Crafting a Rule of Life - 2 Peter 1:3-8 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness 2 Peter 1:3-6 NIV Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Cor. 9:24-25 NIV “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:1-5 NIV It’s a of Life not Rules of Life He (Timothy) will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus… 1 Corinthian 4:17 NIV Rule of Life not of life Rule of Life is not Purpose of Rule of Life is to and A rule of life is a set of practices to guard our habits and guide our lives. Andy Crouch Rule of Life is you do Rule of Life is a to an end A Rule of Life aligns your life with your Questions for Small Group/Personal Study We encourage you to do the Practicing The Way course at www.practicingtheway.org with others. This week is Session 7. Opener: Pastor Rick said “everyone has a rule of life, either intentional or unintentional. How intentional are you about your own rule of life? Have you ever written down your practices and rhythms for growing spiritually? Have you ever evaluated it? Go to the Source: Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8 What does “training yourself to be godly” look like for you in a typical day or week? Read 1 Corinthian 9:24-25 What is the difference between the “strict training” described here and merely “trying harder” to live the Christian life? Read John 15:1-5 Why do you think Jesus uses the illustration of the vine? How could a trellis (rule of life) assist you to bear much fruit? Live it Out: Write out (or use the digital rule of life builder at www.practicingtheway.org) your daily, weekly and seasonal practices that guard and guide your life. What do you need add/subtract to your list so that your life is lived in alignment with your values?