Turning Off Autopilot

KEY VERSES:

• Ecclesiastes 4:7–12
• Genesis 2:18
• Psalm 133:1
• Hebrews 10:24–25
• Acts 2:42–47
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Galatians 6:2

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Autopilot is real—and risky.
   We slip into routines (even church) without asking why. Intention beats inertia.
2. Designed for belonging.
   From the beginning, isolation wasn’t “good.” God hard-wired us for people. (Genesis 2:18; Psalm 133:1)
3. Lesson 1 — Community can’t be replaced.
   Solomon calls solo success “meaningless.” Possessions ≠ companionship. (Ecclesiastes 4:7–8)
4. Lesson 2 — Community gets more done.
   “Two are better than one.” We lift more, learn faster, and keep moving when we do it together. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10; Hebrews 10:24–25)
5. Lesson 3 — Community supports and protects.
   When you fall, someone can pull you up; when it’s cold, you stay warm; a braided cord is hard to break. (Ecclesiastes 4:10–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Galatians 6:2)
6. Model of the early church.
   Together in teaching, meals, prayer, generosity—daily. That unity fueled growth. (Acts 2:42–47)
7. Call to action.
   Turn off autopilot: pursue people on purpose—join a group, serve on a team, build a support system.

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. Where do you notice “autopilot” in your faith or relationships right now?
2. What does Genesis 2:18 challenge in how you handle loneliness or independence?
3. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7–12. Which image lands most—lifting up, keeping warm, or the braided cord—and why?
4. When has community accelerated your growth? What made that season work?
5. What keeps you from letting people in (time, trust, past hurt, pace)? What’s one step to push through?
6. Which habit from Acts 2:42–47 could you adopt this month (teaching, fellowship, meals, prayer, generosity)?
7. Who are “your three,” and how can you make those ties more like a braid than three loose strands?
8. Who might need you to check in or carry a burden with them this week?

APPLY IT:

• Identify “your three.” Name 2–3 people you can be honest with. Text them today to set up coffee. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
• Join a circle. Pick one on-ramp (group, team, class) and show up twice before deciding.
• Practice presence. One meal a day with your phone away. Ask one deeper question at the table.
• Go first. Share one real struggle with a trusted friend and invite prayer/accountability. (Galatians 6:2)
• Serve with someone. Do one tangible act together—help someone move, bring a meal, watch kids.
• Sunday with intention. Arrive early or linger after to learn one name and one story.
• Calendar it. Block a weekly rhythm (dinner, group, workout) that keeps you connected.
• Spot & respond. If someone comes to mind, reach out within 24 hours: “You popped into my head—how are you really?”