Breaking Ground
Who in your life has had the biggest influence on your worldview or current belief system? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we explored the topic of having principles as Christians (both individually & corporately). Begin your discussion today by reflecting on the nature of principles in your own life & world.
How do you define principles? What would you say are some of your biggest principles? Where did they come from & what influences shape them the most? How do they influence the way you see & live in the world?
Next, consider the role that principles play in the Christian life. During the sermon, Rori Dunbar laid out a list of principles that she found repeated in Scripture (while recognizing this is by no means an exhaustive list). These were:
- Considering/treating everyone as equals (Romans 12)
- Refusing to repay evil with evil (Romans 12)
- Living at peace with all people (Romans 12)
- Loving your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27)
- Showing mercy (Luke 10)
- Not judging others (Matthew 7)
- Forgiveness (Matthew 6)
- Not doing anything for selfish purposes, but thinking of others as better than ourselves & seeking their good before our own (Philippians 2)
- Showing hospitality to all people, especially strangers (Matthew 25, Hebrews 13, Romans 12)
- Helping those who are in need (1 John 3)
How do you respond to this list of Christian principles? Which stands out to you the most? What principles would you add to this if you were making your own list?
Jesus repeatedly warned that his followers would be constantly tested to forsake their principles & embrace the principles of their surrounding world.
Why do you think Jesus warned about this sort of testing so consistently? What about our world/human nature do you think made such a conflict between principles inevitable?
Consider both the list of Christian principles that you’ve discussed over the course of your time together & the ones you claimed for yourself at the beginning of your conversation.
Which of these principles do you find easiest to stay true to in your present world? Why?
Which of these principles do you find hardest to stay true to in your present world? Why? What forces, ideas, or circumstances tend to challenge the principle you’ve identified the most?
How can Jesus’ example & story help or empower you to stay true to your principles in this season of our world? How might doing so change the way you see & live in tangible ways?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time each week to reflect upon the Sunday sermon.
- What would you consider to be the most important principles in your life today? Where did they come from? Why are they so important to you?
- Which Christian principles do you find most challenging to stay true to in your life today? Why do you think that is?
- How can Jesus’ story & teachings help you hold onto your principles as you navigate our modern world? How would that tangibly impact the way you live on a daily basis?
Additional Resources*
Centered Set Church by Mark D. Baker
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, July 12th: Join us next week as we continue seeking Jesus as the center of our church!
* Please see mye3.org for details.