Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Lasting Faith

Text: 1 Timothy 3:10-15

Introduction

Does God want us to tell us how much we love Him or show how much we love Him? The answer is both. God wants us to express how much we love him through praise but also He wants to see our daily lives showing our love for Him. This requires discipline. It takes work. But its love. This requires us to know who we love, God, through His Word.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term spiritual disciplines? Why?
2. What has been your experience with spiritual disciplines in the past? What has been positive? What has been negative or apathetic?
3. What are some spiritual disciplines that you have a difficult time doing? What are some of the things in your life that is preventing you to do these disciplines?
4. What can we, as a group, practically do to help keep each other in spiritual discipline? What must the individual be willing to accept in order for this to be effective?

Moving Forward

Any athlete knows that passion for the game can only take you so far in competition. Passion drives you to discipline yourself to train and prepare yourself. In the same way, our spiritual growth cannot be sustained only through feelings. Feelings should drive us to discipline ourselves in living. There are no short-cuts. Shallow faith comes not because we don't have passion for our faith. Instead it is because we lack the discipline in our faith walk. But its difficult to do it alone. That is why God brings us into community. Community helps us to keep us on track in our discipline. Our brothers and sisters will help encourage and keep us accountable in doing the basic disciplines of a Christian life.

Meditate

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  – 2 Timothy 3:14-15