Private Disciplines (Session 4)

SERMON DATE: 10/18/2015

TEXT: Matthew 6:1-6; Mark 1:35

View Small Group intro video on Vimeo

View Small Group intro video on YouTube

QUESTIONS:

When it comes to discipline, where do you struggle most?
Is there something you currently enjoy doing that began as a discipline? If so, what made the discipline become enjoyable?
Growing up, were you encouraged to develop habits that could be described as private spiritual disciplines? Things like prayer, devotions, giving fasting, confession?
- Did any of these become habits that you have carried with you into adulthood? If so, which? If not, why?
- Looking back, are there people you feel God providentially brought into your life at crucial times? Who? How did God use them?
Can you think of disciplines you’ve developed that have strengthened your relationships with those you care about most? For example, calling your mom on a regular basis; coming home at a predetermined time; picking up after yourself; drinking less or not at all.
Were you raised in a home where generosity was practiced and talked about?
- Were you raised to give?
- Was the giving in your home more needs/crisis based or did your family support your church or other organizations on a regular and systematic basis?
How easy is it for you to be generous when confronted with a specific need? Why?
When Andy presented this content in his message, he challenged us to engage in the spiritual discipline of giving by committing to give a percentage of our income for one month. What is your reaction to this challenge?
Jesus promises that those who give according to his instruction will be rewarded. Do you feel you’ve been rewarded for your generosity in the past? If so, how?
Which is easier, praying consistently or giving consistently, why?
Why do you think Jesus instructs us to pray privately on a regular basis?
We all pray in times of crisis. Do you think our crisis prayers would be different if we practiced the discipline of private daily prayer? If so, how?
Once again Jesus promises a reward, this time to those who pray privately. In your opinion, how are those who pray in private rewarded?
When Andy presented this content in the message, he challenged us to engage in the discipline of daily, private prayer. What is your reaction to that challenge? Is that something we could commit to as a group for one week?