Breaking Free: Intentional Living in Christ
Summary
In our lives, we often find ourselves in patterns of behavior that can feel like ruts. These ruts can be both positive and negative, but regardless of their nature, they require our attention and intentionality to ensure that we are living out our purpose in Christ. A rut, by definition, is a pattern or habit that can be difficult to escape from, much like the deep grooves that form on a well-traveled path. However, even when we are in a 'rut for God,' doing noble work for His kingdom, we must be vigilant not to simply check boxes but to continually seek growth and progress in our mission.
For those of us who feel stuck in a monotonous cycle, it's crucial to remember that routines and habits can lead to great outcomes, but they can also wear us down if we don't introduce change. To break free from a rut, we must be willing to alter just one aspect of our lives, which can shift our entire mindset. This could mean setting goals, being intentional with our time, or finding something to look forward to, whether it's a weekly activity, a monthly event, or an annual vacation.
When it comes to negative ruts, particularly those involving sin or despair, we must lean on Jesus for deliverance. It's in these moments that we must remember that God's standard provides us with true freedom, much like a fence that keeps children safe in a yard. By staying within God's boundaries, we avoid the dangers of 'playing in the street' where harm awaits. To escape these negative cycles, we must turn to God, seek His forgiveness, and align our lives with His decrees.
In all things, whether we're in a positive or negative rut, the key is to be intentional. When we're with our families, at work, or serving in ministry, we must be fully present and purposeful. This intentionality extends to our spiritual disciplines as well. Reading the Bible isn't just about completing chapters; it's about diving deeper into God's Word, understanding it, and applying it to our lives.
Lastly, community plays a significant role in both sustaining us through positive ruts and helping us overcome negative ones. Being part of a body of believers provides us with the support, accountability, and encouragement we need to stay on track and grow in our faith.
Key Takeaways:
- God orchestrates our lives with purpose, and even when we find ourselves in ruts, He is using these patterns to shape us and prepare us for what's ahead. We must trust in His divine timing and know that He is working all things for our good. [07:18]
- The discipline of Bible study is not merely a routine but an encounter with the divine. When we approach Scripture, we must do so with reverence, seeking to understand and apply its truths deeply. This engagement with God's Word is transformative and essential for spiritual growth. [05:19]
- Community is vital for believers. It is in the gathering of the faithful that we receive direction, encouragement, and the 'plays' for living out our Christian walk. Isolation can lead to stagnation, but in community, we find strength and purpose. [36:46]
- In moments of hardship, we must remember that Jesus invites us to cast our burdens upon Him. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. By starting each day in prayer and surrendering our worries to Him, we can navigate life's challenges with His peace and rest. [38:20]
- The stories of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that a life of faith is not always one of triumph and ease. Some of the most faithful endured great suffering, yet their hope was in a better resurrection. Our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on the eternal promises of God. [43:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 6:9 - "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."
2. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 - "So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 6:9 encourage believers to do, and what promise does it offer if they persist? ([06:46])
2. According to 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, how does Paul describe his approach to his spiritual journey? ([08:42])
3. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him with their burdens? ([38:20])
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of being "stuck in a rut" both positively and negatively? ([00:53])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the promise in Galatians 6:9 motivate someone who feels stuck in a monotonous routine? ([06:46])
2. What does it mean to "run with purpose in every step" as described in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, and how can this be applied to daily life? ([08:42])
3. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 provide comfort during times of hardship and feeling stuck? ([38:20])
4. The sermon mentions that even positive ruts can become problematic if we are merely "checking boxes." How can one ensure they are continually growing in their mission for God? ([02:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in a routine. How did you handle it, and what changes did you make to break free? ([03:55])
2. Galatians 6:9 speaks about not getting tired of doing good. What are some "good" routines in your life that you might be taking for granted? How can you approach them with renewed intentionality? ([06:46])
3. Paul talks about disciplining his body like an athlete in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. What are some spiritual disciplines you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are running with purpose? ([08:42])
4. Jesus invites us to cast our burdens on Him in Matthew 11:28-30. What specific burdens are you carrying right now that you need to surrender to Jesus? ([38:20])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in overcoming negative ruts. How can you actively seek out and engage with a supportive community of believers? ([36:46])
6. Think about your current spiritual disciplines, such as Bible reading and prayer. How can you deepen these practices to avoid them becoming mere routines? ([05:19])
7. Identify one area of your life where you feel you are "checking boxes" rather than growing. What is one specific change you can make this week to shift your mindset and approach? ([02:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Divine Timing
Life can often feel like a series of patterns, some of which may seem to hold us back. Yet, it's important to recognize that God is at work in these patterns, using them to shape us and prepare us for what lies ahead. Trusting in His divine timing means understanding that our current 'ruts' have a purpose, even if it's not immediately clear. God's orchestration of our lives is intricate and intentional, and He is always working for our good, even through the mundane and repetitive cycles we sometimes find ourselves in. This trust in God's timing is not passive; it involves actively seeking His will and being open to the lessons He is teaching us in each season of life. [07:18]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 ESV
Reflection: What 'rut' are you currently experiencing, and how can you actively seek God's purpose in it today?
Day 2: Encountering the Divine in Scripture
The discipline of Bible study is far more than a routine; it is an encounter with the divine. When approaching Scripture, it is crucial to do so with a heart of reverence, seeking not just to read but to understand and apply its truths. This deep engagement with God's Word is transformative, shaping our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our lives. The Bible is not a book to be rushed through but a well to draw from, offering fresh insights and guidance each time we dive in. Let the Word of God dwell richly within, allowing it to challenge and change you from the inside out. [05:19]
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!" - Psalm 119:18-19 ESV
Reflection: How can you approach your next Bible study with a heart more open to transformation and less focused on completion?
Day 3: The Strength Found in Community
Community is not just a nice addition to the Christian life; it is essential. Within the body of believers, we find direction, encouragement, and the support needed to live out our faith. Isolation can lead to stagnation, but in community, we are reminded that we are part of something larger than ourselves. It is here that we can share our burdens, celebrate victories, and receive the wisdom and accountability necessary to grow. The Christian community is a place where we can be real with our struggles and find the strength to overcome them together. [36:46]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to engage more deeply with your faith community?
Day 4: Casting Our Burdens Upon Jesus
In moments of hardship, it is comforting to know that Jesus invites us to cast our burdens upon Him. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. This invitation is not just for the heavy seasons of life but for every day. By starting each day in prayer and surrendering our worries to Him, we can navigate life's challenges with His peace and rest. This act of surrender is a daily practice, one that frees us from the weight of our own expectations and allows us to live in the freedom of God's grace. [38:20]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29 ESV
Reflection: What burden do you need to surrender to Jesus today, and how can you remind yourself to lay it down each morning?
Day 5: Faith Beyond Circumstances
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 remind us that a life of faith is not always marked by triumph and ease. Many endured great suffering, yet their hope was anchored in the promise of a better resurrection. Our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on the eternal promises of God. This perspective helps us to endure trials with perseverance, knowing that our current struggles are not the end of the story. The assurance of God's promises gives us the strength to hold fast to our faith, regardless of what we face in this life. [43:45]
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." - Hebrews 11:13 ESV
Reflection: How can the assurance of God's eternal promises change the way you view your current struggles?
Quotes
- "The rut is when you're like all right I'm coming in and I'm doing the same rep scheme, the same amount of weight on the bar, the same time I'm in here in 45 minutes I'm in I'm out I'm not doing anything else, not doing anything extra." [12:05] (Download | )
- "Be intentional with each piece of your day... be intentional when you're at the gym, focus on what you're doing there, get your work done there and go home. When you're with your kids be intentional with your kids." [13:07] (Download | )
- "If you're in a positive rut, look here's the deal, a positive rut still a rut. Yes, you got to move it, you got to shake it, you got to get out of it. Find the ways, be intentional, get out of it." [52:45] (Download | )
- "If you're in a negative one, let's seriously get in the community, pray about it, spend that time with God, seek counseling and help, yes biblical counseling and help." [52:45] (Download | )
- "If you're in something serious and you've got something really bad going on, seek professionals, get in those situations and get the help you need." [52:45] (Download | )
- "I think being intentional is important cuz you'll be so shocked how many things you can accomplish... if I'm willing to focus and put the time in and make it truly a priority, I've never not had the time come." [47:18] (Download | )
- "First and foremost you have to lean on Jesus because you can't lean on yourself... when you're going through this you will have troubles and tribulations in life and you will, you are could be on the wrong path but if you ask for Jesus to forgive you of your sins and point you in the right direction, he will." [47:46] (Download | )
- "Pray to God, it's not a canned prayer, it's not scripted, what's going on in your life, with Thanksgiving, thankful for the things he has given you, thankful for your life, thankful for the situations you do find yourself in." [48:15] (Download | )
- "Being in a rut is tough... keys to this, if we're talking keys to both, let's go top three keys to a getting out of a good rut or getting into what we quote unquote good rut, how do we get excited for the good things, how do we stay enthused to accomplish the good things." [46:24] (Download | )
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