SEPTEMBER 8
STEP OUT IN PRACTICE
We live in an individualistic society. We are more connected than we’ve ever been and yet more lonely and isolated than ever. We’ve replaced physical proximity to others with superficial digital access to the world. If we really want to grow in Jesus and make Him known in the world, it’s time to reclaim what makes us unique and lean into community, look up to God through Scripture and prayer, and step out in practice. We grow in Jesus when we STEP OUT IN PRACTICE.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own or get together with your group, spiritual running partners, or family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who is the person (or people) who has been the most influential in your walk with (or exploration) of Jesus? What about their character, lifestyle and spiritual practices was most attractive to you?
- Read John 14:12-17.
Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say?):
- What do you notice and what are you curious about?
Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean?)
- What do you learn about Jesus?
- What do you learn about humanity?
- What does it mean that those who believe in Jesus will do greater works than He did?
Now make some applications (what’s my response?)
- How are you encouraged, challenged, or convicted by this passage?
- What should be our response to this passage?
3. Read Romans 12:1. In what ways are you stepping out in practice in the area of personal transformation (i.e. repenting of sin, pursuing reconciliation, seeking help and healing from addiction, developing new habits, finding your identity in Christ, etc.)?
4. Read 1 Peter 4:10. In what ways are you stepping out in practice in the area of service? How are you using your time, treasure and talent to love and serve others?
5. Read Romans 10:14-15. In what ways are you stepping out in practice in the area of outreach? Who have you invested your life in (like question one) in order to show them Jesus and how to follow Him. If you haven’t stepped out in this way, what holds you back?
KEY SCRIPTURE
John 14:12-17 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
PRAYER
In what ways are you convicted, encouraged or challenged by this study? Spend time sharing with your group and praying for one another to be strengthened and empowered to step out in practice in the ways God is calling you.
PRACTICE
How can you step out in practice this week in personal transformation, service or outreach? How can your community come alongside you in this? If you don’t have community, now is the time to begin investing in one! We have many different groups to choose from where you can Belong, Grow, Heal and Serve. Check out our groups page to find the one that’s right for you!