April 7, 2019

5th Sunday of LENT

EVERYDAY DISCIPLINES SERIES

The Spiritual Discipline of Saying “No”

Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:23-28.

Outline and Small group Questions:

1.       We live in a culture where its harder to say no than it is to say yes.

Capitalism and Consumerism

Immediate Gratification

Pursuit of Personal Pleasures

2.       The season of Lent invites practicing the spiritual discipline of saying “no”.

No sweets or snacks between meals.

No alcohol or smoking.   

The Ten Commandments are “No’s” designed to nurture and bless our souls.   

3.       The Fourth Commandment gives two reasons to remember;

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.” (Ex. 20:8-11)

How do you remember and celebrate God as the author of all creation?

“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” Deut.5:12,14.

                How do you cultivate and celebrate Jesus as the author and perfecter of your faith?

4.       Jesus is confronted by the pharisees over unlawful practices and responds with love.

“Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27,28.

5.       A “No” to more activity can become a yes to greater intentionality around your soul.

What do I need to say “no” to, on a Sunday to help me find greater rest in Jesus?

What steps in saying “no” to work can I make, that say yes to drawing closer to the Lord?

What steps can I make, saying “no” to “passively being entertained,” and entertain others?