Living a Disciplined Life in Community for Christ

May 04, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Be Still and Wait Expectantly for the Lord

In a world filled with noise and constant activity, God calls His people to pause, be silent, and wait expectantly for His presence and guidance. This posture of stillness is not passive, but a deep trust that God is at work even when we cannot see it. When we quiet our hearts before Him, we open ourselves to His peace, comfort, and direction, especially in times of need or uncertainty. Let your spirit rest in the assurance that God is near, attentive, and ready to move in your life as you wait on Him. [00:13]

Psalm 37:7 (ESV)
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to intentionally pause and wait on God’s direction instead of rushing ahead or worrying about outcomes?

Day 2: Live a Disciplined Life and Do Good

Every believer faces moments when they must choose between following Jesus or conforming to the world. Living a disciplined life means daily denying oneself, taking up the cross, and following Christ, even when it is difficult or unpopular. This discipline is not about perfection, but about steadfastness—choosing the narrow path, staying true to Jesus, and continuing to do good regardless of circumstances or recognition. The call is to persevere, not grow weary, and keep your focus on Christ, knowing that your faithfulness matters in every season of life. [56:01]

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can deny yourself today in order to follow Jesus more closely, even if it costs you comfort or approval?

Day 3: Contribute to the Family of God and Live in Community

Belonging to Christ means your life is not your own; you are called to contribute to the family of God and live in authentic community. This involves serving, supporting, and building up the church, not just attending or consuming. When each person finds their place and gives their best, the whole body is strengthened and God’s love is made visible to the world. Even when it’s challenging, sticking with your church family and working through difficulties together reflects the unity and commitment God desires for His people. [59:21]

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your church community this week—whether through service, encouragement, or meeting a specific need you see?

Day 4: Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good

It is easy to become discouraged or tired when your efforts seem unnoticed or unappreciated, but God’s Word urges you not to grow weary in doing good. Whether in your workplace, home, or church, your diligence and faithfulness matter to God and have a lasting impact. Every act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God’s eyes. Be grateful for the work you have, see it as a gift from God, and continue to serve with excellence and joy, trusting that God will use your efforts for His glory and your spiritual growth. [01:13:54]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: Where have you felt weary or tempted to give up in doing good? What is one practical step you can take today to persevere and serve with renewed gratitude?

Day 5: Restore and Encourage One Another in Love

When someone in the church family stumbles or becomes idle, the goal is not to judge or abandon them, but to lovingly help them get back on track. True community means walking alongside those who struggle, offering support, prayer, and gentle correction when needed. Repentance and restoration are always possible, and every believer is called to help others return to faithful living. In this way, the church remains united, strong, and a powerful witness to the grace and love of Christ. [01:07:23]

James 5:19-20 (ESV)
"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family who needs encouragement or restoration? How can you reach out to them this week with Christlike love and support?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the call to live a disciplined life and to do good, especially as we await the return of Jesus. We began by stilling our hearts before God, recognizing both our excitement and our need for calm assurance in His presence. There is a deep need among us—hurts, struggles, and longings for God’s intervention—and we are reminded that God meets us right where we are, speaking peace and hope into our lives.

We celebrated community through announcements and opportunities for connection, like the Fantastic Four summer groups, and we prayed for our missionaries, Jacob and Jessica, serving in Seattle. Their work is a reminder that our faith is not just personal but meant to be lived out in community, impacting others for Christ.

Turning to Scripture, we explored Paul’s exhortation in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. The challenge is clear: as followers of Jesus, we are called to choose Him over the world, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This is not an easy path. Discipline in the Christian life means resisting idleness and refusing to be mere spectators or critics in the body of Christ. Instead, we are to be active contributors—serving, working, and loving in tangible ways.

Paul’s words are direct: those who are idle, who refuse to contribute, are to be corrected—not out of harshness, but out of love for the health of the community. This is not about perfection, nor is it about abandoning those who struggle. Rather, it’s about calling each other to repentance and restoration, always ready to welcome back those who return.

We are reminded that our work—whether in the church, at home, or in the world—is a gift from God. We are to do it with excellence, as unto the Lord, and not grow weary in doing good. Every believer is a minister, and every minister has a ministry. Seasons of life may change our roles, but they are never an excuse to stop serving. The fullness of God’s blessing is experienced as we give ourselves fully to His purposes, both in our daily work and in the life of the church.

For those who have not yet given their lives to Christ, the invitation remains open. For those struggling in work or service, today is a call to surrender those areas to God and to step up in faith, trusting that He will use us for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Discipline in the Christian Life Is Non-Negotiable Following Jesus requires intentional discipline—denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and choosing Him over the world. This discipline is not about legalism but about aligning our lives with God’s best, even when it’s difficult or countercultural. The stakes are high, and every believer will face moments where faithfulness is costly, but the call remains: stay true to Jesus, no matter the cost. [56:01]
2. Community Requires Active Participation, Not Passivity The church is not a place for spectators. Paul commands us to avoid idleness and to contribute to the family of God. This means serving, giving, and being present—not just for our own benefit, but for the health and witness of the whole body. When we refuse to participate, we not only rob ourselves of spiritual nourishment but also weaken the community God has called us to build. [59:21]
3. Restoration, Not Rejection, Is the Goal of Church Discipline When someone in the church is persistently idle or disobedient, the call is not to shame or permanently exclude, but to lovingly correct and restore. The moment repentance occurs, the door is wide open for reconciliation. This reflects the heart of God, who desires unity, growth, and the flourishing of every member of His family. [67:23]
4. Our Daily Work Is Sacred and Missional Whatever our occupation, we are called to work with excellence as a testimony to Christ. Our jobs are not just means of provision but platforms for ministry and witness. When we approach our work as service to God, we bring glory to Him and open doors for the gospel, whether in an office, at home, or in the community. [68:34]
5. Seasons Change, but the Call to Serve Remains Life brings different seasons—some busy, some restful, some challenging—but none are an excuse to disengage from God’s call. Every believer is a minister, and every season offers unique opportunities to serve. The fullness of God’s blessing is found not in idleness, but in faithful, ongoing participation in His mission, both inside and outside the church. [73:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Opening Prayer and Call to Stillness
[03:00] - Announcements and Community Connection
[08:30] - Fantastic Four Summer Groups Introduction
[13:00] - Upcoming Events and Opportunities
[18:00] - Missionary Focus: Jacob and Jessica in Seattle
[24:20] - Congregational Greeting
[27:06] - Prayer for Missionaries
[47:59] - Prayer for the Church and Community
[54:32] - The Importance of God’s Word
[55:37] - Living a Disciplined Life: Choosing Jesus
[57:04] - Waiting for Christ’s Return
[59:21] - Responsibility in the Family of God
[61:12] - Paul’s Command Against Idleness
[68:34] - The Sacredness of Work
[73:54] - Serving in Every Season
[90:37] - Invitation, Commitment, and Closing Prayer
[91:38] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living a Disciplined Life and Doing Good

Bible Reading

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (ESV)

> 6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
> 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
> 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
> 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
> 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
> 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
> 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
> 13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, what specific behaviors does he command the church to avoid, and what does he encourage them to do instead?
In the sermon, what does Pastor Chris say is the difference between someone who is struggling and someone who is persistently idle or disobedient? [[01:05:26]]
What example did Paul, Timothy, and Silas set for the Thessalonian church regarding work and service?
How does Paul describe the purpose of church discipline in this passage? [[01:07:23]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul uses such strong language (“command,” “keep away”) when addressing idleness in the church? What might be at stake for the community?
Pastor Chris emphasized that discipline in the Christian life is “non-negotiable.” How does this challenge the way many people view following Jesus today? [[56:01]]
The sermon points out that restoration, not rejection, is the goal of church discipline. How does this reflect God’s heart for His people? [[01:07:23]]
What does it mean for our daily work—whether in the church, at home, or in the world—to be “sacred and missional”? How does this perspective change the way we approach our jobs or roles? [[01:08:34]]

Application Questions

Pastor Chris said, “Every believer is a minister, and every minister has a ministry.” What is one area in your life (church, home, work, community) where you sense God calling you to step up and serve more intentionally? What’s holding you back? [[01:13:54]]
Is there a place in your life where you’ve been more of a spectator or critic than an active contributor? What is one practical step you can take this week to move from passivity to participation? [[59:21]]
Think about a time when you grew weary in doing good. What helped you keep going, or what could help you persevere next time? [[57:04]]
The sermon talked about “seasons of life” not being an excuse to disengage from God’s call. Are you in a season where you’ve pulled back from serving? What would it look like to re-engage, even in a small way? [[01:13:54]]
Paul warns against being a “busybody.” Are there ways you’ve been more focused on others’ business than your own calling? How can you refocus on what God has given you to do? [[01:13:54]]
For those struggling with work or service, Pastor Chris encouraged surrendering those areas to God. Is there a specific struggle you need to bring to God in prayer and ask for His help to serve with a better attitude or renewed strength? [[01:08:34]]
If you have never given your life to Christ, or if you feel far from Him, what is stopping you from responding to His invitation today? What questions or fears do you need to talk through with the group or with God? [[01:30:37]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another—especially for those who want to step up in service, are struggling with work, or are seeking restoration in their walk with God. Ask God to help everyone not grow weary in doing good and to experience the fullness of His blessing as they serve Him.

Sermon Clips

“Christians, sometimes you're going to be brought to a place in your life where you have to choose Jesus or the world. Anybody ever faced that before? You're going to have to choose Jesus or you're going to have to choose the world. It doesn't matter where you're at in life.”

“Sometimes you can get away with not being a disciplined Christian. Sometimes you can just get away and live your life and you can fake it till you make it. Sometimes you can fool people. But when the rubber hits the road, are you Jesus people?”

“Will I walk that narrow path that Jesus talks about? Will I stay true even though the consequences may be great? Every single one of us will face a dilemma like this in our lifetime, if not daily to some degree.”

“Jesus tells us the answer is this. Y 'all ready for it? Deny yourself. Take up a cross and follow me. It's not easy. Being a Christian is not easy, you all.”

“Live righteously. Live this disciplined life that Paul's been teaching us. Live this disciplined life and keep doing good. Don't grow weary of doing good. Don't grow weary of following Jesus. Don't grow weary, no matter what happens.”

“Stay focused on Jesus no matter whether you're in the first, second, third, or fourth quarter of your life. Keep focused on Jesus. Keep doing good. Live a disciplined life. Continue to do the things that Jesus calls you to do.”

“We've looked at all that Jesus is coming back. He's calling us. He's coming back. He's asking for us to be ready for his return. We are responsible to contribute to the family of God until he comes back because we are his bride. You are responsible to contribute to the family of God.”

“Your life is not yours. It belongs to Jesus. And Jesus calls us to contribute to the family of God and to live in community and to be a part of his church. And that's... Listen, that's how we make a difference.”

“Are we a part of a community of believers? Do we believe in Jesus? And then do we leave this place and make our families and our world and our community and our place that we work better because we love Jesus?”

“You may go to the darkest pit of the world during your work job and you should shine bright for Jesus. And some of you do.”

“Paul is saying, there's people in your midst that are out of ranks. I command you to get in rank. This is a military term. It's very serious. Paul is not messing around. There were people in this church that were lazy about church, lazy about life. And he says, get them in line or have nothing to do with them.”

“People need to serve and people need to get in line and people need to get in the ranks. We're onward Christian soldiers. Marching as to war. You guys know the song if you've been growing up with that. We sing it, but do we live it?”

“When God says do something, you do it. Amen? And so are we under God's command? Paul is trying to get this church to say, listen, you all need to listen to what I'm commanding you. It's from the Lord. You need to do what God has commanded you to do.”

“If somebody, I want to make sure this is clear in here. Paul's not talking about someone that's struggling in the faith. He's talking about someone who blatantly, deliberately, continuously ignores God's word. If you're struggling with something in life, what should the church do for you? Pray and walk alongside you? Not abandon you? This church is not that way.”

“But when someone chooses a blatant lifestyle that goes away from God, God tells us not to have anything to do with that. So make sure that even though that's a tough thing to talk about, that we need to recognize that and realize everyone should be treated this way.”

“The moment somebody repents, they're back with us. We're walking with them. They're back in line.”

“We get out of ranks, we get back in ranks. That's what God's purpose here with Paul. And this church is struggling to figure their way. How do we continue to honor God in all that we do?”

“I will tell you this imitate my work ethic imitate my work ethic ask my wife and I'm broke you all if I can keep going with a broken back and broken knees and broken hips and all kinds of stuff that I got migraines you can do it you can press on you can focus your life on Jesus and wherever you're at and continue to give him all that you've got imitate me imitate my staff they go above and beyond these ladies go above and beyond.”

“Whether it's ministry or whatever your call of work is God's asking you to give your utmost to it don't be lazy in it don't be idle listen if you're a Christian if you're a Christian you should be the best employee that your employer has if you are a Christian you should be the best employee that your employer has you should have a work ethic that exceeds others because you serve Jesus do y 'all get that you serve Jesus in whatever you do that's what he's saying model that model what we do imitate such work go above and beyond in all that you do.”

“If you don't do your work you can't spiritually eat if you don't serve the Lord you can never experience the fullness of God's bounty you can never experience the fullness of his goodness you can never have the delight of what it's like to serve the Lord and see God do something through you until you actually do it and then you benefit from that and God sustains you spiritually.”

“Quit comparing yourself to other people and just follow Jesus quit talking about everybody else's business and be about your business amen man how much better off we would be.”

“Be about God's business be about your business be about providing for yourself be about providing for the church be about doing the things that will advance the gospel of Jesus Christ ultimately that's everyone in this room's responsibility.”

“Be grateful for the work that you do it's a gift from God do not grow weary of doing good in the church do not grow weary of doing right in your work whatever you do bring glory to God.”

“Whatever God's called you to do serve Him whether it's work or whether it's in the church don't be idle in what you do serve the Lord fully and completely the best that you possibly can.”

“Every one of you is a minister and every minister has a ministry every single one of you if you belong to Jesus He's got something for you make sure that you're finding what that is and then give it your all.”

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