Daily Drills: Walk the Walk

Walk the Walk

Hook: Basketball dribbling video. Have a student dribble as fast as they can and try to dribble around their foot. To get to a place of doing something with ease, there is a need to slow it down. We are going to look at how to get these disciplines into practice in our day to day life, and that can involve slowing down everything and taking the right first steps!

I. Bigger than Us

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The work done through Jesus that is the gospel is a force pushing through us greater than anything else we can be a part of it. When we consider the disciplines we have talked about the last couple of weeks, we cannot do so while ignoring the gospel. How can we ignore His Presence and His Word when we have been confronted with the life changing power of the gospel, and carry a message that everyone needs to hear.

We are a part of something that is so much bigger than anything else we can be a part of; something with eternal, world changing implications. When we consider the work that it is, why would we not want to be prepared? When we compare these disciplines to what Jesus did on the cross, it’s no comparison.

Illustration: How many of us have had parents cook for us growing up, and even still. The amount of work that goes into a meal that gives us energy, fills us and keeps us alive. When I was a kid, the part of the work I was asked to do was not pay for the food, prepare the food, plan the meal—it was simply set the table. It would be ridiculous for me to want to enjoy the meal and not be willing to just set the table! God has done all of the work, He provided the sacrifice, He offers all of it and did it all through the work on the cross—and as His followers, he asks us to set the table. Be prepared, have it ready for others.

II. Called to Work

Philippians 2:12–16 ESV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...

We are called in obedience to follow these disciplines. We talked last week about bible study, prayer, and worship. Other disciplines would be fasting, solitude, service, church attendance, evangelism.

Memorization—memorizing God’s word!

Fasting—typically involved abstaining from food and/or water for a period of time that in the times of want our focus would be centered on God. Based on people’s different medical conditions this one can be tricky, but there are other things you can fast from: social media, video games, junk food. The idea is that when we fast we are withholding something for the purpose of growing spiritual, relying on God, and opening up time to spend with Him.

Solitude— Some of you hate to be alone. But there are many times in scripture that Jesus retreated from everyone, even his disciples to spend time with just Him and God. You need to discipline yourself to be able to spend time with just him. Growing in this area, helps elevate the other disciplines.

Service— mentioned at the beginning of Philippians 2, we see the importance of not viewing others as less than ourselves. When we look at others with humility we are able to better see others as God sees them. Works of service humble us, show Christ’s character, and allow opportunities to share who He is with others.

Church Attendance— You are a part of a team. You got to show up! (show Video) The Church is the body and bride of Christ—how do you think he feels about it? The narrative that you can build a relationship with Christ without being in community with believers is a lie.

III. Worth the Work

Philippians 2:16–18 ESV

holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

When you’ve put everything into something and you see the results, there is celebration, there is satisfaction, there is relief. The same is true in our lives. If we give Jesus all we have in this life, the reward in the next is going to be all the more worth it.

You’re not preparing for a game, you’re preparing for war.

These things are all vitally important to be practicing now before the next thing you face.

We are sending you all with a four week devotional on “slowing down.” There’s not a whole lot to it. Read a little, pray a little, write a little, but let it get you in the habit of spending time with him. Next week we will have some review and resources and we will send something out early next week in our newsletter with links. I want you to be as equipped as you need to be to spend time with God.

You can do this. Slow down. Start small. And start to see how much your life changes!

Dismiss to groups.