In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul declares that his one thing is pressing on to know Jesus more, refusing to let the past—whether success or failure—hold him back. We explored how comparison often distracts us in two ways: by leading to pride (thinking we’re doing better than others) or paralysis (feeling like we’ll never measure up or coasting on past growth). But Paul challenges us to forget what’s behind, throw off distractions, and press forward toward Christ. The question is: What’s one thing you need to let go of, and what’s one thing you can start doing this week to know Jesus more?

Icebreaker: Where in your life have you found yourself engaging in the comparison game?
How did the comparison game affect you or impact you?

Discussion: Read Philippians 3:13-14. Paul says, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” What do you think he means by forgetting what is behind? Why does Paul say this? Can you think of a time in your life that you needed to follow this advice?

Paul describes his pursuit of knowing Jesus with intense focus, like an athlete running a race. What’s something in your life—past or present—that you’ve pursued with that kind of dedication? What does it look like to pursue Jesus with this intensity?

Paul encourages us to press on in our faith. What’s one thing you need to throw off that’s holding you back? 
And what’s one thing you can start doing this week to grow in your relationship with Jesus?

Prayer Time Guide:
As we close, let’s take a moment to pray. Ask God to help us let go of the distractions, past regrets, or comparisons that hold us back, and give us the courage to press on toward knowing Him more. Pray for one another to take meaningful next steps in our faith this week.

NOTE: Don’t feel the pressure to ask all of these questions. You may want to prioritize which ones you think will generate the most discussion within your group. 

When life is chaotic and disrupted, we often pursue quick solutions—fixing problems, escaping, or looking to others. But David, in Psalm 27, shows us a better way. In the face of fear and uncertainty, he prayed for one thing—not relief, but God’s presence. True confidence and peace come from dwelling with God, not controlling circumstances. Pursuing His presence through prayer, Scripture, and reflection anchors us in unshakable confidence. Like David, we’re invited to passionately seek God above all else—because a centered life isn’t found in answers, but in being with Him. Stay with God. Take heart.

Icebreaker: if a genie popped out a bottle what’s one thing you would wish for yourself?

Discussion: 

1. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, what’s your coping mechanism —do you try to fix things, escape from it, deny that it’s an issue, or play the victim When life gets upside down or disrupted, how do you pray

2. Read Psalm 27:4 “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” David prayed for just “one thing” when his life was disrupted—to know the God’s presence. Why?

3. Can you think of a time when you were faced with one of life’s disruptive moments, and then somehow, someway you became aware of God’s presence, and it brought  you an unexpected peace or confidence.

4. What’s one practical way you can intentionally remind yourself of God’s presence this week, even in the middle of disruptive moments?

Prayer Time Guide:

Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and turn our focus toward God’s presence. As we pray, let’s ask Him to give us a desire to seek Him above all else and to help us find unshakable confidence in His presence, no matter what we face.