Resilience 5 - Self Denial

Matthew 16:24

2 Timothy 2:1-10

The Big Idea: Private discipline always precedes public fruitfulness

Asceticism is an antidote to the poison of self-centeredness common in our culture, which teaches us that satisfying our own desires is the key to the good life. The ascetic knows that true happiness can be found only by living in harmony with the will of God, and ascetical practices train body and soul to put God above self.

Soldier:

Please Your Commanding Officer

Do not get entangled in civilian affairs

1 John 2:15-17 

Athlete: 

Receive the Victor’s Crown

Compete lawfully

Romans 8:3-4

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

The Farmer:

First to share in the harvest

Work Hard

Galatians 6:7

1 Thessalonians 2:2-12 

Response:

• I will keep my life disentangled

• I will integrate the Spirit's work into my whole life

• I will sow into the harvest of my Oikos

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Matthew 6:24-27

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)