You can find the card referred to in this Sunday’s message HERE.
Read 1 Corinthians 9.24-27. What’s the primary implication of this text?
What’s the prize in this race? How is that prize available in the here and now?
As Paul writes the text, he looks at the present through the lens of the future. Many times we look at the present through the lens of the past. Describe a time when you looked at the present through the lens of the future and describe a time when you looked at the present through the lens of the past. Which brought you life? How might you grow in learning how to view the present through the lens of the future? What would it require you to release, or let go? How would you need to “train” in order to run with freedom?
Do a study of Scripture of the promise of believers receiving “crowns.” What kind of crowns do we receive? How does this study awaken you to a broader and more beautiful picture of life in Christ and eternal life in Christ?
Read Isaiah 35.10. Allow the prophecy to rest on you, and in you – to fully “overtake you.”
Read 2 Timothy 4.8. What is “the crown of righteousness” Paul talks about here? When and how do we receive this kind of crown?
Read, reflect and respond to the following quote from Dallas Willard.
If we are to be transformed, the body must be transformed, and that is not accomplished by talking at it. The training that leads to doing what we hear from Jesus must therefore involve, first, the purposeful disruption of our “automatic” thoughts, feelings, and actions by doing different things with our body. And then, through various intentional practices, we place the body before God in such a way that our whole self is retrained away from the old kingdoms around us and within us and into “the kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Colossians 1:13)
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy.
What is an “automatic” response in your life that needs to be retrained? What might happen in you and to those around you should that automatic response not change?
If you could summarize your “training” what would you say? If you could summarize how your training is a part of your transformation what would you say?
Read 1 Timothy 4.8, and 6.12. How do these verses encourage you to press into the spiritual call to bring your whole self before our Good God?
Read, reflect and respond to the following quote from Dallas Willard.
“You must arrange your days so that you are experiencing total contentment, joy, and confidence in your everyday life with God — that and that alone is what makes a soul healthy.” – Dallas Willard
- What would one day look like for you, if you “arranged your days” in this way?
- What would have to change in order for you to arrange your day in this way?
- What is the reward of this kind of living and loving?
Read Hebrews 12.1-3. How does this verse encourage you? How do you sense the “great cloud of witnesses” cheer you on? If there was one area in your life where you sense a need today to be encouraged, what would it be? Who could join you here?
Of the seven vows listed below, which is the one you celebrate the deepest? Which challenges you most deeply?
I yield myself fully to you.
I embrace your calling on my life.
I will do your bidding without delay.
I will refuse you nothing.
I will endure all hardships.
When I don’t feel your presence, I will still be faithful.
I will seek to love you as you have never been loved before.
As you close this study, spend some moments meditating on the Lord’s prayer.
