Discussion Guide | Feb. 23, 2025

February 24th, 2025

Introduction

"The Reward" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon focuses on spiritual motivation and rewards in our Christian faith. Pastor Bill discusses both horizontal (earthly) and vertical (divine) motivators, emphasizing that true spiritual passion comes from a genuine relationship with God rather than external performance. He explores various enemies of spiritual passion, such as complacency and erosion of spiritual disciplines, while also highlighting sources of spiritual passion like growing awareness of God and imitating Jesus.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us understand Your rewards and motivations for our lives, and guide our discussion to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What was the most meaningful reward or recognition you've ever received, and why was it special to you?

Main Study

Key Verses

John 14:15
John 14:21
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Hebrews 11:6
Ephesians 6:7-8

Questions

What are some worldly motivators that compete with our spiritual motivations?
How would you describe the difference between external obedience and internal obedience in your faith?
What does it mean to have a 'merely functional relationship with God,' and how can we avoid this?
How does gratitude relate to spiritual maturity according to the sermon?
What role does trust play in our spiritual growth and relationship with God?
How can we maintain spiritual passion when going through difficult times?
What does it mean to have God as our 'reward system'?
How can we better focus on eternal rewards rather than temporal ones?

Life Application

This week, keep a daily gratitude journal specifically focused on recognizing God's presence and work in your life. Write down at least three ways each day that you see God's faithfulness, and reflect on how this practice impacts your spiritual passion and motivation.

CapitalLife.org/serve

Closing

Key Takeaways

True spiritual motivation comes from love for God rather than external pressures
Gratitude is a litmus test for spiritual maturity
God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him
Spiritual passion requires both internal transformation and external action
Our eternal rewards are based on our faithfulness in serving God

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are our ultimate reward. Help us to maintain our spiritual passion and stay focused on eternal things rather than temporal ones. Give us the strength to be faithful in both small and large matters, knowing that You see and reward our faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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