Recap:

We just wrapped up a powerful series called The Invisible War. For four weeks, we’ve talked about the battle you can’t see, a spiritual war where the enemy is working to derail you, distract you, and ultimately destroy your faith.

Now, we’re shifting into a new series called Holy Habits. Because while we need to be aware of the battle, we also need to know how to fight. And sometimes fighting looks like doing the steady, consistent, spiritual work that strengthens your soul.

Faith isn’t just sitting back hoping things work out. Faith is trusting God and actively seeking Him, being disciplined in prayer, consistent in reading His Word, faithful in meeting with His people. We do our part, knowing God will always do His part.

Our anchor verse comes from Hebrews 10:24–25:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The writer of Hebrews is sounding the alarm: Don’t make it a habit to drift away from gathering with God’s people. Because when you drift from the people of God, you will eventually drift from the presence of God.

It’s easy to drift. Sometimes it’s busyness, hobbies, kids’ sports, or work schedules. Sometimes it’s just laziness. But make no mistake, this isn’t about perfect attendance. It’s about spiritual survival.

I’ve seen it happen in my own family. We were once all-in, Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, small groups, serving God together. Then priorities shifted. Business became more important than being with God’s people, and slowly, we drifted. The results were devastating. That’s why this is so personal for me.

So why do we gather? Let me give you three reasons straight from Scripture:

  1. We gather to remember who we are.
     The world will label you a consumer, a number, a worker, your past mistakes, or your desires. But here, you’re reminded of the truth, you’re forgiven, loved, chosen, and God’s own possession (1 Peter 2:9).
  2. We gather because God shows up.
     Jesus said, “Where two or three gather in my name, I am there with them.” His presence dwells in the praises of His people. And when He shows up, everything changes.
  3. We gather to find strength in numbers.
     Ecclesiastes says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” You were never meant to do life alone. Christianity is a “one another” faith, love one another, encourage one another, serve one another.

Like my friend Francisco, a single dad who decided to commit to a small group every week. Eight weeks later, he said it’s like living with an invisible shield in the middle of chaos. Why? Because he’s doing his part, and God is doing His.

Don’t drift apart.
Don’t let the enemy pull you out of community.
When you’re with God’s people, you’re reminded of who you are, you encounter His presence, and you find strength to stand.

So, here’s the question: Are you drifting?
If so, ask God today to pull you back, to give you the discipline and desire to build holy habits that keep your faith strong.

Group Questions:

Icebreakers

(Choose 1–2 to start the conversation light and warm before diving into the spiritual discussion)

  1. When you were a kid, what was one routine or habit your family always had—whether it was a dinner tradition, bedtime ritual, or something else?
  2. If you had to live one week without your phone, what would be the hardest thing to give up?
  3. Think of a time you joined a group or community (sports team, club, work project) and it really encouraged you—what made that experience so good?
  4. In one word, describe your mood when you walk into church on a Sunday morning.

Discussion Questions

1. The Drift

  • In your own life, what are some subtle ways you’ve noticed yourself drifting from community or spiritual practices?
  • What do you think makes drifting so easy and staying connected so difficult?

2. The Anchor Verse — Hebrews 10:24–25

  • This verse talks about “spurring one another on.” What’s the difference between just being together and actually encouraging one another?
  • When have you felt most “spurred on” in your faith by another believer?

3. Why We Gather

  • Which of the three reasons for gathering (remember who you are, encounter God’s presence, find strength in numbers) resonates with you most right now? Why?
  • How has gathering with God’s people shaped your identity or reminded you of the truth about who you are?
  • Share a time when you tangibly felt God’s presence while gathered with others.

4. Building Holy Habits

  • What’s one holy habit you want to strengthen this season (prayer, Bible reading, gathering, serving, etc.)?
  • What usually gets in the way of you consistently practicing it?
  • What practical steps could you take this week to make it part of your rhythm?

5. Community and Strength

  • Ecclesiastes says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Who are your “strands” right now?
  • How could you be more intentional about both giving and receiving strength in your faith community?

Closing Challenge

  • This week, what’s one small step you can take to move closer to community rather than drifting away?
  • Who could you encourage or invite to join you at church or in your group?