The Essential Spiritual Activity

THE ESSENTIAL SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY

(Selected Scriptures)

THEME: Essential refers to something that is absolutely necessary, extremely important, and fundamental or central to the nature of something or someone; it is something you can’t live without. Nothing is more necessary, more important, or more essential to our spiritual health and safety as Christians than spending time alone with God on a daily basis by reading and meditating on His Word and talking to Him through prayer. Having our “quiet time” every day will impact our lives more than anything else we could possibly do. It is the key to our spiritual livelihood. Let’s consider THREE QUESTIONS that should motivate and inspire you to have a daily appointment with God whether you need to start having one, get back to having one, or simply keep having one.

A.  WHAT IS A QUIET TIME?

B.  WHY HAVE A QUIET TIME?

1. God wants to spend time with us
2. Jesus spent time with God
3. Our spiritual survival depends on it

C.  HOW TO HAVE A QUIET TIME?

1. Firm Up A Specific Time
2. Find A Special Place
3. Follow A Simple Plan

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. During the last six months, have you neglected or slacked off on spending time alone with God? Why or why not (i.e. got extra busy or got too lazy or just got out of your normal routine)?
2. What is a quiet time? Why is having a daily quiet time so important for you as a Christian?     
3. Read Matthew 14:22-23, Mark 1:35, and Luke 5:16 and 6:12. How are you instructed/inspired by Jesus’ example when it comes to your personal devotional time?
4. When and where do you have your quiet time? What are some of the things you do when you meet with the Lord? Based on today’s message, is there anything new you want to implement in your daily devotions?
5. Does God’s love for you fluctuate based on the consistency of your quiet time? Does He love you more when you have it and love you less when you skip it? Why or why not? What should be your ultimate motivation for having your quiet time?
6. Read Philippians 2:12-13. How does this verse serve as a helpful reminder of the need for you to have dependent discipline when it comes to developing and maintaining the habit of reading the Bible and praying everyday?
7. Thank God for wanting to spend time with you. Seek His forgiveness for standing Him up at times. Ask Him to grant you a desire and the discipline to spend time with Him on a daily basis.

“I give you little hope of living victoriously unless you are successful in maintaining your quiet time.”

Stephen F. Olford, Manna In The Morning, 5