Embracing a Rule of Life for Intentional Discipleship

 

Summary

In our conversation today, we explored the concept of a "rule of life," an ancient practice that offers a structured framework for living a life of intentional discipleship. This practice, more familiar in Catholic monastic traditions, is a set of communal practices that guide individuals in expressing their faith. The Protestant Reformation, while emphasizing the priesthood of all believers, inadvertently led to the loss of this structured approach to living a consecrated life. In our current post-Christendom era, where cultural forces no longer naturally guide us toward the values of the Kingdom of God, a rule of life becomes essential for intentional spiritual formation.

We discussed how the rule of life can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs, who face unique challenges and temptations in their vocations. The rule of life for Redemptive entrepreneurs includes six key areas: time, money, imagination, power, decision-making, and community. Each area is addressed with baseline practices, such as Sabbath for time and tithing for money, which serve as foundational disciplines to counteract the pressures and temptations of modern entrepreneurial life.

Moreover, we emphasized the importance of community in shaping and sustaining these practices. A communal rule of life provides accountability and encourages individuals to engage in practices they might not choose on their own. This communal aspect helps counteract the individualistic tendencies of Western spirituality and ensures a more holistic approach to discipleship.

In a broader context, we identified three major challenges facing modern Christians: liquidity, media, and algorithms. These forces shape our lives in profound ways, often leading to spiritual deformation. To counteract these influences, we must adopt countercultural practices, such as reducing our exposure to algorithms and being intentional about our media consumption.

Ultimately, the journey of discipleship is about continually returning to the way of Jesus, trusting that it leads to a life of joy and fulfillment. By embracing a rule of life, both individually and communally, we can navigate the complexities of our modern world with grace and intentionality.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Necessity of a Rule of Life: In a post-Christendom world, where cultural forces no longer naturally guide us toward the values of the Kingdom of God, a rule of life becomes essential for intentional spiritual formation. It provides a structured framework for living a life of discipleship, helping us to consecrate our lives to God in a meaningful way. [02:22]

2. The Role of Community: A communal rule of life offers accountability and encourages individuals to engage in practices they might not choose on their own. This communal aspect helps counteract the individualistic tendencies of Western spirituality and ensures a more holistic approach to discipleship. [36:00]

3. Challenges of Modern Life: Liquidity, media, and algorithms are three major challenges facing modern Christians. These forces shape our lives in profound ways, often leading to spiritual deformation. To counteract these influences, we must adopt countercultural practices, such as reducing our exposure to algorithms and being intentional about our media consumption. [47:32]

4. Intentional Practices for Entrepreneurs: For entrepreneurs, a rule of life addresses unique challenges and temptations in their vocations. Baseline practices like Sabbath for time and tithing for money serve as foundational disciplines to counteract the pressures and temptations of modern entrepreneurial life. [13:37]

5. The Journey of Discipleship: The journey of discipleship is about continually returning to the way of Jesus, trusting that it leads to a life of joy and fulfillment. By embracing a rule of life, both individually and communally, we can navigate the complexities of our modern world with grace and intentionality. [16:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to the Conversation
[01:01] - What is a Rule of Life?
[02:22] - The Protestant Perspective
[03:04] - The Role of Grace
[05:18] - The End of Christendom
[06:08] - The Entrepreneurial Community
[08:06] - Humility and Ambition
[10:35] - The Solution: Rule of Life
[13:37] - Six Key Areas of Focus
[17:29] - From Aspiration to Practice
[21:46] - Learning from Exemplary Lives
[26:57] - Baseline Practices
[32:57] - Reach Practices and Creative Approaches
[36:00] - The Power of Community
[47:32] - Modern Challenges: Liquidity, Media, Algorithms
[01:01:41] - Practices to Embrace and Avoid
[01:10:35] - The Cost of Discipleship
[01:15:12] - Closing Thoughts

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing a Rule of Life

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
3. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the six key areas of focus in the rule of life for Redemptive entrepreneurs mentioned in the sermon? ([13:37])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of community in sustaining a rule of life? ([36:00])
3. What are the three major challenges facing modern Christians as identified in the sermon? ([47:32])
4. According to the sermon, what is the baseline practice for time management, and why is it considered radical for entrepreneurs? ([22:34])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of a "rule of life" help Christians navigate the complexities of modern life, according to the sermon? ([05:18])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community can counteract the individualistic tendencies of Western spirituality? ([36:00])
3. How might the challenges of liquidity, media, and algorithms lead to spiritual deformation, as discussed in the sermon? ([47:32])
4. What is the significance of having baseline practices like Sabbath and tithing for entrepreneurs, as mentioned in the sermon? ([13:37])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there areas where you feel the need for more structure or intentionality, similar to a rule of life? How might you begin to implement this? ([05:18])
2. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you engage more deeply with a communal rule of life to enhance your discipleship? ([36:00])
3. Identify one of the modern challenges (liquidity, media, algorithms) that most affects your spiritual life. What specific steps can you take to adopt countercultural practices in response? ([47:32])
4. Entrepreneurs face unique pressures and temptations. If you are an entrepreneur, how can you incorporate practices like Sabbath and tithing into your life to counteract these pressures? If not, how can these practices still apply to your vocation? ([13:37])
5. The sermon emphasizes the journey of discipleship as a continual return to the way of Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to trust more in Jesus' way, and how can you take a step towards that this week? ([16:05])
6. How can you reduce your exposure to algorithms and be more intentional about your media consumption this week? What specific changes will you make? ([47:32])
7. Reflect on the importance of rest in your life. How can you better incorporate the practice of Sabbath to find rest and renewal in your weekly routine? ([22:34])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing a Rule of Life
A rule of life is a structured framework that guides individuals in living a life of intentional discipleship. In a post-Christendom world, where cultural forces no longer naturally guide us toward the values of the Kingdom of God, this practice becomes essential for spiritual formation. It helps individuals consecrate their lives to God in a meaningful way, providing a path to navigate the complexities of modern life. By adopting a rule of life, believers can intentionally align their daily actions with their faith, ensuring that their lives reflect the teachings of Jesus. [02:22]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure your life is intentionally aligned with your faith?


Day 2: The Power of Community
A communal rule of life offers accountability and encourages individuals to engage in practices they might not choose on their own. This communal aspect helps counteract the individualistic tendencies of Western spirituality and ensures a more holistic approach to discipleship. By participating in a community, believers can support one another in their spiritual journeys, fostering an environment where growth and transformation are possible. The shared commitment to a rule of life strengthens the bonds within the community, creating a space where individuals can thrive spiritually. [36:00]

"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: How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of your community this week?


Day 3: Navigating Modern Challenges
Liquidity, media, and algorithms are three major challenges facing modern Christians. These forces shape our lives in profound ways, often leading to spiritual deformation. To counteract these influences, believers must adopt countercultural practices, such as reducing exposure to algorithms and being intentional about media consumption. By doing so, they can protect their spiritual well-being and ensure that their lives are not dictated by external pressures. This intentional approach allows individuals to focus on what truly matters, aligning their lives with the values of the Kingdom of God. [47:32]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to reduce the influence of media and algorithms on your spiritual life?


Day 4: Intentional Practices for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, a rule of life addresses unique challenges and temptations in their vocations. Baseline practices like Sabbath for time and tithing for money serve as foundational disciplines to counteract the pressures and temptations of modern entrepreneurial life. These practices help entrepreneurs maintain a balance between their professional and spiritual lives, ensuring that their work aligns with their faith. By intentionally incorporating these disciplines, entrepreneurs can navigate the demands of their vocation while remaining grounded in their spiritual values. [13:37]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of Sabbath into your weekly routine to ensure a healthy work-life balance?


Day 5: The Journey of Discipleship
The journey of discipleship is about continually returning to the way of Jesus, trusting that it leads to a life of joy and fulfillment. By embracing a rule of life, both individually and communally, believers can navigate the complexities of the modern world with grace and intentionality. This journey requires a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation, as individuals seek to align their lives with the teachings of Jesus. Through this process, they can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life dedicated to God. [16:05]

"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more closely follow the example of Jesus today?

Quotes


A rule of life is familiar in the Catholic church more than in the Protestant. But even in the Catholic church, it's associated with particular communities, monastic orders. Every community of religious, which we would think of as monks and nuns and so forth, have a rule, at least since the days of St Benedict. [00:01:20]

The beautiful insight of the Reformation, which our Catholic brothers and sisters also have a way of expressing, is it's all grace. This is not anything you achieve, and so there's no rule that can kind of, there's no ladder you can climb to get to make you a real Christian. [00:03:01]

We live in a time where I cannot expect that anything in the world around me is going to form me in the direction of the upside-down kingdom of Jesus. If I am going to be shaped into the kind of person I actually want to be, I'm going to need some sort of formative practice. [00:05:15]

We felt like, gosh, if we don't address the dynamics of hurry and anxiety and so forth that swirl around time, we'll be in trouble. Money is number two for a reason, which is that money swirls around entrepreneurship as well, and even nonprofit because we work equally with for-profit and nonprofit. [00:15:04]

The journey of discipleship is about continually returning to the way of Jesus, trusting that it leads to a life of joy and fulfillment. By embracing a rule of life, both individually and communally, we can navigate the complexities of our modern world with grace and intentionality. [00:16:05]

A communal rule of life offers accountability and encourages individuals to engage in practices they might not choose on their own. This communal aspect helps counteract the individualistic tendencies of Western spirituality and ensures a more holistic approach to discipleship. [00:36:00]

Liquidity, media, and algorithms are three major challenges facing modern Christians. These forces shape our lives in profound ways, often leading to spiritual deformation. To counteract these influences, we must adopt countercultural practices, such as reducing our exposure to algorithms and being intentional about our media consumption. [00:47:32]

The Baseline practice is Sabbath, one day a week where you do no work. Because first of all, it is radical for entrepreneurs. It's so unthinkable. We present this practice, this Baseline, we're like, we think this is the Baseline. This is the floor. 1/7th of your life, you rest and worship and delight in God. [00:22:25]

The exemplary people in our community are the most intentional people in our community. They are not accidental saints or accidental heroes. Usually, there's deep stories of suffering and sacrifice that are behind that, that led them or moments of great crisis. [00:20:09]

We have to not expose ourselves to algorithms. I think they're the worst of the three because they so sever us from even our own best intentions for ourselves, let alone the community that could help us actually pursue that intention. [01:02:33]

The cost of non-discipleship will cost you a lot to become a serious follower of Jesus, but it will cost you far more to not become a serious follower of Jesus, whether you're agnostic or just a nominal Christian. That will cost you this extraordinary life that's on offer of Jesus that you will miss out on. [01:10:35]

The Protestant way of thinking about it is that there's not a higher level of discipleship for a monk or nun than for you and I. But what was sort of lost along the way was the idea that if that's actually going to be true, you would actually need a rule to live that out. [00:02:22]

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Transcript
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