We started a brand-new sermon series over the weekend called Habit, where we are exploring how to develop habits that honor God. In this study, we will examine what keeps us from forming habits and taking steps of growth that honor Him. As we study, we will be encouraged to develop habits that reflect our Heavenly Father, whom we love so much.
What types of goals and habits do people often set out to accomplish?
1. Do most people accomplish their goals or habits they want to develop? Why or why not?
2. Read Romans 7:18-20. Summarize Paul’s dilemma in this passage of Scripture.
Romans 7:18-20
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
3. Read Romans 7:21-25. Contrast the two mindsets that Paul describes in this passage of Scripture.
Romans 7:21-25
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
4. What hope do we have when it comes to the battle that we have between our sinful nature and the desire we have to honor Christ in everything we do?
1. Can you relate to Paul’s struggle that he describes in Romans 7? Why or why not?
2. What God-honoring habits or areas of growth would you like to develop in your own life?
3. What is keeping you from taking steps to develop that habit or area of growth?
Now that you have shared a habit you would like to develop or an area of growth that you would like to focus on, share one step you can take to develop that habit or grow in that area with your group. Commit to taking that step starting this week. Don't forget to pray, asking God to help you all as you seek to grow and form Christ-honoring habits.
The majority of us likely have goals we would like to set, habits we would like to develop, and ways we would like to grow spiritually. If we are not careful, however, we can live each day without taking steps to form habits, grow, and meet our goals. We have to be purposeful to make goals, form godly habits, and grow spiritually. Take a few moments to look at what Scripture teaches about how we can boldly walk in the direction of setting goals, forming habits, and growing in a way that honors God.
For many, their mistake when it comes to growing and forming God-honoring habits is isolation. Many people choose to form habits and grow without telling anyone else. They assume that they can meet their goals, form their habits, and grow on their own without involving anyone else. This often sets them up for failure. The truth is, we were never meant to live in isolation, and we are more successful in meeting our goals and growing spiritually when we live in community and invite others to walk alongside us.
1. Read Hebrews 10:24-25.
Hebrews 10:24-25
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
2. Summarize the command in this passage of Scripture.
3. What is at stake if we do not follow this instruction?
4. How does encouraging each other help us when it comes to the goals we set and habits we want to develop?
We are not left alone when it comes to forming godly habits and growing spiritually. We have the Holy Spirit, who helps us grow and become more like Christ. Day by day, the Spirit develops us to become healthier and stronger people.
1. Read Galatians 5:19-23.
Galatians 5:19-23
19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
2. Compare the two ways of living, according to this passage of Scripture.
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us when it comes to the habits we seek to form and the ways we want to grow in our faith?
4. How does remembering the power of the Holy Spirit impact the way you think about the habits you want to develop and the ways you want to grow in your faith?
Living with discipline and forming godly habits is not always easy. We must be dedicated to living this way. In the middle of the hard work this requires, we must look to the reward. After all, living in a way that honors God and taking steps toward goals and habits that honor Him will always produce good fruit.
1. Read Galatians 6:7-10.
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
2. What is the command that Paul gives in this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of continuing to form godly habits and grow spiritually?
4. How does remembering the rewards for our behavior help you as you seek to form godly habits and grow spiritually?
Part of the community God has given you as you seek to form godly habits and grow is this group. Take a few moments to share prayer requests and things that might be keeping you from the growing and habit-building that you desire. Then, pray for each other, asking God to help each one of you take the steps of growth that you desire in order to honor God.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
