Weekly Teaching Reflection
July 12th Reflection
Discussion Questions
Did you ever learn about the idea of virtues from Greek philosophy? What do you think of applying the concept of developing virtues to learning the ways of new human nature?
The teaching brings a cosmic level of importance to our transformation as individuals and as a community. How do you practically think about becoming what God intended all humans to be from the time of creation?
How does the picture of putting off the old humanity and putting on the new humanity look in our day to day lives?
If Jesus is the “last Adam”, what does that parallel to the first Adam mean about the work of Jesus?
Consider how Jesus emphasized and commanded the requirement of love in our lives. How do those thoughts blend with the description in 1 Corinthians 13?
For Practice This Week: Becoming intentional in spiritual transformation.
The goal this week is the same as last week in our Call of the King series: We seek not to become more sufficient, but to become more aware of the sufficiency of Jesus.
Consider the way the N.T. Wright model of the Virtuous Circle can be incorporated into your awareness of spiritual transformation.
Scripture – spend time reading scripture as an act of faith in God’s purpose for using it in our lives. Yes, the information is great. The power for changing us from the inside is even greater.
Stories – both in the Bible and outside, seek to grow through seeing God’s wisdom in stories. See yourself in the grand story of new creation following Jesus and the rediscovery of image-bearing as a vocation.
Examples – consider the examples of faith and love that you have encountered or read about. Pray for wisdom to follow the ones that show the character of Jesus.
Community – give yourself to connecting with the believers in our church. Become part of a small group, if you have not. Let your participation in the Sunday gathering be heart felt.
Practices – be sure to begin with prayer, the most central practice. Be sure to learn to listen as part of your praying. Explore other practices such as fasting, scripture meditation and service.