Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
What talent, interest, or hobby did you enjoy most while you were growing up?
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”– Matthew 22:34-40
Spiritual health flows from a completely unified life
In the sermon, Dr. Ward said that the most important phrase in our Matthew passage is “with all,” pointing out that spiritual health comes from uniting our heart, soul, and mind in our love for God. He offered us two Spiritual Health Principles that help us cultivate a unified spiritual life:
Spiritual Health Principle #1: Every choice you ever make is a chance to enjoy loving God
We all make decisions using our intellect, emotions, and will. Do you typically lean more on one of these to choose what you will do in life?
What are some ways you can practice loving God with your mind?
What are some ways you can practice loving God with your emotions?
What are some ways you can practice loving God with your will?
Spiritual Health Principle #2: Every unique thing about you is a way to enjoy loving God
To love God properly, we must fully offer him our:
– Personality
– Abilities
– Interests
– Dreams
What do you think God most enjoys about your personality?
How do your abilities and talents allow you to love God in meaningful ways?
What interests and dreams seem to be shaping your future or leading you to the next season God has for you?
In which of these four categories do you feel most connected to God? Which is most difficult for you to offer God fully?
Spiritual health requires a “with all” lifestyle
Spiritual Health Principle #3: Spiritual health is a constant search for new ways to love God “with all.”
What are some new ways you could enjoy God in this season of life?
What spiritual practices (ie. prayer, reading the Bible, Christian fellowship, gathering in corporate worship) could help you remember God more in your daily life?
Is there something God asking you to give up to improve your spiritual health?
What can you say “yes” to God about today that will unite your mind, heart, and emotions so that you can love God with all of who he made you to be?
Closing Thought
In your final moments together, spend some time praying for any needs those present may have. Also, join us in praying for God to help Mosaic be a blessing to the city of Austin, opening doors for us to love the poor, the broken, and the lost with a wholehearted, united faith in Jesus.