LISTEN: iTunes | Spotify | Download
READ: ROMANS 7:14-20, 1 TIMOTHY 4:7-10
Deeper Conversation
John Ortberg has said that “Habits eat willpower for breakfast. “What is a desire or appetite that, despite your best efforts, you’ve struggled to overcome?
Dallas Willard says “Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.” How do we differentiate our efforts in growing spiritually from our attempts to earn God’s favor?
Engaging The Scriptures
Read Romans 7:14-20, 1 Timothy 4:7-10, 2 Peter 1:3
In Romans 7, Paul identifies sin, yet doesn’t identity with that sin. How can we acknowledge our sin without allowing shame to make it part of our identity?
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul uses the metaphor of physical fitness to speak of our spiritual
growth. What similarities do you see between physical health and spiritual health?
In 2 Peter 1:3, we’re told we have everything we need for our spiritual lives. If this is true, how might this shift the way we go about walking with God each day?
Practicing Together
Practice Fasting And Sacrifice
This week, identify an appetite or desire that seems to plague you. Maybe it’s a food, time on social media, sweets, etc. First, name that desire before God. Second, in prayer, submit it to him. Third, choose an intentional period of time to go without this appetite in order to tune your heart towards God and strengthen your spiritual muscles.
Recommended Resources for Choosing Less
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place – Andy Crouch
The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction – Justin Whitmel Early