The Word of God: Keep, Avoid, and Destroy

Proverbs 4.20-21; 5.7-8; 2 Corinthians 10.3-5

One of the recurring themes in the Proverbs is to keep God's Word. In many ways, keeping God's Word is counterintuitive and it is much easier to fall outside of his Word. Therefore, we should not be discouraged when we find keeping God's Word to be difficult in our own lives. One of the practical ways of doing this is to journal as we read through Scripture. There will be certain days where we might not feel motivated or we might not get much out of our Scripture reading. But it's important for us to stay dedicated.

The Proverbs also warns us to avoid certain other ways that will deter us from being faithful to God's Word. In fact, it is probably more natural for us to live according to the fleshly ways of the world than to abide in God's Word. In response to this, we should take more moments to reflect if we are being influenced by ideas and values that are counter to God's Word.

Later in the New Testament, Paul writes that we should even destroy other thoughts, ideas, opinions that are contrary to God's Word. For our Uptown context, this is more about how we perceive God and our relationship with him, especially in light of some of the difficulties that we are experiencing. As much as the suffering is painful, we need to be careful not to associate this with God's distance or lack of power.

Questions:

1. Read the passage together and review your sermon notes. Share with one another what the Spirit might have been placing on your heart through the sermon.

2. What are some ways that you have been able to keep God's Word? How can this Life Group encourage and keep each other accountable?

3. What are certain actions or thoughts that might be influencing the way that you interact with others and with God? In what ways are these contrary to God's Word? What does God's Word have to say about these areas?