These first 3 chapters of The Discipline of Grace are revolutionary—if they are applied.

For our next Community Group meetings this month, we are going to review them again before moving forward in the book.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE MEETING THIS WEEK

Take time to review what you underlined & highlighted in chapters 1–3.

(And, if you haven’t had a chance to read chapters 1-3, take this extra time to catch up! They are foundational chapters to the book!)

1. What is one point or paragraph that changed the way you think about the gospel in the first 3 chapters?

2. Refer to the timelines on pages 10-11. Mr. Bridges says, one of the reasons we fail to live in the good of the gospel is because we assume the gospel is for unbelievers & discipleship is for believers.

(a) In your experience with Christianity & the church, would you agree with these timelines? Have you ever thought that way?
(b) After reading chapters 1-3, how should we view the Christian life & the importance of the gospel for it differently?

3. Typically, we either battle sins of self-righteousness, like anger, bitterness, & critical judgment, because we think we’re better than others. Or, we battle sins of self-condemnation, like self-pity, discouragement, excessive guilt, because we think we’re worse than others.

(a) How does the gospel confront these two temptations?
(b) How does the parable of the Pharisee & the tax collector shed light on these temptations?

4. Mr. Bridges says, it is misleading to say we are saved by faith alone (pg. 41).

(a) What does he mean by that? Why is this misleading & dangerous to our souls?
(b) How does realizing faith is a gift protecting us from basing our confidence on the measure of our faith?

5. What is one verse or one passage you could memorize to help you specifically preach the gospel to yourself each day?