Tag: guidance

The Christian Disciplines, pt. 3

by Laurin, posted in Uncategorized

Hello! Here at Colona Community Church, we have been studying the various Christian Disciplines and how to practice them in our lives. Pastor Alan has spearheaded this series, but Pastor Jed jumped in to teach us about the discipline of worship. To listen to this message, and others in this wonderful series, scroll down. Each message included in this section of the series has audio and the notes from that particular message, with links to BibleGateway for the Scriptures referenced in the notes. May you be as blessed by this series as we have been!

The Christian Disciplines: Worship

The Book of Revelation shows worship towards the Lord God for who He is. See Revelation 1:4-8, 9-18; 4:8-11; 5:12-16; and 19:11-16.   See also Psalm 100.

  • WHAT is Worship? 
    • Hebrew verb שָׁחָה (shachah)  means to bow down, physically lowering the body, prostrating oneself, or showing deferential respect. The word appears 172 times in the Old Testament, and when directed toward God, it is translated as “worship.” It comes from a recognition of superiority, voluntary humility, an intentional action.   
    • Greek word προσκυνέω (proskuneō), means to prostrate oneself or bow down in reverence. It is derived from the gesture of kissing toward a superior or deity (two root words: πρός (pros, “toward”) and κυνέω (kyneō, “to kiss”).  Psalm 2:12 
    • Old English weorðscipe focuses more on the state or condition of someone who is worthy to be worshipped. It literally meant the condition of being worthy, dignity, glory, distinction, honor, or renown. It is formed from two root words: “worthy” combined with the suffix “ship.” His Worthship! 
  • WHO do we worship and WHY do we worship? 
    • Exodus 20:1-3, 5  “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God (“Adonai”), who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not bow down to them or worship them. I the Lord your God (“Adonai”) am a jealous God.’” Our worship is for Him alone! What did the Israelites continue to do? God compares it to spiritual adultery.  
    • Worship occurs when a humans (and even creation) encounter the greatness, glory, and holiness of God and his Son Jesus Christ. Worship is that response to Him because He is deserving and worthy of worship. Praise is for what He does. Worship is for Who He is. Worship is what we give Him as “Adonai”: our Owner, Master, and Lord. See Isaiah 5:5-6; Acts 9:1-6; Revelation 1:12-18.   
    • Our worship can be verbal, actions, and deeds. Everything in our lives (Colossians 3:17) can and should be a submissive act of worship to God, an acknowledgement of Who He is and our submission and obedience to Him. He is above. I am beneath. He is the greater. I am the lesser. He must increase. I must decrease.

The Christian Disciplines: Service

  • Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.
  • Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    
  • The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 
  • Service:  As the cross is the sign of submission, the towel is the sign of service.” -Richard Foster
  • Key Verses:  Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 9:35, Acts 9:39, Titus 3:2;1:8, 1Timothy 3:2, 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, Luke 9:46, John 13:14-15, Acts 6:1-7.  
  • What Service is Not! 
    • The marks of self-righteous service.
      • Service operating in its own strength and skill minus humble dependency on God.
      • Service that looks for the more visible, attention-grabbing positions of service rather than the hidden acts of service.
      • Service that fixates on numbers and “results.”
      • Service that picks and chooses who it will serve.
      • Service that might actually harm a person out of misguided sense of compassion.
      • Service that splits churches.
      • Service that focuses on titles and positions.
  • What Service Is!
    • The marks of true service:
      • True service focuses on function not position, titles, or authority. Never an attitude of, “Do you know who I am?”
      • True service is a life of abiding to produce real fruit in life.
      • True service is often not in spectacular moments but a daily consistent lifestyle.
      • True service is at its highest level when done without anyone knowing.
      • True service can involve a level of suffering.
    • Specific types of Service (Richard Foster) 
      • Guarding others reputation/dignity.
      • Allowing oneself to be served.
      • Practicing common kindness and courtesty.
      • The act of hospitality.
      • The act of listening.
      • The act of bearing sorrows.
      • The act of sharing in God’s word
  • Conclusion: “Practice routinely purposeful kindness and intelligent acts of beauty.” -Dallas Willard “If you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe.”  -Bernard of Clairvaux

The Christian Disciplines: Confession

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

Key Texts:  1 John 1:5-10, Psalm 51, 1 Timothy 2:5, James 5:16, Jeremiah 44:1-4

  • General Principles on Confession 
    • One type of confession is between you and God. 
    • One type of confession is between you and a trusted individual for the purpose of healing.  James 5:16 
    • Confession has at least four results. 
      • There is forgiveness, cleansing, restoration and joy. 1 John 1:5-10 
    • Confession is an acknowledgement of the ugliness and seriousness of sin in light of the holiness of God. Jeremiah 44:1-4 
    • Confession to one another has its basis in the priesthood of believers.  1 Peter 2:9 
    • Confession has four primary components which we will see in Psalm 51; examination of conscience, Godly sorrow, a determination to change, an acceptance of consequences.   
  • David’s Confession.  Psalm 51 (2 Samuel 12)  
    • Confession appeals to God’s love and compassion. Psalm 51:1 
    • Confession brings a totality of cleansing from all types of sin.  Psalm 51:1b-2 
    • Confession involves an awareness and acknowledgement of sin.  Psalm 51:3 
    • Confession acknowledges that sin is not only against another person, it’s also primarily against God. Psalm 51:4a 
    • Confession is willing to accept God’s judgement and consequences.  Psalm 51:4b 
    • Confession acknowledges the reality that we are born in sin. It’s the natural human condition.  Psalm 51:5 
    • Confession has a desire to match our desires with what God desires for us.  Psalm 51:6 
    • Confession brings about cleansing. It’s a complete cleansing through the blood of Christ (His death on the cross).  Psalm 51:7 
    • The ultimate result of confession, forgiveness, cleansing and restoration is joy.  Psalm 51:8,12,14b 
    • Confession makes petitions to God. These petitions include erasing guilt, working on the heart and spirit, preserving service, restoring joy, and giving a desire to obey. These are marks of genuine confession.  Psalm 51:9-12  
    • God’s forgiveness draws a three-fold promise of response from David.  He would tell of God’s mercy, he would praise, he would sacrifice.  Psalm 51: 13-17 
    • Sin can have far-flung consequences.  Psalm 51:18-19 
  • Conclusion: You can have the assurance there is no sin that can’t be forgiven if you will acknowledge it and confess it.

The Christian Disciplines: Guidance

Key Idea: Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  
 
Purpose of Practicing: To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.  

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

How Does God Guide His People?  
Acts 15:1–35, Proverbs 3:5–6; John 16:13; Romans12:1–2; James 1:5 

BIG IDEA: God guides His people as they submit to His Word, seek Him in prayer, listen to the Holy Spirit, and receive wisdom through the community of faith. 

Introduction – We All Want Guidance  
“How do I know what God wants me to do?” We want a map; Scripture gives us a Shepherd. Acts 15 shows how God’s people discern His direction.

  • We Must Recognize Our Need for God’s Guidance.  
    • Acts 15:1–2 The church faces a major crisis and seeks counsel. 
      • Our understanding is limited — Proverbs 3:5–6 
      • Guidance begins with surrender — Romans 12:1–2 
      • Ask first: “Am I willing to do whatever God wants?” 
  • God Guides us Through His Revealed Word 
    • Acts 15:13–18 James turns to Scripture.  
      • The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired. 
      • Don’t neglect God’s revealed will while seeking His secret will.  
      • Begin every decision with: “What has God already said?” 
  • God Guides Us Through The Holy Spirit 
    • John 16:13 “The Spirit of truth… will guide you into all truth.” 
      • The Spirit illuminates Scripture, convicts, produces wisdom, and directs. 
      • Distinguish “God told me” from “I have a strong impression. 
      • Test impressions by Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, and fruit. 
  • God Often Guides Through Other Believers 
    • Acts 15:6, 22, 25, 28; Prov. 11:14.  
      • Gather, Discuss, Listen, Examine Scripture, Pray, Discern together.  
      • We need people who love us enough to disagree with us.  
      • Corporate discernment protects us from baptizing our own desires. 
  • God’s Guidance Often Requires Waiting 
    • Acts 13:1–3, Worshiping, fasting, waiting; then the Spirit directs. 
      • Hurry makes discernment difficult. 
      • Waiting exposes impatience, fear, and desire for control. 
      • Sometimes the most spiritual answer is: “I don’t know yet.” 
  • God’s Guidance Leads to Obedience 
    • Acts 15:30–35; James 1:22 
      • Guidance is not merely information; it is direction for obedience. 
      • Seek → Discern → Obey 
      • Not: Seek → Debate → Delay → Ignore 
  • CONCLUSION: The Shepherd is more important than the map. 
  • God guides through His Word, His Spirit, Prayer, Wise Counsel, Christian Community, Providence.

Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” 

Closing question: “God, what is the answer?” “God, where are You, and how do You want me to walk with You?” 
 
Final Thought: The ultimate goal of divine guidance isn’t merely reaching the right destination; it is becoming more like Christ along the way. 

The Christian Disciplines: Celebration

Key Idea:  Part of discipleship (following Jesus) is the disciplined practice of practicing the Christian disciplines.  

Purpose of Practicing:  To grow closer to God so our lives are transformed to be less self-centered and more Christ-centered.    

The Disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. 

Primary Text: Philippians 4:4 — “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

  • INTRODUCTION — The Often Forgotten Discipline 
    • Christianity is not merely the avoidance of sin. Spiritual maturity includes learning to delight in God. 
    • Celebration is a discipline because joy must sometimes be chosen. Circumstances do not always produce joy naturally. 
    • Foster places Celebration among the inward disciplines. It is not entertainment or escapism; it is a response to the reality of God. 
    • The biblical command is striking: Paul commands believers to rejoice even while writing from hardship (Phil. 4:4). 
    • Celebration is rejoicing if of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22 
  • What is Christian Celebration? 
    • Definition: Celebration is the disciplined response of the believer to God’s character, grace, presence, provision, and saving work, expressed through joy, thanksgiving, praise, fellowship, worship, and a renewed enjoyment of God’s good gifts. 
    • Celebration begins with God, not circumstances. “Rejoice in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). The object of joy is the Lord Himself. 
    • Celebration recognizes grace. We celebrate what God has done rather than what we imagine we have earned. 
    • Celebration receives life as gift. Scripture repeatedly portrays meals, fellowship, worship, harvest, marriage, deliverance, and answered prayer as occasions for rejoicing. 
    • Celebration is different from superficial happiness. Biblical joy can coexist with grief, trials, and suffering (2 Cor. 6:10; James 1:2–4). 
  • The Biblical Foundation for Celebration 
    • Truth 1 – God commands His people to rejoice.  Phil. 4:4; Phil. 3:1 
    • Truth 2 – God’s joy gives strength.  Neh. 8:10 
    • Truth 3 – God’s salvation produces celebration. Luke 15:22–24 
    • Truth 4 – God’s presence is the source of fullness of joy. Ps. 16:11 
    • Truth 5 – Christ intends His joy to be experienced by His disciples. John 15:11 
    • Truth 6 – Thanksgiving is a continuing posture of the Christian life. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 
  • Why Celebration is a Spiritual Discipline. 
    • It retrains our attention. We learn to notice evidences of God’s grace that routine can make invisible. 
    • It combats the tyranny of circumstances. Joy becomes anchored in God’s unchanging character rather than today’s headlines. 
    • It resists legalism. The Christian life is not sustained merely by duty; grace produces delight. 
    • It strengthens community. Shared joy turns isolated believers into a celebrating people. 
    • It produces witness. A joy that remains credible in difficulty can point others toward Christ. 
  • The Practice of Celebration 
    • Celebrate God’s character. Deliberately praise Him for who He is—holy, faithful, merciful, wise, sovereign, and loving. 
    • Celebrate God’s works. Recount answered prayers, deliverance, provision, salvation, and spiritual growth. 
    • Celebrate ordinary gifts. Receive food, friendship, beauty, rest, work, recreation, and creation with gratitude rather than entitlement. 
    • Celebrate with others. Create occasions for meals, testimony, worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving. 
    • Celebrate even in trials. Not because suffering is good, but because God remains good and can use suffering for His purposes. 
    • Practice holy spontaneity. Allow gratitude to become expression—sing, pray, laugh, testify, give thanks, encourage someone. 
  • Dangers That Distort Celebration 
    • Hedonism: enjoying God’s gifts while forgetting the Giver. 
    • Escapism: using pleasure to avoid pain, responsibility, or obedience. 
    • Sentimentality: confusing emotional excitement with biblical joy. 
    • Comparison: allowing another person’s blessings to steal gratitude for God’s gifts to us. 
    • Gloomy spirituality: assuming seriousness is always more spiritual than joy. 
  • Rejoicing vs. Anxiety, Philippians 4:4 
    • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” 
      • The COMMAND: “Rejoice.” Christian joy is not merely a personality trait. Scripture calls us to cultivate it. 
      • The OBJECT: “in the Lord.” Our deepest joy is rooted in a Person, not a circumstance. 
      • The SCOPE: “always.” Paul does not qualify the command by saying “when life goes well.” 
      • The EMPHASIS: “again I will say.” Sometimes we need to hear the command twice because discouragement has trained our hearts in the opposite direction. 
      • The FOCUS: Think upon these things 
  • Application – How Do I Begin This Week? Psalm 118:24 
    • Morning: Begin the day by naming three reasons to rejoice in the Lord before asking Him for anything. 
    • During the day: When something good happens, stop and explicitly thank God rather than simply enjoying the benefit. 
    • Evening: Keep a “grace inventory”—record evidence of God’s goodness, provision, protection, or work in your life. 
    • With others: Ask someone, “What is one thing God has done recently that you want to celebrate?” 
    • In difficulty: Do not deny the pain. Name it honestly, then deliberately name what remains true about God. 
  • CONCLUSION – Joy as an Act of Faith 
    • Celebration is not pretending that everything is good. It is declaring that God is good even when everything is not good. The disciplined believer learns to recognize grace, receive God’s gifts, remember His faithfulness, and rejoice in Christ