Standing Strong and Filling Gaps

Matt mentioned three ways that we do not remain strong: we get discouraged (expectations don’t come through for us), distracted (chasing the world and immediate gratification), and overcome by sin (we like to dabble but Satan likes to dominate). Which of these do you struggle with the most and why?

If it is in the category of being overcome by sin, where are you dabbling and thinking that you are in control? Where can you instill boundaries and discipline in this area?

For whom do you earnestly pray like Paul does for his people—that you have invested in and felt so burdened by that you don’t have to remember to pray for them? If no one comes to mind, why do you think that is?

The local church fills in gaps for us. Matt identified two gaps in our congregations: a Bible knowledge problem (not growing in knowledge of the Scriptures) and a conduct problem (e.g., letting our children be in charge of our home, cavalier and dismissive attitude toward alcohol, unkindness in marriage, redefining sexuality, etc.). How are these gaps related? Which do you see as a gap in your own life? What steps are you taking to put yourself in a position to be served by the local church in a way that fills those gaps?

We should be depleting ourselves to let God fill us back up. Are you looking for ways to deplete yourself to care for others? In what ways might you be hoarding good things or friendships and serving yourself?

We need to love other people outside the church, speaking into the culture and loving them while not affirming sin or beliefs that are untrue. How are you already loving others outside the church? What has been the most challenging part of doing this?