Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. —Luke 4:16 NIV
Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to Him, and as was His custom, He taught them. —Mark 10:1 NIV
practice.
Following Jesus means
we have a tendency to view
“The lessons you experience, not the ones you are simply told, are the ones you remember most clearly.” —Tom Selleck
What is a spiritual practice/discipline?
“The [spiritual] practices are disciplines that are based on the lifestyle of Jesus that create time and space for us to access the presence and power of the Spirit and, in doing so, be transformed from the inside out.” —John Mark Comer
“Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom.” —Luke 4:16 NIV“Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to Him, and as was His custom, He taught them.” —Mark 10:1 NIV
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master’s happiness!” —Matthew 25:21 NIV
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” —Revelation 5:10 NIV
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” —2 Timothy 2:12 NIV
“Job fell to the ground in worship.” —Job 1:20 NIV
“Now when Daniel heard that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows were opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” —Daniel 6:10 NIV
“After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.” —Luke 2:46-47 NIV
1. Sabbath
2. Solitude
3. Prayer
4. Fasting
5. Scripture
6. Community
7. Generosity
8. Service
9. Witness
Discussion Questions
Perspective on Practice:
The sermon stated, “We often see practice as a problem.” Why do you think this mindset is common, and how does understanding that “practice is what prepares us” challenge or inspire you to view spiritual habits differently?
Customs of Jesus:
Luke 4:16 and Mark 10:1 highlight Jesus’ customs of attending synagogue and teaching. What spiritual customs or rhythms are evident in your life, and how do they reflect your relationship with God? What new habits might you need to adopt?
Preparation for Life’s Challenges:
Job worshiped in his worst moment, Daniel prayed despite danger, and Jesus resisted temptation with Scripture. How do these examples of spiritual preparation resonate with your own experiences of facing trials? How can you better prepare for future challenges through spiritual disciplines?
Eternal Purpose:
Dallas Willard writes, “We will actively participate in the future governance of the universe. We will not sit around looking at one another or at God for eternity but will join Jesus, reign with Jesus, in the endlessly ongoing creative work of God. It is for this reason that we were each individually intended to be both kings and priests. Thus our faithfulness over a few things in the present phase of our life develops the kind of character that can be entrusted with many things.” How does viewing your daily life as preparation for reigning with Jesus in eternity change the way you approach spiritual disciplines?
Actionable Steps:
Of the nine practices mentioned (Sabbath, solitude, prayer, fasting, Scripture, community, generosity, service, and witness), which one stands out as most needed in your current season? What specific steps can you take this week to begin practicing it? How can the group support you?