MONTH ONE | SESSION ONE

WHAT IS A PARADIGM?

 

How often do you think about your breathing? 

How often do you think about the oxygen supply in the atmosphere?

...and if it will be available for your next breath?

Think about it.  Every day we take thousands of breaths, but we are rarely concerned with how much oxygen we are taking in, if our lungs are working, or even notice the continual act of inhaling and exhaling.  It’s automatic for most of us, even though it is arguably one of the most critical parts of our existence. 

In the same way that we rarely think about our breathing, we rarely pause to think about our thoughts. Just like the oxygen we breathe, we are literally swimming in a world of thoughts, beliefs and internal conversations.  It’s impossible to turn off that little voice inside of us that is always talking to us. We call this our paradigm, and it informs how you see everything in your life.  

Consider that your paradigm is a map that informs you about the world.  It tells you what to do, how to stay safe, who to trust, when to act, etc.  It’s always there, always informing us – and we rarely even think about it.  In fact, I would say that it is what is at the driver’s seat of your life!        

Have you ever done or said something, and in the middle of it thought, “why in the world am I doing this!?”  Maybe you have struggled with a habitual action or reaction, such as consistently getting angry, having overwhelming anxiety over small things, or overeating when you said you wouldn’t.  You might have even felt crazy, but I guarantee you aren’t.  That’s just a clear indicator that there is a strong belief in your paradigm that is overriding what you say you want in life.  The paradigm is in charge!

 

So why are we starting here?

 

If your paradigm is your map for reality, we must first start asking ourselves what is informing that map, and is it true?  The journey you are about to go on is going to be a passionate evaluation of what is currently in your paradigm and first allowing Jesus to shape anything that might be taking you off the route to abundant life.  This may feel exhilarating, painful, confusing or life-giving at times, but know that you have your traveling companions and the Holy Spirit to guide you along the way.

 

READ ROMANS 7:14 – 25

Notice how Paul struggles with what he wants to do and what he actually does.  Fill in this table with the specifics of your own conflicting beliefs and actions.

 

WHAT I STRUGGLE WITH
Example:  Constantly being jealous of others

WHAT I WANT

Celebrating with others and being secure in myself

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







      

READ LAMENTATIONS 3:40

What do you think it practically looks like to test and examine your ways?  What will this require of you over the next 6 months?

 

 

 

 















Spend some time making a list of beliefs about yourself, others and God that you are aware of.  Don’t edit them if they are “right” or “wrong.”  Just write as many down as you can.

 

YOURSELF

OTHERS

GOD

Example:  I am powerful, I have a hard time fitting in, I am fearful, I am smart, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

Example:  Community supports me, men/women can’t be trusted, People have let me down, etc.

Example:  God is loving, God doesn’t keep all of his promises, God is my source for peace, etc.

 

PRAYER

Spend at least 5 minutes in silence just listening to your thoughts.  This might be a strange new practice for you, and your mind may go racing all over the place.  That’s ok.  Just notice where your mind goes, and all the thoughts, worries, complaints, to-do lists, etc. that come to the surface.  Set a timer on your phone if you need to. 




When you are finished, ask Jesus to start revealing to you all the beliefs that are not from him, and the thoughts He wants to shift.  Spend some time asking Him to start making his voice known to you.    

 

DISCUSSION STARTERS

  1. What did you notice about your thoughts?

  2. When was the last time you recognized a difference in what you were doing, saying or reacting and how you wanted to do, say or respond?  What can you see about your paradigm?

  3. Share a belief that you wrote down and where you believe you picked that up in your life journey.  Was it from a parent?  An experience?  A mentor?