AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 6
Free + Firm Foundations (1|2)
Pages 75-82 (end reading at: …what to do in such situations.)
1 Samuel 10:20-24 (ESV) The reluctance of Saul is read on page 77.
Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
“We are free to do what we like with our bodies, our money, our time, and our relationships. But it’s an illusion, a cover-up; fig leaves. This freedom dance is performed whilst chained to the appetites that have overpowered us. - Gospel freedom doesn’t just liberate us from these powers but sets us free to serve.” What is your response to this statement? How and where have you seen the illusion of freedom versus Gospel freedom?
Scripture uses roots and ground conditions to illustrate lasting faith that is not destroyed when shaken and rocked by storms. Have you experienced or witnessed faith destroyed by weak foundations, and/or faith that withstood storms?
What does “co-laboring” with God and “working out” salvation look like to you? How would you describe those phrases?
“(The Phaisees) were unable to exercise true faith because they were caught up in receiving praise and glory from one another, instead of from the Father. He (Jesus) seems to acknowledge the universal need we have for praise, while also acknowledging that if we insist on looking for it in the wrong place, we will cripple our spiritual life. This statement also teaches that Jesus actually affirms un in the quest of looking for praise from God. (Well done, good and faithful servant). Where do we sometimes look for praise that is not God?