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Cleaning House Sermon Series Group Discussion Guide

  The January 2026 "Cleaning House" series draws on Bible stories to explore cleaning up our spiritual lives, much like sorting out clutter in our hearts and routines. It focuses on personal growth, group support, and avoiding complacency in faith.   

Part 1: Cleaning House - The Parable of the Lost Coin, January 4, 2026 

This sermon uses Luke 15:8-10, where the "lost coin" symbolizes faith or passion for God hidden by life's chaos.   Key points: Difficulties create disorder; the coin is nearby but obscured; rediscovery requires illumination (self-reflection through Scripture) and reorganization (prioritizing, as in Matthew 6:33). Even negative experiences can lead to positive outcomes (Romans 8:28); this applies to individual, family, or community issues. Persistence brings heavenly celebration and can even bring healing to traumatic cases that involve unresolvable pains.  

Discussion Questions:  

1. Considering the "lost coin" metaphor, share a personal instance where life's disruptions (such as stress, relationships, or habits) caused you to lose your spiritual enthusiasm. How did you recover it, and what part studying Scripture or seeking advice play in your ability to recover? Was it a gradual shift or abrupt? How can you avoid falling into patterns of repetition? 

2. The sermon notes that potential disorder occurs when priorities become jumbled, impacting homes, marriages, finances, and faith. From various viewpoints—personal, relational, or communal—discuss how reorganizing priorities has restored balance in your life. What if external challenges like illness or loss hinder change? How does Matthew 6:33 ("seek first the kingdom of God") offer practical direction? 

3. Examining the joy of recovering the lost coin (and heaven's rejoicing over repentance), how does the parable's emphasis on diligence and illumination challenge or inspire your spiritual development? How can we assist one another in "turning on the light" without criticism, accounting for cultural or generational differences expression of our faith?  

Part 2: Cleaning House - Return of an Unclean Spirit, January 11, 2026  

Drawing from Matthew 12:43-45 and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), this warns that after spiritual cleansing, an unoccupied "house" can attract greater troubles. It is important to ask Jesus to assist you to establish boundaries to secure vulnerabilities; avoid even casual involvement with sin. Boundaries promote self-protection; relapse intensifies problems. The sermon encourages repentance and watchfulness; be especially mindful of unintended triggers from past addictions or behaviors.  

Discussion Questions: 

 1. The sermon emphasizes Jesus' permanent residence in your life, inspired by the Prodigal Son's awakening. Share personal or observed examples where viewing faith as a temporary solution led to backsliding. How does societal emphasis on independence conflict with daily reliance on Jesus?     

2. Discuss the contrast between boundaries/standards and legalism. How have you implemented "locked doors" to strengthen weak areas? Agree or disagree: Does setting boundaries seem limiting in relationships? How do boundaries leverage strengths while countering destructive patterns? 

3. Consider the relational and communal impact of setting boundaries. How important is repentance in developing strategies for permanent closure of repetitive negative habits? How can groups promote accountability without inducing shame, considering varied generational attitudes toward sin?  

Part 3: Cleaning House - Hosting God's Presence, January 18, 2026  

Based on 1 Chronicles 13 and 15, this contrasts David's improper and proper efforts to transport the Ark. Key points: Adhere to proper protocol and preparation; prevent familiarity from diminishing reverence; sacrifice precedes divine indwelling (Luke 9:23).   

Discussion Questions:  

1. The sermon highlights David's early error to highlight proper submission to "due order" for welcoming God's presence. Reflect on occasions when disregarding biblical principles caused spiritual hurdles in your life. From personal and historical perspectives (e.g., revivals), discuss realigning life with Scripture to invite His presence. How does this evade legalism while also acting in love and grace towards those on the fringe of cultural norms? 

2. Investigating how overfamiliarity renders God's presence ordinary (Uzzah's misstep), share experiences where extended faith exposure fostered apathy. How do we sustain awe? What family dynamics contribute, and how does reverence avoid overstepping boundaries? Are there specific challenges for those raised in church versus those who come to faith later in life? 

3. Sacrifice precedes presence, as seen in David's offerings and Jesus' cross. Discuss applying daily self-denial (Luke 9:23) in to continually host God's dwelling. What if sacrifice entails loss (e.g., relationships or comforts)? How does this cultivate His presence in both personal and communal settings?