Breaking Free: Embracing Growth During Lent
Summary
In our journey through the message series on identity in Christ, we have explored the profound truth that we are beloved, called, and equipped by God. Today, we confront the reality of feeling stuck, a common experience where we find ourselves trapped in cycles that hinder our spiritual progress. This feeling of stagnation can be likened to spinning our wheels, never advancing beyond a certain point, despite our best efforts.
I shared a personal illustration of how my week can oscillate between highs and lows, with good news lifting my spirits and bad news causing stress and worry. Unlike the temporary joy that fades back to a baseline, the negative emotions tend to linger, preventing a return to the positive peaks. This pattern is not unique to me; many of us can relate to this ebb and flow of emotions and the struggle to break free from it.
To break through this cycle, we must recall the foundational truths discussed in the earlier weeks of this series. We must remember that we are beloved by God, created with a purpose, and that growth often requires self-awareness. While acknowledging that some may need professional help for issues like depression, many of us can find liberation from these cycles through spiritual growth and trust in God.
The biblical story of the Israelites surrounded by the Syrian army and the four lepers outside the city walls serves as a powerful example. The lepers, facing certain death from starvation, made a courageous decision to approach the enemy camp, only to find it deserted and full of provisions. This story illustrates that sometimes, to become unstuck, we must take decisive action, stepping out in faith.
The season of Lent, which we are about to enter, is an opportune time to practice spiritual disciplines and seek Christ deeply. The 40 days of Lent are significant, as the number 40 in the Bible often symbolizes the completion of God's purpose. It is also a period that aligns with scientific findings on the time required to establish new habits. The Israelites' 40 years in the desert and Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness are biblical precedents for using this time for spiritual growth and trust in God.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, we will use the book "Witness at the Cross" to deepen our understanding of the crucifixion through the perspectives of those present. This study will enrich our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and challenge us to consider our witness in response.
In conclusion, the season of Lent is a call to action, an invitation to step out of our cycles of stagnation and into a deeper relationship with Christ. It is a time to practice discipline, to grow in trust, and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.
Key Takeaways:
- The feeling of being stuck is a universal human experience, but as believers, we have the assurance that God has equipped us with the tools to overcome these cycles. By embracing our identity as beloved and called by God, we can find the strength to break free and move forward in our spiritual journey. [49:38]
- Lent is a divinely appointed season that offers us a structured opportunity to deepen our faith through intentional spiritual practices. The 40 days of Lent are not arbitrary; they are rooted in biblical tradition and supported by modern research on habit formation, making this period ideal for personal transformation. [56:34]
- The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 is a testament to the power of decisive action in the face of adversity. When we feel trapped by our circumstances, we must remember that God often uses our bold steps to lead us to unexpected blessings and breakthroughs. [54:32]
- The practice of observing Lent is not just about personal piety but also about communal growth and preparation for the most significant events in the Christian calendar. By engaging with the stories of those who witnessed Christ's crucifixion, we can gain a more profound understanding of the cross and its implications for our lives. [01:01:30]
- Trust in God is the cornerstone of breaking free from the desolate pits of life. As the Psalmist declares, God lifts us onto solid ground and instills a new song of praise in our hearts. This trust is cultivated through remembering God's faithfulness in the past and embracing the disciplines that draw us closer to Him during Lent. [01:00:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 7:3-8 - The story of the four lepers who took decisive action and found the enemy camp deserted.
2. Psalm 40:1-5 - A psalm about trusting God to lift us out of desolation and set our feet on solid ground.
3. Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the situation faced by the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, and what decision did they make? ([53:51])
2. According to Psalm 40, what does the psalmist say God does for those who wait patiently for Him? ([58:38])
3. How did Jesus respond to the temptations He faced during His 40 days in the wilderness? ([57:58])
4. What are some examples of the highs and lows the pastor mentioned experiencing during his week? ([50:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the story of the four lepers teach us about taking action when we feel stuck? ([54:32])
2. How does Psalm 40 illustrate the process of moving from a place of desolation to a place of praise and trust in God? ([59:25])
3. In what ways does Jesus' time in the wilderness serve as a model for us during the season of Lent? ([57:58])
4. How can the practice of spiritual disciplines during Lent help us break free from cycles of stagnation? ([55:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in a cycle of negative emotions. What steps did you take, or could you take, to break free from that cycle? ([51:27])
2. The pastor mentioned that some people might need professional help for issues like depression. How can we discern when to seek professional help versus relying on spiritual growth and trust in God? ([52:01])
3. The story of the four lepers shows the importance of taking bold steps in faith. What is one area in your life where you need to take a bold step of faith? ([54:32])
4. Lent is a time for practicing spiritual disciplines. What specific discipline (e.g., prayer, fasting, Bible study) will you commit to during this Lenten season, and how do you hope it will help you grow spiritually? ([55:09])
5. The pastor shared his experience of emotional highs and lows throughout the week. How can you cultivate a more stable emotional and spiritual life, even when faced with challenges? ([50:14])
6. Psalm 40 speaks of God lifting us out of the desolate pit. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God's faithfulness during difficult times? ([59:25])
7. As we study "Witness at the Cross" during Lent, how can you apply the lessons from the perspectives of those who witnessed Christ's crucifixion to your own life and witness? ([01:01:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Identity to Overcome Stagnation
Feeling stuck in life's cycles can be a disheartening experience, but it is not an insurmountable one. As individuals who are beloved and called by God, there is an inherent strength available to break free from these patterns. Recognizing one's identity in Christ is the first step towards moving forward. This identity is not just a label; it is a source of power and purpose that can propel one out of the mire of stagnation. It is important to remember that being stuck is not a permanent state. By embracing the truth of being beloved by God, one can find the courage and the means to advance in their spiritual journey, even when the path seems obscured by the cycles of life. [49:38]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9
Reflection: What specific cycle of stagnation are you currently experiencing, and how can your identity in Christ empower you to break free from it?
Day 2: Lent as a Catalyst for Transformation
The 40 days of Lent are not chosen at random; they are deeply rooted in the tradition of spiritual growth and renewal. This period is an invitation to engage in intentional spiritual practices that can lead to personal transformation. By following the biblical precedent of 40 days, one can align with a time-tested rhythm that facilitates the formation of new, life-giving habits. This season is an opportunity to delve deeper into faith, to seek Christ with renewed vigor, and to emerge with a stronger, more resilient spirit. The journey through Lent can be a transformative experience, reshaping one's life in the image of Christ. [56:34]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" - Luke 9:23
Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline you can commit to this Lent to foster growth in your relationship with Christ?
Day 3: The Power of Decisive Action
The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 serves as a powerful reminder that decisive action can lead to unexpected blessings. When faced with adversity, it is often the bold steps, taken in faith, that God uses to bring about breakthroughs. Feeling trapped by circumstances can be paralyzing, but there is a call to trust in God's provision and to move forward courageously. This biblical narrative encourages believers to not remain passive but to actively seek the opportunities that God may have hidden in the midst of challenges. [54:32]
"Then they said to one another, 'We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king's household.'" - 2 Kings 7:9
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to take a bold step of faith, and what is the first action you can take towards it?
Day 4: Witnessing the Cross for Communal Growth
Observing Lent is more than a personal endeavor; it is a communal journey towards understanding the significance of the crucifixion. By engaging with the perspectives of those who witnessed Christ's sacrifice, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the cross and its implications for their lives. This study is not just about gaining knowledge but about transforming the way one lives in response to the ultimate act of love. As a community, reflecting on the cross can lead to a more profound sense of unity and purpose, preparing hearts collectively for the celebration of Easter. [01:01:30]
"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2
Reflection: How can the example of Christ's sacrifice challenge you to live out your faith more authentically in your community?
Day 5: Trusting God to Lift Us from Desolation
The Psalmist's declaration of God lifting us onto solid ground and instilling a new song of praise in our hearts is a testament to the trustworthiness of God. In times of desolation, it is this trust that becomes the cornerstone of renewal. Remembering God's past faithfulness and embracing spiritual disciplines draw us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His transformative power. Lent is a season to cultivate this trust, to lean into God's steadfast love, and to emerge from the pits of life with a renewed sense of hope and direction. [01:00:11]
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." - Psalm 40:2
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God has been faithful to you in the past. How can this memory help you trust Him with a current challenge you are facing?
Quotes
1) "We feel like we're just kind of spinning our wheels and there's a lot of reasons that we can get stuck." This captures the common human experience of feeling stagnant in our spiritual journey. [49:38](Download | )
2) "Unlike before where I kind of go back to the baseline, I sort of hang out there and sort of stress and worry and feel bad." This quote reflects the struggle to return to a state of spiritual equilibrium after negative experiences. [50:49](Download | )
3) "Sometimes we get stuck and so when we're in those stuck situations we have got to make some decision to get unstuck." This emphasizes the need for decisive action to break free from cycles of stagnation. [55:09](Download | )
4) "The season of Lent is a great time to practice spiritual disciplines to really seek Christ in a very deep way." This quote highlights the importance of Lent as a period for intentional spiritual growth. [55:57](Download | )
5) "The number 40 is often used in the Bible to showcase examples of God's intent and direction in people's lives." This connects the significance of the number 40 in biblical tradition to the practice of Lent. [56:34](Download | )
6) "They were learning to trust God... they were growing in their trust... they were learning to be this people set apart to practice their faith." This quote speaks to the process of spiritual formation and trust in God. [57:58](Download | )
7) "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." This quote from the sermon, referencing Psalm 40, encapsulates the transformative power of trust in God. [01:00:11](Download | )
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