Intentional Rhythms: Growing in Grace Through Scripture

We are shaped by the rhythms and routines that fill our days—often without even realizing it. From the moment we wake up, our habits and patterns quietly form us into the people we become. This is a grace from God, allowing us to function and grow, but it also means we must be intentional about the rhythms we choose. The invitation is to examine the routines of our lives and ask: what are they revealing about who we are, and who we are becoming?

At the heart of a healthy spiritual rhythm is the understanding that everything begins and ends with grace. We are not saved by our routines or spiritual disciplines; rather, we are saved by the unearned, undeserved grace of God through Jesus Christ. Our habits—like reading the Bible, praying, or gathering together—are not ways to earn God’s favor, but are gifts of grace that help us grow, mature, and glorify Him. Before we can develop any meaningful rhythm with Jesus, we must first be rescued by Him, trusting in His finished work on the cross.

The Word of God is central to all spiritual rhythms. Scripture is not just a collection of stories or moral lessons; it is the very breath of God, supernatural and living, given to shape, strengthen, and satisfy us. When we make space for God’s Word in our daily lives, it teaches, corrects, and trains us in righteousness. It equips us for every good work and prepares us for whatever lies ahead. The Bible is not about us, but it is for us—reviving our souls, making us wise, and filling our hearts with joy.

The challenge is not a lack of information, but a need for formation. We know what is good, but we struggle to do it. That’s why we are invited, as a church family, to practice a rhythm of Bible intake together over the next five weeks. By reading through Genesis and reflecting on God’s Word, we open ourselves to transformation—not out of duty or guilt, but out of a desire to know and love Jesus more deeply. This is not about performance, but about resting in God’s grace and allowing His Word to shape our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Grace is the Foundation of Every Spiritual Rhythm Before any habit or discipline can be meaningful, it must be rooted in the grace of God. Our routines do not earn us favor or salvation; they are a response to the love and mercy we have already received in Christ. This frees us from striving and shame, allowing us to pursue spiritual growth from a place of security and gratitude. [08:45]
• 2. Our Habits Form Us More Than We Realize The routines and practices we repeat—often unconsciously—are shaping us into particular kinds of people. It is not enough to know what is good; we must intentionally cultivate rhythms that align us with the heart and character of Jesus. Reflecting on our daily patterns reveals what we truly value and who we are becoming. [06:40]
• 3. Scripture is Supernatural and Central to Transformation The Bible is not merely a historical document or a set of moral teachings; it is the very breath of God, given to reveal Himself and transform us. Regular engagement with Scripture shapes our attitudes, corrects our missteps, and trains us for righteous living. The Word of God is the primary means by which we are equipped for every good work. [22:33]
• 4. The Word of God Satisfies and Equips Us for Life A life rooted in Scripture is marked by completeness and readiness for whatever God calls us to. The Bible revives our souls, brings wisdom, and fills us with joy that surpasses any earthly treasure. When we allow God’s Word to dwell in us richly, we find strength and satisfaction that cannot be found elsewhere. [25:14]
• 5. Spiritual Growth is a Community Journey Fueled by Grace, Not Guilt We are invited to practice new rhythms together, not to measure our worth, but to encourage one another and grow as a family. There is no room for shame or condemnation in this journey—only the invitation to deeper relationship with Jesus and each other. As we walk together, we rely on God’s grace to sustain us and His Spirit to transform us. [35:50]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Rhythms of Life: Why Habits Matter
• [02:28] - Game: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Rhythms
• [05:16] - The Real Problem: Formation, Not Information
• [08:45] - Grace Fuels Our Rhythms
• [12:30] - Saved by Grace, Not by Routines
• [15:40] - The Importance of Relationship Before Rhythm
• [18:20] - Introducing Bible Intake as a Spiritual Rhythm
• [22:33] - The Supernatural Nature of Scripture
• [25:14] - How the Word Shapes, Strengthens, and Satisfies
• [28:10] - Psalm 19: The Beauty and Power of God’s Word
• [29:53] - Practicing Bible Intake Together
• [31:45] - Practical Tools for Engaging Scripture
• [34:26] - Five-Week Bible Reading Plan
• [35:50] - Praying for Grace, Not Guilt
• [39:01] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) — > All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV) — > The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV) — > For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the different ways Scripture is described as being useful in our lives?
2. In Psalm 19:7-11, what are some of the benefits David says come from God’s Word?
3. The sermon said, “Grace fuels our rhythms of life… it is grace that saves us” ([08:45]). What does Ephesians 2:8-10 say about how we are saved and why we do good works?
4. The pastor mentioned that our habits and routines shape us, often without us realizing it ([06:40]). What are some examples of daily rhythms or routines that were discussed in the sermon?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that “all Scripture is breathed out by God”? What difference does it make to believe the Bible is supernatural and not just a collection of stories? ([22:33])
2. The sermon said, “Our routines do not earn us favor or salvation; they are a response to the love and mercy we have already received in Christ” ([08:45]). How does this understanding change the way someone might approach spiritual disciplines like Bible reading or prayer?
3. Psalm 19 describes God’s Word as “more to be desired… than gold” and “sweeter also than honey.” Why do you think David uses these comparisons? What does this reveal about his attitude toward Scripture? ([28:10])
4. The pastor said, “The problem isn’t information, it’s formation. We don’t do what we know we’re supposed to do” ([05:16]). Why do you think knowing what is good isn’t always enough to change our habits?

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to examine our daily routines and ask what they reveal about who we are becoming ([06:40]). What is one routine or habit in your life that you think is shaping you, either positively or negatively? Would you like to change it?
2. The pastor said, “Before you develop any rhythm with Jesus, you need to be rescued by Jesus” ([15:40]). If you’re honest, are you trying to earn God’s favor through routines, or are you resting in His grace? How can you remind yourself this week that you are saved by grace, not by your performance?
3. The sermon invited us to practice a rhythm of Bible intake together over the next five weeks ([29:53]). What would it look like for you to make space for God’s Word in your daily life? What specific time or place could you set aside?
4. Psalm 19 says God’s Word “revives the soul” and “makes wise the simple” ([28:10]). Can you share a time when reading the Bible brought you encouragement, wisdom, or joy? If not, what is one way you hope to experience this in the coming weeks?
5. The pastor warned against shame and guilt when we miss a day or struggle with new habits ([35:50]). How do you usually respond when you fall short of your spiritual goals? What would it look like to respond with grace instead of guilt?
6. The sermon encouraged us to grow together as a church family, not just as individuals ([35:50]). How can you encourage someone else in their Bible reading or spiritual growth this week? Is there someone you could check in with or pray for?
7. The pastor said, “The Bible is the only thing that will really satisfy you” ([25:14]). Are there other things you tend to look to for satisfaction or strength? What would it look like to turn to God’s Word first when you need help or hope?