Another great Revisionist History episode that’s worth listening to is: http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/08-blame-game
What are some misconceptions/false beliefs/heresies that you believe afflict the church in America today? Why do you think these persist?
Verse 2-3: What are some powerful or important rituals and routines that are a part of your life? What’s the difference between a good and bad ritual? Why are rituals so embedded in the church? How do we determine which rituals are good/bad?
Verse 4-5: Do you think a Christian should be able to smoke marijuana? Why or why not?
How do you determine what substances a Christian should or should not consume? Is that the right question?
Verse 6-7: What are some sources of information/entertainment in your life that you think negatively affect your ability to be godly? What are some ways in which we can curate our consumption habits to not fall into deception?
Verse 8-10: What are some preventative measures you take in your life to maintain a healthy lifestyle? What are some preventative measures you take or need to take in your life to maintain a healthy spiritual lifestyle? Do you feel like you’re training for the next step in your faith journey?
Verse 11-12: What are some characteristics/qualities of people that we are tempted to mistake for maturity/intelligence / being a good person or leader (for example wealth, corporate title, fame, good looks, being tall, etc.)? Why do you think character is not higher in the priority list as far as things the world cares about?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
Verse 13-16: What is the skill you wished you had invested time in when you were younger? What are some skills you have let atrophy? Do you think there are spiritual skills that can atrophy? What do you need to persist in?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
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You can find more than 2,000 sermons about 1 Timothy 4 here.