06 | 3 Trees, Part 3

2 Peter 1:3-11

We use this image, called 3 Trees, to represent how real growth and change happens. We can't just decide to change and automatically jump from a thorn-producing tree to a fruit-bearing tree. Instead, we have to trace our thoughts and behaviors down to their roots and bring them in need, confession and repentance to the Cross. When we allow Jesus' truth, love, and grace to change the deep, unreached areas of our hearts, something radically different comes out of us. God is at work, in the heat (situations of life) and wants to reveal the roots of our thorn ridden responses, not to shame us, but to set us free. This week we wrap up the series with one final look at the 3 Trees.

Here’s the list of characteristics of relational maturity - a humbling but helpful gauge!

1) To develop a stable sense of identity.
2) To maintain intimate, stable and satisfying relationships.
3) To experience in one’s self and perceive in others the full range of emotion.
4) To regulate impulses and emotions in ways that foster personal & relational health.
5) To function according to a consistent and mature moral sensibility.
6) To appreciate and live within conventional notions of what is realistic.
7) To respond to stress resourcefully so that one recovers from painful events without undue difficulty.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. What is one area of growth or change the Spirit is highlighting in this season?

2. What gospel truth do you need to remember and rehearse regularly in light of that?

3. How will you get that truth in front of you? What habits or practices do you need to employ?

February 7, 2021 - Steve Hart

05 | The Practices

2 Peter 1:3-13

The person who wants to know God and live fully in Him must give God space and time. Space and time in a world that is constantly grasping for our attention. Our affection and desires continue to drift from God. When God justifies us through the cross, he also gives us his ongoing presence the Spirit to be our guide and our helper. There are also everyday practices that remind of us this good news, and help bring us back into connection with our Savior. These practices are not chores and they are not the goal. Spiritual disciplines are means to know and enjoy Him. 

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. Take inventory of your actions. What fruit/thorns are showing up? What does that fruit tell you about what you’re believing?

2. What are your next steps? What habit of grace do you need to start to practice? What is your specific plan to make it happen? Make at least one personal resolved statement. (E.g., Resolved: to read my Bible and pray 30 minutes every morning before turning on any technology.)

3. What aspect of God’s rescue story does your soul need to remember today? What do you need to stop doing in order to rest in the finished work of Jesus? 

January 31, 2021 - Gabe Shippam

04 | The Promises

2 Peter 1:3-11

When it comes to growth and change in the Christian life, we face a significant tension. On one hand, Peter tells us we’ve been given everything we need to live a life of deep faithfulness, effectiveness, and fruitfulness. On the other hand, he tells us we have to be diligent and make every effort to mature and grow. It is incredibly important that we know how these twin truths fit together, or we risk missing God’s heart and intention for us. What Peter urges us toward is grace-based effort, where we fill our hearts and minds with all that Jesus is, all that he has done on our behalf, and all that we are now in him. Our primary work is to “preach the gospel to ourselves,” learning to really believe all that is true in the gospel. As we rehearse the gospel, repenting and believing in all God has done for us in Jesus, we’re empowered to live more into the image of Jesus. The answer is always more Jesus!

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. When you read 2 Peter 1.3-11, what do you hear? Are you more drawn to the indicatives (who God is, what he has done, and all we have in him) or the imperatives (what we are to do)? Why might that be?

2. If growth and change in the Christian life doesn’t change what God has done for us, our standing with him, or our calling and election, why should we “make every effort” or “be diligent” in our development?

3. What are some gospel truths you need to regularly remind yourself of? Be sure to connect them to who God is and all he has done for you in Jesus!

January 24, 2021 - Steve Hart

03 | The Power

2 Peter 1:3-11

Throughout the history of God’s working with people to partner with them to redeem and bless the world, there has been a pattern of whenever the people made space for God’s Presence, He fills it. It happened in the tabernacle in the desert in Exodus, it happened with Solomon and the Temple, and then again even in Acts with the first Christians. God’s Spirit descended in power and fills His temple and empowers His mission. We are going to look at 2 Peter to see what this letter suggests we do in order to create space for God’s presence. How do we prepare our lives for the presence and power of God? 

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1.  What are some small ways in which your family (or spouse or roommates) can “intentionalize” kindness, generosity, and self-sacrifice with each other?

2.  What are some small ways in which you or your family can “intentionalize” kindness, generosity, and self-sacrifice with your neighbors and friends? 

3.  Who are your people you have that you can to talk through the cycle mentioned: cycles of humility, truth, and compassionate Holy Spirit-empowered action?

January 17, 2021 - Scott Cooley

02 | 3 Trees, Part 2

2 Peter 1:3-11

We use this image, called 3 Trees, to represent how real growth and change happens. We can't just decide to change and automatically jump from a thorn-producing tree to a fruit-bearing tree.  Instead, we have to trace our thoughts and behaviors down to their roots and bring them in need, confession and repentance to the Cross. When we allow Jesus' truth, love, and grace to change the deep, unreached areas of our hearts,  something radically different comes out of us. God is at work, in the heat (situations of life) and wants to reveal the roots of our thorn ridden responses, not to shame us, but to set us free.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. What is one area of thorns you'd like to see become fruit?

2. What is underneath those thorns? What are you believing, desiring, hoping in, or trusting?

3. What gospel truth if deeply believed and sensed would lead to fruit?

January 10, 2021 - Steve Hart

01 | 3 Trees, Part 1

2 Peter 1:1-11

January is always a time of reevaluating life and making changes - or at least intending to make changes! Personally, I look forward to it because of the opportunity it affords for a clean sheet and a fresh start, even though I know nothing really changes on January 1st. In fact, year after year I’m reminded of the simple (and haunting!) truth: Whatever I am on the outside, in my best and worst moments, reflects whatever I am on the inside. I simply can’t wake up on January 1st and choose to be more attentive in my relationships, less self-reliant and more dependent on the Spirit, and finally be a man of deep prayer and courageous witness. I can want to do all those good things, but wanting - and even trying hard! - is insufficient (or else we’d all be the best versions of ourselves all the time!). I need more than good intentions and resolutions; I need a process and pathway for real growth and change that leads to me becoming a new kind of person, from the inside out. So what does that look like?! Over the month of January, we’ll answer that question from one of my favorite texts (2 Peter 1.3-11), and hear stories from people experiencing the kind of change that only Jesus and his grace make possible.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

1. Read 2 Peter 1.1-11. According to v.3-4, what has God given us, and what does that mean? According to v.5-6, what is Peter calling us to do? According to v.8, what happens when we do what Peter says?

2. In v.9, Peter tells us that we fail to grow and mature because we lose sight of what God has done to free us from sin. Reflect on that verse, considering the implications of what Peter is saying.

3. As we enter into 2021, is there an area of immaturity or unfruitfulness (see v.8) the Spirit is highlighting for growth and change? Try to chose one specific quality or virtue from Peter’s list in v.5-7, and stay focused on it this month.

January 3, 2021 - Steve Hart