”Progress and Joy in the Faith”, Class 1, Alex Clegg and Alice Dannatt

Alex

• Intellectual pride is the core topic
• Strengths can be helpful, but also a challenge
• “At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Matt 11:25–26
• Our strengths are gifts from God, not from ourselves. Therefore it makes no sense to take pride in our gifts and strengths.
• We need a child-like inquisitiveness in order to learn and retain a soft heart.
• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Prov 3:5–6
• We have a need to trust in God’s perspective. Although this is a challenge to our pride it brings security and peace to our souls.
• "I am the LORD, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself, who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,” Is 44:24–25
• We need our own ‘learning’ to be overturned by God from time to time so that we can find the humility to go his way instead of our own.
• Perhaps this can help our prayers. Where are we trying to manipulate God, rather than trust him?
• In what area of life is God testing your pride?
• What are the areas of life in which you need to trust God?

 

Alice

• Trusting God in transitions and in trials
• “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Phil 2:21
• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt 6:33
• When going through transitions we can lose the bigger picture and miss the heart of God.
• What changes are you facing, and are you processing them in a spiritual manner?
• Could you pray more about the transitions in your life?
• Trials are tricky! Many are around relationship challenges.
• Talking things over with a trusted friend can make a big difference.
• Prayer is a wonderful tool for finding strength in trials.
• ““But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Lk 6:27–30
• Applying this perspective is hard, but ultimately can bring a wonderful transformation to our own hearts.
• Do we have a trial of this kind which can change us deeply to be more like Christ?

 

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Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

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Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

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