Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTShare a time when God "ruined" your plans, and they turned out better than what you had in mind.Were you angry that your plans changed? How did you feel when things turned out better than you originally planned?ENCOUNTERBiblical wisdom teaches that "pride comes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18). And in chapter four of his letter, James ties non-religious business endeavors to pride. These endeavors are proud for two reasons: (1) they are done for selfish, greedy gain and (2) they are accomplished without any faith in, dependence on, or service to God. Because of this, destruction creeps in.Jesus poignantly taught on the destruction of pride through some of his parables. Two that might come to mind are the parables of "The Rich Fool" and "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector." Read each of these parables and discuss how they relate to pride's destruction.Read the parable of "The Rich Fool" in Luke 12:13–21. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 15)? How are greed and pride related.Read the parable of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" in Luke 18:9–14. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 14)? How would James 4:13–17 describe the Pharisee and the tax collector?TRANSFORMWhat character(s) from the parables do you relate to the most? Why?To get off the highway of destruction, we need to take the exit marked "humility." What is one area of pride in your heart that you need to overcome this week?What conversations do you need to have to overcome that area of pride?PRAYEREven though we are prideful, God is merciful. Pray the truths in Titus 3:4–7 with a focus on how your pride is forgiven and destroyed in Christ.

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