scriptures cited:

Mark 12:41-44
Psalm 55:6-7
Romans 12:1-2
2 Corinthians 9:7
1 Timothy 6:18-19
Job 1:8
Hebrews 5:14
Psalm 19:14

reflection questions:

When Paul admonishes us to “present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice,” he’s asking us to transform the daily way we use our bodies and and our time. Are we unnecessarily monopolizing our schedules so that we crowd out time with the Lord? Is busyness always beyond our control, or is busyness a mental trap that we impose on ourselves for the appearance of productivity?

What is your definition of “being spiritual”? Is being spiritual mainly about avoiding secular things? Perhaps it’s because of our limited definitions that our image of the spiritual lifestyle is so narrowed down to quiet times and reading the Bible.

Pastor Scott explains that “storing up treasures” in 1 Tim 6 can’t be taken literally, because will there even be a use for money in heaven? The treasure here has to do with the monument we make of our lives in honor of our Savior. What’s the difference between building a monument to yourself, and building a monument to Christ?

When our motivation is to fight against the toil of work and other annoyances, it builds a worldly mindset of dread that leaves us exhausted at the end of the day and apathetic to spiritual discipline. Pastor Scott suggests speaking small phrases to remind ourselves of where true motivation should come from, e.g. “I give this email as an act of devotion to You.” What other ways can we introduce heart change in the menial details?

Pastor Scott ends the sermon by comparing our relationship with God to an adventure-romance. When the hero and heroine of the story fall in love, it comes from the experiences they share fighting enemies, escaping traps, and mutually risking their lives for one another. Maybe the passion’s not there because we’re not risking our lives—what are some practical steps of change we can make together?