The Diligent Disciple | Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Lanny Bridges delivers a message on being a diligent disciple from Luke 12:49-59. He explains that Jesus came to bring a fire of God’s judgment and presence, but first had to undergo the baptism of suffering on the cross. The sermon focuses on three key areas where Christians must show diligence to cooperate with God in fanning the flames of revival. These include having a devotion that divides us from worldly values, developing discernment to interpret the spiritual times we live in, and urgently reconciling our debts both to others and to God. The pastor emphasizes that true discipleship requires separation from the world’s values while maintaining love for others, and that we must be able to discern God’s work around us. Most importantly, he stresses the urgency of being reconciled to God through Christ before it’s too late, as the judge is standing at the door.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together in this small group today, we thank You for bringing each person here by Your divine appointment. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be honest and vulnerable with one another as we discuss the truths from today’s sermon. Give us ears to hear not just each other, but Your voice speaking to us through our time together. May we leave here changed and more committed to following You with diligence. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one skill or hobby that you’ve had to practice diligently to get better at, and what motivated you to keep working at it?
Key Verses
- Luke 12:49-59
- Romans 5
- Philippians 4:7
- Hebrews 12
- 1 John 2:15
- 2 Timothy 2:20-21
- Luke 14:26
- 1 Chronicles 12:32
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
- Romans 13:8
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
Questions
- Jesus said He came to bring fire on the earth and wished it were already set ablaze. What do you think this fire represents, and how does it relate to revival in our lives and communities?
- The sermon mentions that devotion to Christ will create division in our lives. Can you share about a time when following Jesus required you to make a difficult choice that separated you from popular opinion or cultural norms?
- What does it mean to have a love for Christ that is ‘Mount Everest’ compared to everything else in your life? How can we cultivate this kind of devotion?
- Jesus criticized people for being able to interpret weather patterns but not spiritual times. What are some signs of the times we’re living in that Christians should be paying attention to?
- The pastor mentioned that discernment comes from taking in the ‘solid food’ of God’s Word. How has regular Bible study helped you discern right from wrong or God’s voice from other voices?
- What does it look like practically to ‘be as shrewd as serpents but as innocent as doves’ in our current culture?
- The sermon talks about debts we owe to others – apologies, forgiveness, gratitude. Is there someone you need to reconcile with? What’s holding you back?
- How does understanding the urgency of reconciliation with God change the way we share the gospel with others?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you need to show more diligence as a disciple of Christ. Whether it’s spending more time in God’s Word to develop discernment, having a difficult conversation to reconcile a relationship, or taking a stand for biblical truth in a challenging situation, commit to one specific action you will take before our next meeting. Share this commitment with someone in the group for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus came to bring the fire of God’s judgment and revival, but first had to suffer on the cross to make redemption possible
- Diligent discipleship requires a devotion that divides us from worldly values while maintaining love for others
- Christians must develop discernment to interpret the spiritual times we live in through regular study of God’s Word
- There is an urgency to reconcile our debts to others through apology, forgiveness, and gratitude
- Most importantly, we must be reconciled to God through Christ before it’s too late, as judgment is coming
Ending Prayer
Father God, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion around Your Word. We pray that the truths we’ve shared today would take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. Help us to be diligent disciples who are devoted to You above all else, discerning of the times we live in, and urgent about reconciliation both with others and with You. Give us courage to live differently in a world that doesn’t understand Your ways, and help us to be ambassadors of reconciliation to those around us. May the fire of revival that Jesus longs to see begin in our own hearts and spread to our families, our church, and our community. We commit to follow You with greater diligence this week. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.