Sermon Recap
In this week’s sermon, we focus on the importance of establishing spiritual "guardrails" to protect ourselves as we walk the Narrow Way of following Jesus. The three primary guardrails discussed are proximity to Jesus, accountability, and discernment.
Proximity to Jesus is our greatest defense against temptation. By staying close to Jesus through prayer and spending time in His Word, we are nourished spiritually and better equipped to resist the temptations of the world. The more connected we are to Christ, the more difficult it is for worldly distractions to pull us away. This proximity isn't about outward religious actions but about truly living in relationship with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.
Accountability is another essential guardrail. We are not meant to walk the faith journey alone. Having trusted people in our lives who can speak truth into our struggles and hold us accountable strengthens us against temptation. It prevents us from isolating ourselves, which can make us more vulnerable to sin. Just like Paul needed Barnabas, we need others who love us enough to point us back to Jesus when we're straying.
Discernment helps us navigate between what is good, better, and best. Not everything permissible is beneficial, and by seeking God's wisdom, we can make choices that glorify Him and protect our spiritual health. This guardrail helps us to evaluate our decisions and actions through a kingdom perspective, ensuring that our lives reflect God's best for us rather than what the world offers.
Guardrails like proximity to Jesus, accountability with other believers, and discernment in our decisions are essential. They protect us from falling into temptation and keep us aligned with God’s will. No matter where you are in your journey, today’s message is a call to evaluate your life, set up guardrails, and lean into the strength that comes from walking closely with Christ.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Proximity to Jesus: In what practical ways can we ensure that we are staying close to Jesus in our daily lives, especially when distractions arise?
Accountability: How can having strong, trusted accountability partners help us resist temptation and stay on the Narrow Way?
Discernment: Can you think of a recent decision where discernment between what is good and what is best was necessary? How did you approach that decision?
Guardrails in Practice: What specific guardrails have you set in your own life to protect your relationship with Christ, and how have they impacted your spiritual walk?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we cling to the promise of Your Word that tells us no temptation is too great for you to rescue us from. Father, give us spiritual eyes to be alert and aware of the dangers lurking all around us. Increase our hunger for You and time in Your presence. Place people in our lives to love us enough to hold us accountable. And give us the discernment to know what Your best for our lives is. Help us to see what is not beneficial for our walk on the Narrow Way so that we might resist any temptation that comes our way. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Life Application
Prioritize Daily Time with Jesus: Set aside intentional time each day for prayer and reading Scripture to stay close to Jesus and strengthen your spiritual guardrails against temptation.
Establish Accountability: Identify a trusted friend or mentor with whom you can regularly share your struggles and victories, ensuring you have support and encouragement on your spiritual journey.
Practice Discernment in Decisions: Before making decisions, especially in areas that might seem harmless but could be spiritually risky, pause to consider how they align with God's will and the impact they may have on your walk with Christ.
Don’t Forget
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Additional Resources
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