The “D” Word
“D” is for “Discipline”
Opening Question: Who, in movies or in history, inspires you? What is ONE reason why?
Disciplined. The more disciplined the character, the greater capacity to love.
John 13:1-9
* What is about to happen to Jesus? Yet - what is he thinking about? Is it easy to think about other’s when you are suffering?
* What does Jesus do? Why? What’s motivating him?
* What about Peter’s reaction? Why is he acting like this? What are some things that could be going on in his heart?
* Peter had his own idea of what discipleship was. Peter was being proud, but he thinks he’s being righteous.
* Have you ever thought you were being righteous but it turned out that you were being proud? Example?
John 13:12-17
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13″You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
* What is Jesus asking them to do? Wash one another’s feet. (Is this literal? If so - why in all of the book of Acts and the epistles are there no notations of it?)
* What does it mean figuratively to “wash one another’s feet” then? Serve one another in love.
* What are some ways we can “wash one another’s feet?”
* What are some things that get in the way of you personally “washing feet?” (Worried. Pride - overbook my schedule with work, can’t give to ministry or wife. Selfish - I need a break!)
John 13:34-35
34″A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
* What does this teach about disciples? What are some practical things that show love to disciples?
* Meetings of the body -
Hebrews 10:19-25
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
* Confidence to enter most holy place? Elaborate a little on this? Let us - plural.
* Cleansed from a guilty conscience - what does that mean? Guilty conscience? Sincere heart!
* What are some things that demonstrate sincerity? What tells you someone is sincere? Insincere? What are some ways you draw near to God? What are some ways we drift? Why?
* Can I have a clear conscience if I am insincere? How have you battled insincerity? (Churchianity - confessing my sin. My thoughts. Get together for a discipling time, even if my wife and I are doing great, we make it a point to talk about our most recent fight…)
* What are some obstacles to encouraging one another? (No relationship with God.) What is an obstacle in your life?
* Unswervingly. Ever been in the car - swerving? What does it look like to “swerve” in your faith? In your hope? (Drift - lack commitment - miss church…LATENESS)
* Verse 24-25 - make the most of meetings of the body - how? What are some ways you have been encouraged by meetings of the body? What are some ways you have encouraged others at meetings of the body?
1 Peter 1:22
* Bible says sincerity comes from what? What would make us insincere? Examples of sincere love in your life? (Think about Jesus - amidst his trials, his suffering, loving his disciples)
Obedient to the truth - the word. Sold-out, give anything for God and His will. Go for it - and study out His Word.
