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A Different Way of Life

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. COLOSSIANS 4:3-6 NIV

To find myself in Jesus means I find a whole new way of life

The What:

A Way of Life is a simple schedule and set of practices that help me become who I truly am in Jesus

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. COLOSSIANS 4:5 NIV
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. JOHN 15:4-5 NLT
Whatever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, COLOSSIANS 3:17 NIV

I am under vows to you my God; I will present my thank offerings to you for you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life PSALM 56:12-13 NIV

A Way of Life isn’t about addition but subtraction

A Way of Life isn’t about compartmentalizing life but integrating all of your life

A Way of Life isn’t about preventing bad behavior but promoting Christlike character

The Why:

I need a Way of Life to help prevent life from having its way with me

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. COLOSSIANS 4:3 NIV

The How:

Create a structure with practices, people, and places that help you stay rooted in Jesus

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” MATTHEW 11:28-30 MSG

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can become calm in your thoughts and feelings. When you are reasonably still, invite Jesus into your time to guide you. Reflect on the sermon about living a different way of life rooted in Jesus. Picture a Christian you know personally that you admire the most. Why do you admire them so much, and how do you feel around them? Ask God to help you to picture your life when you are older. How do you want people to feel around you, and in what ways can they be attracted to God as a result of your life? Have a conversation with God about whether or not your current way of life will enable you to become the person you want to be. What schedule and set of practices connect you to Jesus, and which ones don’t? What are your thoughts and feelings about growing in allowing Jesus access to all of your life, and not compartmentalizing Him? Close your time by asking God to reveal a change He wants you to make this week in your practices or schedule that will help you to stay rooted in Jesus. Embrace God’s love and grace for you in this. Thank Him for what He will do in the future to help you stay connected to Him as you follow Him in becoming the person He’s created and called you to be.

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple of the following questions from each section that best fit your group. Or have everyone read the questions, choosing which one(s) from each section they feel led to respond to.

  1. START HERE: Who do you most admire, and what is it about them that you admire?
  2. START HERE: How might most people characterize your interactions with them?
  3. START HERE: In what ways are you living each day that is moving you towards who you want to become?
  4. KEEP GOING: Slowly read Colossians 4:3-6 (NLT). This passage invites us to examine our way of life. Take a few minutes in silent prayer to talk with God about your way of life, being open to what He might want to share with you. Share with your group what you sense Him revealing or inviting you into.
  5. KEEP GOING: What does your current way of life say about your relationship with Jesus?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 3:10-16 (NLT). Where in your life have you shown Christlike character?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read John 15:1-4 (NLT). A way of life is not about addition but subtraction. What in your life needs to be removed in order to grow stronger in your relationship with Jesus?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Review the Essentials at sandalschurch.com/growthplan. Which of these would you like to learn more about and intentionally practice?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What’s your next step to create a structure with practices, people, and places that help you stay rooted in Jesus? How can your group encourage you in this practice?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Where do you see an opportunity in your life for God to work through you to share the message of Jesus with others–either in word, action, or the way in which you interact in your everyday life?