No one wins a (real) race without intense training. So too, no one grows as a Christian & gains the prize in the end without training & discipline.
But how do we hold on to the grace of God and discipline & train ourselves for godliness?
For our Men’s & Women’s Community Groups this month, we are reading chapter 5 of The Discipline of Grace to learn how to do just that.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE MEETING THIS WEEK & NEXT WEEK
Read chapter 5 & take time to look over the questions below.
1. What is an oxymoron? What are some common oxymorons we hear often? Jumbo shrimp, big baby, act natural, passive aggressive, friendly fire, etc.
2. Mr. Bridges claims that the chapter’s title—”Disciplined by Grace”—is an oxymoron as well.
(a) Before reading this chapter, how would you define “discipline” & “grace”? How do you use these words in your daily life? Provide an example.
(b) In your understanding, do “discipline” & “grace” relate to one another? If so, how?
3. Read Titus 2:11-14 together.
(a) Where are “grace” & “discipline” or “training” in these verses? How do they relate to one another here?
(b) Sometimes we think of discipline as just the things we “gotta do” as Christians (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, witness, etc), but this passage teaches us that grace disciplines us! How should this change the way we respond to discipline in the Christian life?
4. Can you relate to the student Mr. Bridges referenced who said he was careful to do his quiet time each day “so nothing bad will happen to me”?
(a) Do you sense God’s smile when you read or pray or obey?
(b) What is wrong with that type of thinking—of doing your quiet time in order to avoid something bad happening?
(c) How can we cultivate a proper foundation & motivation for spiritual growth?
5. Grace disciplines us to put off ungodliness—say No!—& to put on godliness—say Yes!
(a) Mr. Bridges says putting off & putting on are like two sides of a pair of scissors. Without one side, the other side is worthless.
(b) How does he encourage us to put into practice putting-off & putting-on in relation to money & speech?
(c) Is there an area in your life where you have failed to cultivate both sides of this practice?