WEEK 1 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

The Future Church: A Rule of Life.

Introduction:

As busy people, our lives are always growing, and things are constantly happening to us that interrupt our ability to be still. A Rule of Life is a set of habits that give us just enough structure and direction to grow with purpose toward Christlikeness. It’s about doing a few simple things that will remind you that Jesus is all you need. Dallas Willard said, “My central claim is that we become like Christ by doing one thing-by following Him in the overall style of life He chose for Himself. If we have faith in Christ, we must believe that He knew how to live. We can, through faith and grace, become like Christ by practicing the types of activities He engaged in, by arranging our whole lives around the activities He practiced to remain constantly at home in the fellowship of the Father.”

Bottom line: To live a vision continuously requires a vow.

Something To Talk About:

These rules or rhythms are not meant to be legalistic lists, but rather a set of commitments that liberate us to operate from a place of receiving and giving the supernatural love of God. A rule for life releases us from the tyranny of the urgent and equips us to have a balanced life with God’s presence seated at the center of our being. Consider that they:

1: Counter formation: The “world” or societal norms can exert a powerful, often unintentional, influence on individuals, shaping their thoughts, desires, and actions in ways that might deviate from their core values or spiritual goals. A rule of life promotes counter-formation by actively engaging in practices that resist these influences. In other words, a rule of life can act as a counterbalance to prevailing cultural trends that might hinder spiritual development. For example, humility and generosity can challenge self-promotion and indulgence. It guides spiritual development by helping individuals focus their attention on practices that promote growth in areas like love, peace, generosity, patience, and kindness.
Always a minority in the church and never a majority: Following in every generation of the church, there is a remnant—a smaller company of believers—who choose not just to believe in Jesus but to order their lives around Him. They adopt a rule of life: a sacred rhythm that guides their habits, disciplines, thoughts, and time in submission to Christ. These are the ones who fast quietly, pray when others sleep, give when no one is watching, and forgive even when they’re still hurting. But hear this: the minority who walk this narrow way aren’t forgotten or overlooked by God. They are His delight. Their quiet devotion is the incense rising before His throne. There is always room for more people in this group.
Always shared, never individualized: A “rule of life” is a sacred rhythm, a framework for living intentionally with God. It’s a pattern of spiritual disciplines, priorities, and boundaries that help us abide in Christ day by day. But here’s the truth we often forget: our rule of life is not just for us. Modern culture whispers that faith is private, spiritual growth is individual, and personal rules are not to be imposed on others. But Scripture teaches the opposite. The Christian life was never meant to be walked alone. Paul called us members of one body. The early church shared everything in common. A rule of life should be lived in community—openly, honestly, and humbly. When we keep it to ourselves, it becomes a hidden performance. When we share it, it becomes a witness. Others can see our rhythms and be encouraged, challenged, or comforted by them. And in turn, we receive accountability and support. Sharing our rule doesn’t mean forcing it on others. It means letting our intentional life in Christ shine, not hiding it under a basket. It’s letting others know, “This is how I stay close to Jesus. Walk with me.”

Discussion Questions:

When hearing the phrase “rules for life,” what is the initial reaction? Is it fear, comfort, frustration, or relief?
What biblical principles or teachings come to mind when considering how Christians should live?
Jesus summarized the heart of biblical ethics when He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ … ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37–39). How does this call to love—both God and others—serve as the essence of living by biblical principles?
What habits or patterns might God be asking me to lay down—or pick up—to grow closer to Him?
Do I have a rhythm of life that keeps me rooted in God?
Who have I invited into that rhythm?
What part of my life with God could encourage someone else if I were to share it?
What are some ways someone might consciously or unconsciously substitute their own rules or preferences in place of Jesus’ commands? What are the potential consequences of doing so?
What specific changes can be implemented this week to pursue a deeper, more interactive relationship with Jesus and live out these principles more intentionally?

Take one thing home with you:

We need an intentional plan to keep us rooted and planted, making space for Christ to transform every part of our lives. We need a rule of life. The Rule of Life is a way to “begin with the end in mind.” It’s an eternal plan that sees the end goal in mind: life with Jesus for eternity. As you cultivate your own rule of life, we keep eternity and the love of God at the forefront of everything we do, and you’re putting intentionality into your whole life plan until the day you meet Jesus. The Rule of Life is not a set of dos and don’ts. It’s an intentional plan centered around the practices of Jesus that enable us to pay attention to God and remain in Jesus regardless of whatever the world or what’s around us tries to pull us away from Him.