As part of our sermon series, Formed: Who’s Shaping Your Life?, we are providing a weekly Small Group & Spiritual Reflection Companion to help us become more aware of what is shaping us and more intentional about placing our lives in the hands of Christ.

Download the complete Formed: A Study Companion for Small Group & Personal Reflection here. Enjoy this week’s guide below:

Opening Reflection

Formation is always happening. Our calendars train us to value urgency; our spending teaches us what matters; our screens shape our attention; and our repeated choices slowly become character. In Matthew 6, Jesus asks us to consider where our treasure, vision, and loyalty are directed. What we treasure eventually organizes our hearts.

Romans 12 reminds us that transformation begins with God’s mercy and involves the whole person. As God renews our minds, we learn to resist the patterns around us and discern what is good. Christian formation is not a single decision but a grace-filled reorientation practiced over time.

Scripture Focus

Matthew 6:19–24

Discussion Questions

1. How do treasure, vision, and loyalty relate to one another in Matthew 6?
2. What voices or systems most actively compete to define “the good life” for us?
3. Where do you notice a gap between your stated priorities and the habits that receive your time, money, or attention?
4. How might what we repeatedly look at shape what we are able to see?
5. Why does it matter that Romans 12 begins with God’s mercy?
6. How can a community resist unhealthy cultural patterns without becoming fearful or withdrawn?
7. What is one practice that could redirect your attention toward God this week?

Formation Invitation

Review one ordinary day from the past week. Notice where your time, attention, money, and emotional energy went. Without judging the list, pray, “Merciful God, show me what is shaping me.” Choose one small adjustment that makes room for love of God and neighbor.

For Further Reflection

Read Matthew 6:1–34 as a whole. Notice how prayer, possessions, vision, loyalty, and anxiety belong within one teaching about trust.

Closing Prayer

Merciful God, you know how easily our attention is scattered and our loyalties divided. Renew our minds, reorder our desires, and teach us to treasure what lasts. Receive our ordinary lives as worship, and form us into people who love you with undivided hearts. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Dedric Cowser, Preaching