We are currently in a series discussing 11 essential spiritual disciplines. Check out this post for an introduction to the series.
Scripture
Last week we discussed the importance of being in community as a Spiritual Discipline. This week, we turned our attention to getting to know the One who understands perfect community. We ended our last conversation with this passage out of Ephesians 2:
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…
Paul’s statement provided the perfect closing words on community. Reminding us that we are no longer individuals with no belonging or purpose in this world. Rather, we are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. The key for this week is the second part of his statement:
… Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the cornerstone.
Christian community is not just about being together and enjoying food. We don’t just gather around similar interestes such as sports or hobbies (even though these are great ways to connect with those outside the household of God), instead our foundation is the truth that God has revealed through the apostles and prophets. That truth is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world. We gather around Him. Our goal in being together is to know Him deeper and represent Him to those around us more effectively. So the question is, how do we get to know Him?
In Psalm 119:9, we see this question asked another way:
How can a young man keep his way pure?
The Psalmist is asking how can one’s life represent God well? How can one pursue God moment by moment, rather than falling into the habitual sins that stain and scar our existence? In essence, he is asking how can I know God deeply and allow Him to daily transform me into the person He has created me to be? The writer then answers his own question:
By guarding it according to your word.
Your word is a reference to Scripture, the Bible. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, containing 176 verses. Of those 176 verses, only 5 do not contain a direct reference to God’s Word, the Bible. The author is hammering home the point that if we want to know God, we must dive into His Word.
Last night students shared honestly their reasons for neglecting time in the Bible. Some said they were too lazy, others admitted to not understanding most of what they read, a few talked about how boring it can be, and a few didn’t think it was relevant to their life anymore. I can identify with every one of these reasons. Rather than conclude our conversation last night, we chose to leave it open-ended. I issued the following challenge to each of the students. If you are a student, but weren’t able to make last night, the challenge/opportunity is available to you as well.
- If you don’t own a Bible, let me know and we’ll get you one
- Read the book of John (at your own pace)
- Read with the intention of knowing God rather than knowing about God
- Try to pursue God in the same way John 1 presents God’s pursuit of you and I (leaving heaven for earth)
- While reading it, use the S.O.A.P method (students last night had an opportunity to practice this, feel free to ask me about it if you have never heard of it)
- Along with the S.O.A.P method, write down every question you have each day you read
- When you finish the book of John, I will take you out to lunch and we will go through all your questions
- If you are connected to one of the Missional Communities, challenge everyone in your group to do this and discuss some of what you are reading when you get together
Last night we tackled one of the heavier passages of the Bible in about 15 minutes using the S.O.A.P method. Just like with most things in life, quality of time is often more important than quantity of time.
Next week we will be looking at prayer as a spiritual discipline. What is prayer? Does it really do anything? How often am I supposed to pray? How do I pray?
It should be a cool night. Have a great week!