Rule of Life practices & formation questions to consider for this week's reading through Galatians 4-6 : B.O.L.D. LIVING RULE OF LIFE: (Choose at least one challenge to practice intentionally this week) BE WITH & BLESS OTHERS >> Recognize when someone is struggling with something…and be willing to offer a tangible way to help them, especially if you have to ‘give up something’ to help OBSERVE & OBEY THE HOLY SPIRIT >> Practice “walking by and living by the Spirit” as you read and pray over Galatians 5:16–26 throughout the week. [Notice when jealousy, pride, anger, selfishness, division, envy, or another flesh-pattern starts to rise…stop and pray] LOVE & LIVE LIKE JESUS >> Practice responding to unmet expectations or disappointments in a way that demonstrates how Christ is being formed in you (Gal 4:19). If/when you don’t, consider apologizing and seeking forgiveness. [Formation happens through practice, reflection, repentance, and repetition] DEMONSTRATE & DECLARE THE KINGDOM OF GOD >> Look for opportunities to encourage reconciliation/generosity/gentleness/hospitality/forgiveness, especially where you see division/resentment/neglect/isolation Pray over these things this week and humbly share the journey of living them out when you gather with your MC FORMATION QUESTIONS SURRENDERED TO JESUS: 1 -- When you think about the “works of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit” and consider your walk with Jesus, how have you been transformed and what do you still need to surrender to Him? (5:19-23) 2 -- What might change if you started the day off wholeheartedly believing you are fully known and unconditionally loved by the Father? (5:19-23) 3 -- What is one area of your life you need to practice loving & living like Jesus, and not merely learn about it? (4:19) SENT ON MISSION: 4 -- Who could you intentionally serve or make life a little lighter for this week? Are you willing to practice praying daily for this? (5:13–14) 5 -- What resources has God given to you that you could sacrificially utilize to love/serve someone else this week? (5:13) 6 -- How can you practice loving & living like Jesus more intentionally around your family, coworkers, neighbors, faith family this week? (5:16, 22-25) COMMITTED TO ONE ANOTHER: 7 -- Do you know or notice anyone around you who is carrying a heavy burden this week? How can you extend grace, hope, love, support, encouragement, etc to them? (6:2) 8 -- Practicing true interdependence is difficult, especially when it comes to navigating personality/lifestyle differences, embracing vulnerability/confession…how can you (a) practice confession among your MC family, and (b) how can you practice balancing restorative truth/grace as others practice confession? (6:1) 9 -- When thinking about how your MC family reflects the Kingdom of God to the neighbors/community around you, what are some of the ways you love & live like Jesus well with one another? Are there any areas (such as restoration/confession/generosity/burden-bearing/responsibility/hospitality) that you need to grow in, and what can you begin personally praying about & practicing? (6:1-10, 15)
