that three things that keep us from prioritizing our relationships with Christ are distractions, busyness, and our own fears and worries. If we examine our own lives, we will undoubtedly see how these three things, distractions, busyness, and our fears and worries, hold us back from growing in our relationships with God and keep us from prioritizing Him. For the next few moments, let’s turn to Scripture to see how we can fight against each of these things in order to keep growing in our relationships with God and prioritize Him.
Perhaps distractions hold us back the most from focusing on Christ and making Him a priority. When we are focusing on everything around us, whether it is our never-ending inbox, our to-do lists, notifications on our phones, or something else, we cannot truly focus on Christ and make Him a priority when we are constantly distracted. Let’s take a look at how Scripture teaches us to fight against distractions that keep us from prioritizing Christ.
1. Read Hebrews 12:1-2.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
2. How do distractions hold us back, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. How have distractions in your life specifically impacted your relationship with Christ?
4. According to this passage of Scripture, how do we let go of the things that are distractions in our lives?
Along with distractions, our busy schedules and plans often hold us back from prioritizing Christ. Our full calendars and plans can keep us from focusing on Christ and spending important time with Him. Scripture reminds us to pause amidst our daily rhythms and focus on Christ and His kingdom.
1. Read Psalm 46:10.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.
2, How does busyness keep us from prioritizing Christ?
3, According to this passage of Scripture, how can we fight against busyness in our lives that holds us back from making Christ a priority?
4, What does it look like today to “be still” and focus on God?
We may not realize it, but our own fears and worries can even hold us back from prioritizing Christ. Our fears and worries can often leave us anxious and disillusioned, keeping us from focusing on and prioritizing Christ. When we feel fearful and worried, the temptation is to turn to other people or things to ease our fears and worries. Instead, Christ offers an invitation to turn to Him when we feel overcome and burdened by our fears and worries.
1. Read Matthew 11:28-30.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
2. How do fears and worries hold us back from prioritizing Christ?
3. Summarize the invitation Jesus gives in this passage of Scripture.
4. What is the result if we accept Jesus’ invitation in this passage of Scripture?
Which of the three things that keep us from prioritizing Christ is holding you back from making Christ a priority in your life: distractions, busyness, or fear and worry? Share this with your group, along with one specific, measurable, and attainable step you can take to fight against the distractions, busyness, worries, or fears that are holding you back. When you are finished, pray together. Commit as a group to prioritize Christ and ask Him to help you all as you seek to do this.
©2025 Sagebrush Church
