Digging Deeper

God is the Center of it All ~ November 28, 2004

Think About it:

“God is the center of it all” sounds really good…really spiritual; but do we live like this is true? How can God be at the center of our lives, all we do, and all we say? Many months ago, we embarked on a study titled An Ordinary Day with Jesus. The first study in this series was Living in Jesus’ Name, and is a great reminder of how we can place God at the center of it all. (Note: This study is adapted from Ortberg and Barton’s study on An Ordinary Day with Jesus)

Explore it:

Read Colossians 3:17 several times in the group and discuss what you initially think about this verse.

What does it mean to you to live in Jesus’ name?

What would it mean to do the following daily activities in Jesus’ name?

§ Waking up—

§ Eating Breakfast—

§ Driving—

§ Working—

§ Watching TV—

§ Worrying—

§ Household Chores--

§ Shopping—

§ Relationships with Others—

What are the two biggest challenges for you to live in Jesus’ name from the list above and why? Are there others you would add?

Living in Jesus’ name can seem like an overwhelming or defeating task…but it doesn’t have to be. We are only challenged to live one day at a time…one ordinary day at a time. Matthew 6:34 tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Jesus also encourages us in Matthew 28:20 that he is always with us. Those are two big truths to remember.

Personal Exercise

A great way to raise your awareness of God and how you live is to think of your day as a VCR tape. At the end of the day, or during a quiet time, rewind and replay your day in light of living in Jesus’ name. Where did you live in Jesus’ name well? Where did you fall short or even forget?

Over time and as you do this on a regular basis, you will find yourself living purposefully and with reverence as God will soon be at the center of it all.

AS A GROUP

What are the one or two areas of living in Jesus’ name can the group encourage, pray, and hold you accountable for the coming week?