Gather

Hello from Noetzel! This week, I’d like to point you to an article Collin shared, from Paul David Tripp, titled, “Ecclesiastical Consumerism.” In the sermon this weekend, we looked at Ephesians 4:11-16. This same scripture is the centerpiece of Tripp’s reflection. Tripp’s article also features several reflection questions, which have been reprinted below.

Access the article here: https://www.paultripp.com/wednesdays-word/posts/ecclesiastical-consumerism

Read it aloud with your community group or alone for a devotional.

 Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think it’s so easy to dismiss that you are a commissioned instrument in the work of God’s kingdom? What are some specific belief systems you hold that might be contributing to the idea that ministry work is for “formal ministry activity time” or the responsibility of paid ministry officials?

2. What are a few feelings that come to the surface when you begin to understand that no one has been chosen by God just to be only a recipient of the redemptive work of his kingdom and that everyone who has been chosen to be a recipient has also been commissioned to be an instrument in the work of that kingdom as well? What are some thoughts or words you might use to push back on that idea of kingdom involvement for you?

3. Why is the central work of God’s kingdom the element of change? What are some areas of your life where God might be calling you to change? How would change in you impact your family, friends, community, church, etc.? What is the biggest roadblock to change in your life? How can you be praying intentionally to ask God to change you?

4. Who is someone you’ve observed make changes in their life? How and why was that inspirational to you? What can you learn from their intentional choices to change? In what ways can you implement some of their “change choices” into your life that you might become more and more like your Savior?

5. What do you think is a good indicator of a person who’s made significant changes in their life to live more intentionally like a Jesus follower? How might God be calling you to change right now? Take a moment and ask him to work in your heart and change you in both general and specific ways.