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Crafting a Rule of Life

In Session 07 of the Practicing the Way Reading Reflection Guide we’re encouraged to create a rough draft of a Rule of Life. If you’re hearing this term for the first time, you might be turned off by the word “rule.” However, in this case, the meaning is different from a list of do’s and don’ts. A Rule of Life gives us the structure to live this truth: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

Communities of believers began formalizing a written Rule of Life starting around 300 hundred years after Christ’s birth. If you’ve been walking with Jesus, it’s likely you’re already practicing spiritual disciplines that make up a good Rule of Life. Pastor Pete Scezzero explains, “A Rule of Life, very simply, is an intentional, conscious plan to keep God at the center of everything we do. It provides guidelines to help us continually remember God as the Source of our lives. It includes our unique combination of spiritual practices that provide structure and direction for us to intentionally pay attention and remember God in everything we do. The starting point and foundation of any Rule is a desire to be with God and to love him.”1

The word “rule” comes from the Greek for “trellis”– the structure that enables a grapevine to be lifted off the ground, to grow upward, and to become more fruitful. Similarly, a Rule of Life gives structure to our spiritual formation and creates ongoing opportunities for us to be with Jesus as well as to become like Him and to do as He did. It’s a plan that intentionally forms us, a bit like the vine pictured here:

When we don’t prioritize following rhythms that keep us closely connected to God, our default is counter-formation by the world. We might end up looking a bit more like the tree pictured below. It’s meant to grow upwards, but the continual force of the ocean breeze pushes it sideways. Similarly,  the incessant force of worldly influences deforms us if we’re not practicing spiritual disciplines deliberately.

So, with all that we’ve learned about formation it’s time to get practical with crafting a Rule of Life. The Practicing the Way book and Reading Reflection Guide both include blank charts you can use to brainstorm. If you prefer, there is also a digital Rule of Life Builder that provides more flexibility on the Practicing the Way website (link below).

To be honest, these charts were a total turn off to me when I first read the book two years ago. I saw them as a checklist of tasks to complete and assumed I needed to have every slot filled with all nine practices. However, as I re-read the book recently, my resistance faded. I realized they provide an organized plan for intentional and ongoing apprenticeship to Jesus. (Every box won’t be filled, it’s a graphic organizer to hold space for the practices you’re choosing—like putting an appointment on your calendar.)

More importantly, I now understand that crafting a Rule of Life is a powerful tool for building God’s kingdom on earth, one person at a time. It is an act of resistance against the ugliness of our world because it chooses the beauty of life apprenticing under Jesus instead. Done with others, it creates a community of people who stand apart from the world as witnesses to God’s goodness. Practicing a Rule of Life enables us to be:

  • People of rest in a culture of hurry and exhaustion through the practice of Sabbath.
  • People of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise, through the practice of solitude.
  • People of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism through the practice of prayer.
  • People of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality through the practice of community.
  • People of faithfulness to biblical truth in a culture of ideological compromise through the practice of Scripture reading.
  • People of holiness in a culture of indulgence and immorality through the practice of fasting.
  • People of contentment in a culture of consumerism through the practice of generosity.
  • People of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in a culture of injustice and division through the practice of service.
  • People of hospitality in a culture of hostility through the practice of witness.2

Pete Scezzero asserts: “Nurturing a growing spirituality with depth in our present-day culture will require a thoughtful, conscious, intentional plan for our spiritual lives.”3 If the brokenness of the world troubles you, crafting a Rule of Life is a simple but powerful way to move toward peace and wholeness. The choices we make to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do as He did bring light, hope, and truth into our lives and the lives of everyone we encounter.

As you prayerfully consider crafting your Rule of Life, approach the practices as food at a buffet table: try a little bit of everything, and go back for seconds on the ones that resonate most with you. You don’t need a heaping plate of all nine all the time, but optimal growth occurs when you have a good variety. Be sure to include whatever practices you’re already doing, then consider adding one new one. Choose a healthy balance and stay flexible.

In addition to John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way book, there are many resources available to help you understand what a Rule of Life is and how to craft one. Here are few to consider:

-Watch my pre-recorded teaching: “Session 7 Crafting a Rule of Life.” Click here to find it.

-Explore the resources available at practicingtheway.org. Access the Rule of Life Builder and/or explore each of the nine practices in depth four sessions at a time (you’ll need to create a free account to begin).

-Listen to the Rule of Life Podcast that has multiple episodes over nine seasons. (Each season focuses on one of the nine practices.) Scroll through the episodes on Apple podcasts or on the Practicing The Way YouTube channel by clicking here.

-Read these books:

God in My Everything by Ken Shigamatsu

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scezzero (chapter 8 is specifically about Rule of Life). (Note, Scezzero gives a brief history of its origins and references other aspects that are healthy parts of a Rule of Life such as play & recreation, care for our physical bodies, and emotional health.)

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. Pete Scezzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Zondervan Books, 2014, 190.
  2. Adapted from John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press 2024, 225.
  3. Pete Scezzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Zondervan Books, 2014, 191.

Confession

What comes to mind when you hear the word “confession”? Perhaps it’s the caricature of a stern-faced member of the clergy listening to you through a screen. Or maybe it’s a criminal breaking down and admitting his crimes under the interrogation of a shrewd prosecutor or a tenacious police detective. For most of us, the notion of confessing our sins doesn’t conjure up the expectation of deeper intimacy with God and others. But if we’re serious about maturing in our faith, it’s critical that we understand the importance of confession.

Scripture reveals that sin breaks our fellowship with the Lord and can only be restored through confession and repentance. So, we’re urged to confront and confess our sin not just to God, but to one another: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, NIV) As we continue our journey through John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, we’re encouraged to practice confession in Session 06 of the Reading Reflection Guide.

Comer explains, “Confession is a core practice of the Way, and contrary to what many think it’s not at all about beating yourself up in public. It’s about courageously naming your woundedness and wickedness in the presence of loving community as you journey together toward wholeness. It’s about not only confession of sin but also the confession of what is true—who you are, who Christ is, and who you truly are in Christ. It’s about coming out of hiding into acceptance, leaving behind all shame…confession is our part in dealing with sin. God is the physician; we’re the patient. All we can do is set our sin in his light. His job is to deal with our sin; our job is to confess our secrets. It’s to live in a way that is open, true, and laid bare before God in community.”1

While that might sound intimidating at first glance, confession is the conduit to healing and restoration in our souls and our relationships. It also fosters deeper intimacy with Jesus. I first experienced this as a teenager when a regular pattern of sin kept me from connecting with the Lord. Although I loved God and called Jesus my Savior, my choice to stay stuck in sin prevented me from growing and thriving in my faith. No one knew how much I struggled with the weight of guilt and shame. I was so entangled in the negative and worldly influences that were forming me that I couldn’t imagine breaking free of them. Confessing my sin to God felt futile and insincere because I didn’t have the strength or courage to change.

A pivotal opportunity came during some time away from home with people who were passionate about following Jesus. Being in a new environment away from my usual influences enabled me to discover and experience God in deeper and more personal ways. Surrounded by people who were growing in faith, I realized how my sin had been holding me back . Confession spilled out of me unexpectedly one afternoon during an honest conversation with a new friend. Although it felt awkward and vulnerable to admit my sin aloud, I also felt profound relief. Instead of condemnation or judgment, I received love, grace, and compassion. The pattern of sin took a while to break altogether, but that moment of confession was the turning point for me.

As we continue on the journey of spiritual formation, we will likely encounter areas of our lives where we’ve been deformed by sin—whether it’s sin done by us, to us, or around us. Unearthing sin may  tempt us  to put up a false front, withdraw from healthy community, or hide in shame. But choosing to confront it and practice confession will lead to freedom, connection, and growth.

Consider these words written by, John, one of Jesus’ most devoted apprentices: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:5-10, NIV)

Did you know this practice is meant to be a regular part of our faith journey? Exposing sin by confessing to a fellow believer moves us from darkness into the light of fellowship with Christ and others. Consider praying this week and inviting the Lord to search your heart and reveal where sin and brokenness need to be brought out into the light. Ask Him to lead you to a wise and mature disciple who can listen well and speak Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and grace over you. Let this practice open the door for continued opportunities to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’d like a digital PDF to download Reading Reflection Guide, please reply in the comments.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press 2024, 95.

Meeting God in Pain and Suffering

Sitting on the therapist’s couch for the first time, I explained what had prompted me to reach out for an appointment. Despite having two healthy little boys and a supportive husband, I woke up every morning with a black cloud hovering over me. Feelings of discouragement, defeat, and loneliness consumed me. I couldn’t force myself to feel happy or grateful, no matter how blessed my life looked from the outside. Reading the psalms daily gave me momentary comfort but didn’t stop the anxious thoughts and deep sadness that punctuated my days.

At my first appointment, I described a messy situation that had sparked my spiral downward. After explaining the coping skills I’d tried on my own, my therapist offered a gentle observation: “I think you need to learn how to feel your feelings.” Stung and confused by her words, I responded, “What does that even mean?”

She explained that, rather than feeling the weight of my emotions, I was expending all my energy trying to make them go away. Ignoring my pain just made the emotions leak out of me at unexpected times and in unpredictable ways.

Pastor Pete Scezzero explains: ”When we do not process before God the very feelings that make us human, such as fear or sadness or anger, we leak. Our churches are filled with ‘leaking’ Christians who have not treated their emotions as a discipleship issue. Grieving is not possible without paying attention to our anger and sadness. Most people who fill churches are nice and respectable. Few explode in anger—at least in public. The majority…stuff these difficult feelings, trusting that God will honor our noble efforts. The result is that we leak through in soft ways such as passive-aggressive behavior…sarcastic remarks, a nasty tone of voice, and the giving of the ‘silent treatment.’”1

Over the months of sitting on the therapist’s couch, I learned to acknowledge and identify my feelings and to lean into them. Instead of bypassing them with a Bible verse or distracting myself with gratitude, I let the emotions bubble to the surface without pushing them away. Processing deep feelings of sadness, I realized a fractured friendship had opened old wounds reaching back several decades.  With practice, I learned not only to feel my feelings, but to share them with God and others I trusted.

Since then, noticing and naming my emotions has become a regular part of my prayer rhythm. When I’m feeling “off” or have a hurtful interaction with someone that I can’t let go, I follow David’s lead in Psalm 62 and pour out my heart to the Lord. Sometimes my hand cramps as the pages of my journal fill with my messy writing, but in the end, I experience a sense of relief after processing my feelings with the Lord.

Now I understand the wisdom of my therapist’s maddening words at my first appointment. It turns out my avoidance of emotions wasn’t unique. In fact, in Session 05 we’re encouraged to practice noticing and naming our emotions as we continue our journey through John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way (page 66 in the Reading Reflection Guide.)

While this might sound “touchy feely” to some or not a “real” spiritual practice to others, learning to identify emotions is an important aspect of the discipleship journey. Processing feelings helps us to understand ourselves and relate to others with emotional health and maturity. When we recognize our own brokenness, we allow the Lord to smooth out our sharp edges. This, in turn, enables us to love others with more authenticity and grace. It’s part of the process of growing into more loving apprentices of Jesus.

The Practicing the Way Reading Reflection Guide explains, “As we slow down and practice spiritual disciplines, unhealed wounds and unresolved pain may begin rising to the surface of our hearts and minds. Sometimes we try to protect ourselves by denying our pain, detaching from it, or drugging ourselves (figuratively or literally). However, Jesus invites us to meet him in our pain so he can use it in our spiritual formation.”2

As with other spiritual practices we’ve been learning about, Jesus models how to notice and name our emotions. On the night before His crucifixion he says: “’My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:38-9, NIV). Following His lead, we can use a simple three step process:

  • Give your feelings to God with no filter
  • Share your honest desires with God
  • Surrender your will and trust God’s will instead

If it’s helpful, consider processing your thoughts by writing in a journal. This can be powerful tool for noticing and naming your emotions without distraction.

This practice might feel uncomfortable at first, but in time you’ll discover that it becomes easier and enables you to access deeper parts of your inner world to share with the Lord and others. It’s another opportunity for us to grow in our capacity to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.

The Reading Reflection Guide has further suggestions and a list of emotions to help narrow down exactly what you’re feeling. If you aren’t using the guide and you’d like a copy of the instructions and emotions list, leave a comment and I’ll e-mail them to you.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. Pete Scezzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Zondervan Books, 2014, 126-7.
  2. Practicing the Way Reading Reflection Guide, 66.

The Practices

Continuing our journey through John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, we’re encouraged to practice Sabbath (Session 04 in the Reading Reflection Guide.) For many of us, this may seem outdated or impossible in the modern world. Nonetheless, Comer invites us to set aside one day a week “not only [to] stop and rest but also delight in and worship the God who made you to be with himself. It’s a day to cultivate joy in a world of sadness…we need Sabbath to keep our hearts alive to the beauty of God and life with him in his world.”1

Let’s start by considering the account of creation described in Genesis 1 & 2. For six days God labored as He created light, land, stars, plants, sea creatures, animals, and human beings. And at the end of each day of creation, Scripture tells us, “God saw that it was good.” This repetition continues until the seventh day: “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2-3, NIV).

Other passages in Scripture tell us that God doesn’t slumber or sleep (Psalm 121) and that He will not grow tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28). So why does He rest? It isn’t because He’s tired, but because His work is complete, and He sees that it is “very good.” (Genesis 1:31).

Not long after this, humans choose to disobey the Lord, launching a repeating cycle of rejection, rescue, repentance, and restoration between God and His people. In Exodus, God delivers the Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Under the leadership of Moses, the Lord gives them the Ten Commandments to instruct them how to relate with Him and with one another. His fourth commandment to them is this:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8,9,11, NIV).

While some may assume this is an archaic commandment that no longer applies to us today, the need for deep rest for our bodies, minds, and souls remains the same. There are many reasons to observe the Sabbath, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll touch on two highlighted by late author and pastor Timothy Keller.

Sabbath Reminds Us We’ve Been Liberated from Enslavement
God told the Israelites: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you.” (Deuteronomy 15:15, NIV). When we fail to take a Sabbath rest, we are allowing ourselves to be enslaved to the tasks we’re compelled to accomplish. This could be a job, but it could also be any form of busyness that we do without ceasing (including faith-based activities like serving and doing ministry). If we have the need to be productive constantly, we’re letting those activities enslave us.

Sabbath rest reminds us that our work, our areas of service/ ministry, and our accomplishments don’t define us, our relationship with Christ does. He liberated us from enslavement to sin and freed us from needing to find our sense of worth in anything other than Him. Observing the Sabbath helps us to put things back into perspective. It’s meant to remind us we’re free.

Sabbath Reminds us to Trust God
Being productive makes us feel powerful and in control. It can also make us have a misplaced idea that we are indispensable. As much as it feels like it, everything doesn’t rest on our shoulders. The world won’t stop spinning on its axis and the sun won’t fail to rise if we take a day to rest. That’s why the Psalm says, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NASB). When we pause from the acts of achieving and accomplishing, we’re reminded that it’s God who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). We labor and strive in meaningful endeavors He’s given us, but ultimately it is the Lord who provides for us. We can rest because He is trustworthy. Everything doesn’t depend on us and taking a Sabbath is an act of humility that acknowledges this.

Few people would disagree with the idea that we are over-stimulated and chronically exhausted in our society today. But how should we spend our time when we change gears and downshift one day a week to let our souls catch up with us? Tim Keller suggests three things to devote ourselves to when we take a Sabbath day.

1) Enjoy an activity that is outside your usual daily routine/ occupation. Do something that re-charges and rejuvenates you. Don’t use the Sabbath to accomplish tasks on your to do list.
2) Make time for contemplation. This means taking your eyes off yourself and putting them on God. Start by attending a worship service. Add to it by spending time in prayer or reading Scripture. Set aside specific time to give the Lord the honor and praise He deserves.
3) Make time for inactivity. Let your brain and body rest. Give God room to speak to you by clearing your mind. For highly productive and capable people, doing nothing is often the one thing they struggle with most.

Pastor Pete Scezzero explains, “Sabbath, when lived, is our means as the people of God to bear witness to the way we understand life, its rhythms, its gifts, its meaning, and its ultimate purpose in God. Observing the Sabbath, we affirm: ‘God is the center and source of our lives. He is the beginning, the middle, and the end of our existence.’ We trust God to provide and care for us.”2

Friends, it’s time for us to realize we have limits. We can’t do it all because God didn’t design us that way. Even when the Lord does great works through us by the power of the Holy Spirit, we still need rest and replenishment. This is a message I’m writing for myself as much as for you. We have to stop believing the lies fed to us by our culture and by the enemy that we need to push ourselves to the limits of our capabilities in all realms. There is so much pressure to do more and to be more. We’re wearing ourselves out trying to prove it’s true.

Let’s view Sabbath as a gift God intends for us to enjoy: “You don’t have any obligations, pressures, or responsibilities. You have permission to play, be with friends, take a nap, read a good book. Few of us would give ourselves a ‘no obligation day’ very often. God gives you one—every seventh day.”3 Practicing Sabbath is just one more opportunity to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press, 2024, 182.
  2. Pete Scezzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Zondervan Books, 2014, 153.
  3. Ibid, 160.

Formation (Part 2)

One of the best ways to become more like Jesus is to replace an unhealthy habit with the practice of reading Scripture daily. In fact, the Center for Bible Engagement surveyed more than 100,000 people from all over the world about their spiritual lives and found that engaging the Bible four or more days a week is the “single most powerful predictor of spiritual growth.”1  This week, you’re being encouraged to make Bible reading a daily practice as we continue our journey through John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way.

Let’s start with some encouragement straight from the Bible that shows why this practice is worth your time:

  • “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:98-100, NIV)
  • “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
  • “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32, NIV)
  • “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
  • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

Even when we believe its benefits, knowing how to approach this multifaceted sacred book makes a big difference. Flipping to random pages with no context is unlikely to lead to meaningful understanding, let alone life transformation. Let’s explore a few helpful approaches to keep in mind when reading the Bible.

Interpreting Scripture: The Bible must always be interpreted in light of its context. The environment or setting in which it was written helps us determine what a passage does and doesn’t mean. Repeated phrases and ideas in the text help us to figure out what’s important. As we read, we should ask ourselves:

  • What was the importance of this text for the original audience? (For them then?)
  • What does it say that applies to all people or believers? (For us always?)
  • How is this true in my current circumstances? (For me now?)2

Reading Literarily, not Literally: The writings in Scripture include many different genres including law, history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospels (biographies of Jesus), epistles (letters), and apocalyptic writing. Everything in the Bible isn’t meant to be read literally, but literarily. Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin explains: “Language obeys different rules in  different contexts, and the language of the Bible is no exception. A literate reading takes these rules into consideration…When an author chooses to communicate through a particular form, they do so for a good reason. They believe that particular form will best communicate the meaning they intend. The way that biblical poetry uses language is different than the way that historical narrative does. Prophecy uses language differently than a law code. And so on.”3 Knowing what genre you’re reading impacts your understanding and application of the text.

Recognizing the Difference Between Descriptive and Prescriptive: It is important to determine whether a passage is descriptive or prescriptive. A descriptive passage shows us what happened while a prescriptive passage tells us what to do. “If a verse or passage is simply describing something, with nothing said in the positive or negative about that something, then it is descriptive and should not be considered something we are commanded to do. It is only when Scripture specifically instructs (prescribes) that New Testament believers do something that we are to take it as a command to obey.”4

We often approach the Bible looking for a shot of inspiration or a truth about ourselves forgetting that first and foremost, it is a book about God. Whether you’re starting to read the Bible regularly for the first time or have been doing it for years, the most important thing is to pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you read and to show you what He wants you to learn about the Lord.

Now, let’s explore a bit of Bible background to enhance your knowledge, provide context, and build your enthusiasm about reading it daily:

Major Themes: God’s redemption story contains a four-part pattern that has been repeated throughout history:  1) Rejection of God’s way 2) Decline of God’s people 3) Consequences allowed by God’s hand 4) Restored relationship to God’s presence.5

Word Meanings and Organizational Structure: The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word biblos meaning “book” or “scroll”; the plural form “biblia” refers to a collection of scriptures that are treated as one book. The 39 books of the Old Testament were written mostly in Hebrew (a few short passages in Aramaic).  About 100 years (or more) before the Christian era the entire Old Testament was translated into the Greek language.  Our English Bible is a translation from these original languages. The word “testament” means “covenant,” or “agreement.”  The Old Testament is the covenant of law God made with humans. The 27 books of the New Testament explain the covenant of grace God made to provide salvation for sinful humans through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.6

Chronology and Content: The books of the Bible are not all written in perfect chronological order. Some books have overlapping stories and themes with others. All of them can be read as stand-alone books. The Old Testament focuses on the story of the Jews (also called the Israelites, Hebrews, or Children of Israel) from their earliest beginnings. It chronicles their history as God’s chosen people. The Old Testament covers a span of 1000 years. The New Testament focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy who came to save and redeem not only the Jewish people but all of mankind as well.  The New Testament was written over the span of 100 years with the earliest being written between A.D. 48 & 60 and the latest between A.D. 60 and 100.7

Authors: The Bible was written by about 40 authors over 1600 years.  The authors were kings and princes, poets and philosophers, prophets and statesmen. Some were learned in all the arts of the times and others were unschooled fishermen. Some of its authors knew Jesus personally. Two of them were his brothers (James and Jude).8

Consistent Source of Guidance: The Church believes that Jewish and Christian writers were guided by the Holy Spirit in the selection of the Scriptures that became the Old and New Testaments. The Apostle Peter explains, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21, NIV).

Reading the Bible is an essential spiritual practice for believers. Doing it consistently enables you to be with Jesus so you can become like Him and do as He did. Ask the Lord to help you make it a consistent part of your daily rhythm.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

  1. Bible Engagement and “The Power of Four”: A Key to Spiritual Growth. Click here for full article.
  2. Adapted from Jen Wilkin and the Village Church Bible study materials.
  3. Jen Wilkin, “Why We Should Read the Bible Literarily” Click here for full article.
  4. “What does it mean that a biblical passage is descriptive rather than prescriptive?” Click here for full article.
  5. This is a commonly held truth among Bible scholars.  This particular statement is paraphrased from Priscilla ShirerGideon: Your Weakness. God’s Strength. Lifeway Press, 2013.
  6. Paraphrased from Henrietta Mears’ book What the Bible is All About, Tyndale 1953.
  7. Paul E. Little, Know What You Believe, Victor Books, 1987.
  8. Henrietta Mears, What the Bible is All About,Tyndale 1953.

 

 

Formation (Part 1)

Digging my toes into the wet sand, I stared out at the silty brown water of the Sacramento River Delta. Every few minutes, a passing boat’s wake sent ripples lapping on the shore where I sat for my final “solo time” of the summer. Serving in ministry at Houseboats had been spiritually transformational for me. As I sat on the beach that final week, I pulled out a tattered spiral notebook and began writing, reflecting on all that had taken place.

I started by thanking  God for the experiences I had at camp, the specific people He’d placed in my life, and for the ways they had impacted me. Away from home for the summer, I’d broken out of my normal routines and had formed new life-giving habits. While serving at Houseboats I began pursuing a more personal and consistent relationship with Jesus.

Feeling wistful about my time at camp coming to an end, I thought about how much I’d changed in such a short period of time. I wrote about who and what had shaped my worldview prior to that summer. Seeing myself through a different lens, I recognized attitudes and actions that hadn’t aligned with God’s best for my life.

I knew I had changes to make going forward and that willpower wouldn’t be enough to help me follow through. It was time to eliminate unhealthy patterns that had formed me and to commit to following Jesus more intentionally. Being honest with the Lord, I confessed sins I’d clung to for far too long and humbly asked the Holy Spirit to help me practice the way of Jesus back in the “real world.”

By the time I closed my tattered notebook and shook out my sandy towel, God had revealed many perspectives, habits, and influences that had shaped me. Laying them all out before Him had prompted a much-needed process of cleansing and healing that freed me to  re-direct my focus toward Jesus.

The correlation between my experience that summer and the theme verse for the Practicing the Way Reading Reflection Guide is hard to miss:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV)

The process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds requires us to recognize where we are conforming to the “pattern of this world.” While you may not have the luxury of sitting on a beach to do it, this week’s practice is to consider how you spend your time and where you direct your attention.

John Mark Comer writes, “We live time-torn lives: We want to be with Jesus, but we just don’t have time to pray. We genuinely desire to grow into people of love, but our to-do lists are too long to make any serious attempt…We feel hurried, anxious, far from God, spiritually shallow, and stuck in our self-defeating habits of behavior.”1 His answer to this dilemma? Start with a Formation Audit. If you’re doing the Reading Reflection Guide, you’ll find it in Session 02, Day 5. (If you’re not doing it, read all the way to the bottom for another way to access the Formation Audit.)

 Through a series of questions on a range of topics, you’ll have the opportunity to consider where you’re being formed by the patterns of this world and where you’re being formed by the Kingdom of God. It’s a chance to think about your habits, relationships, environments, and experiences as well as the stories you believe about yourself, God, the meaning of life, and the source of happiness. This practice requires effort, time, and focus. You might be tempted to do it half-heartedly or to skip it altogether, but if you’re serious about continuing to move forward in practicing the way of Jesus, you’ll want to fight that urge.

As I completed the Formation Audit recently, it shined a light on what’s occupying my mind and filling my calendar right now. I thanked God for the positive changes I’ve seen in myself and recognized some old, unhealthy thought patterns that have crept back into my life. The Formation Audit helped me to see where I need to focus my prayers and where to make healthy changes in my routines.

Before you start this practice, pray and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you through it. Ask for His help in keeping your focus and eliminating distractions. Rest assured the Formation Audit  isn’t aimed at producing a guilt trip or laying unrealistic burdens on you, but on helping you to see what has formed you. Answer the questions honestly and without judging yourself. Remember this is part of a larger process designed to help you be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer and weekly practices described in the eight-session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

If you would like a PDF of the Formation Audit only, please reply in the comments.

1. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press, 2026

Following Jesus

Have you ever had a friend who wouldn’t take “no” for an answer? Someone who persisted with an invitation until you said “yes” just so she’d stop asking? For me, it was a friend many years ago who kept hounding me to attend a half-day silent retreat with her. Nothing about it appealed to me. Why would I spend precious hours without my kids to go somewhere and not talk to anyone? No worship music? No teaching? No small group discussions? No thank you. I mean, what was the point? Despite my resistance and many valid excuses, she finally wore me down.

On the morning of the retreat, I dropped off my toddler and baby with my mom and drove to a  retreat center nestled in the hills nearby. Parking my car adjacent to a lush garden and getting a glimpse of the panoramic views, I could feel my resistance beginning to fade. Ministry leaders welcomed us with fresh coffee and warm smiles (another good sign). They shared a short devotional and prayed for our morning of being alone with the Lord. Before sending us outside they gave each of us a printed reflection guide that included ideas for how to structure the time.

For a newbie like me, the written guide gave me a starting point, enabling me to relax and even enjoy the silence. I didn’t realize how much I needed to slow down and let my soul catch up with me. Being solo without interruption enabled me to examine what was on my mind and to share my heart with the Lord. Once I’d poured out my angst and worries, I had mental space to hear from God. Walking on dirt paths among the trees, I was present enough to marvel at  the beauty of creation and to  be reassured of God’s sovereignty over all things. I drove down the hill feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired to sign up for the next silent retreat.

I smiled thinking about those retreats as I opened my Practicing the Way Reading Reflection Guide not long ago. Each week of the study includes a different practice to try on our own.  Session 01 “Following Jesus” encourages developing a daily prayer rhythm– the practice being with God intentionally through silence, solitude, and prayer. In a world of constant inputs, screens, and scrolling, the act of pulling away to be quiet before the Lord may feel intimidating or unappealing. We’re so used to the constant stream of distractions that we no longer feel comfortable being alone with our thoughts.

While I thrive being busy and feel energized by having a full plate, I also understand the value of solitude and silence– even if it’s just ten minutes first thing in the morning. This spiritual practice is more about abstinence (not doing) than action; more about training ourselves in the way of Jesus than trying harder. Setting aside a time for intentional quiet will enable us to engage God’s presence; to make space to consider our thoughts, and to share them with the Lord. It’s a chance to invite a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so that He can equip us and guide us in the day ahead. Practicing solitude and prayer open the door for intimacy with God, producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as we engage others.

In a world that prizes multi-tasking and productivity, silence and prayer feel counter-cultural. Maybe you’ll be tempted to skip this practice, but you’ll be missing a key part of the discipleship journey we’re on together. How can we “practice the way” without practice? Silence, solitude, and prayer may feel awkward and uncomfortable, but we’ll never grow if we don’t try. Think of this week’s practice like filling your car with gas or charging your electric vehicle’s battery. We can’t refuel or recharge while the car is in motion. The same is true for our souls.

Need more convincing? The gospels show Jesus prioritizing solitude and prayer throughout His ministry:

  • Mark 1:15: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
  • Luke 5:16: “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
  • Luke 6:12 “ One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”
  • Matthew 14:23: “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,”

So, if we’re sincere in our pursuit of being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did, then solitude and prayer are the place to start. This week be intentional about spending between five and sixty minutes alone with Jesus daily. Be patient with yourself and tell God about any feelings of frustration, impatience, awkwardness, or discomfort you experience. Create space in your schedule to put the words of Psalm 46:10 into practice: “Be still, and know that I am God.” If possible, aim to do it first thing to set the tone for your day.

This week you’re also being invited to complete the “Spiritual Health Reflection” at practicingtheway.org/reflection. Again, you might be tempted to skip this, but you’ll be missing out if you do. This exercise leads you through a series of questions to consider where you are in your spiritual journey and helps you choose one area where you’d like to grow. Don’t think of this as a ranking system to rate your level of spiritual maturity, but a thermometer to gauge where your heart and mind are in this season. The time to reflect will help you to chart the course ahead as we continue learning about spiritual disciplines that can expand our capacity to receive God’s love.

*This post is part of a series based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer (Waterbrook Press, 2024) and weekly practices described in the eight session study guide. Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide  are available at Focused Living AM and PM and in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

Practicing the Way of Jesus

The familiar “ding” of an incoming text message heralded an intriguing invitation: “John Mark Comer is speaking at a church in the south bay tonight. I have two free tickets if you want them. Please let me know asap.” Without hesitating, I shot back, “YES!”

I’d been reading Comer’s books and listening to his sermons and podcasts for a few years and had found his perspective to be fresh, inspiring, and biblical. So, driving an hour away on a Tuesday evening to see him in person was an easy “yes” for me. He was speaking on his latest book, Practicing the Way, which builds on his two previous books, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Live No Lies.

Although he was well known by the audience, Comer behaved nothing like “famous” Christian speakers I’d seen in the past. There was no pacing in the back, avoiding eye contact, or making an entrance flanked by security after the lights dimmed. As guests arrived and hunted for seats, he milled around near the front row looking a bit shy and awkward. Several people seemed to know him personally and he greeted them with warmth and enthusiasm, which made sense when he mentioned later that he’d lived in the area as a child.

His message gave us a taste for the contents of his book, encouraging believers to live as apprentices of Jesus who centered their lives around being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing as He did. He invited listeners into a deeper, more authentic relationship with the Lord.

Clutching my signed copy of Practicing the Way as we headed to the parking lot, I was eager to read more about themes he’d shared with us that evening. I dove into it later that week and found it challenging, thought-provoking, and inspiring. One of Comer’s biggest assertions is that, “Much preaching of the gospel today does not call people to a life of discipleship. Following Jesus is seen as optional—a post-conversion ‘second track’ for those who want to go further.”1 He describes a dynamic I lived in younger days and  have seen in Christian circles my whole life; for many people there is a disconnect between believing in Jesus and actively engaging in a relationship with Him.

Comer points out that the word “Christian” is used only three times in the New Testament while the word “disciple” appears 269 times. He explains that a disciple is “a student of a teacher or philosopher—not just a learner but a practitioner of an embodied way of life, one who is diligently working to be with and become like their master.”2 Throughout the book, he invites us to view ourselves as apprentices of Jesus, “to walk alongside him in a posture of listening, learning, observation, obedience, and imitation.”3

Finishing Comer’s book a month later, I felt a mix of inspiration and resistance. His words felt jarring at times, but truthful. He encourages us to practice our faith using disciplines that many of us see as relics of history (including fasting and taking a Sabbath weekly). Yet he shows how the practices move us from the passivity of good intentions to intimacy with Jesus that produces spiritual fruit and deep joy. Drawing from Scripture and faithful people in earlier generations, Comer encourages readers to expand their capacity to receive God’s love and to respond with action. The book guides us to practice what Paul describes in Romans:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV)

I’ve been making incremental changes in my life and spiritual practices ever since I read the book several years ago. It’s been encouraging to recognize transformation in myself that has affected  how I engage God and others. Still, one thing that’s  nagged at me is Comer’s regular emphasis on community and the importance of doing many of the practices with others. Living in such an over-scheduled, fast-paced community, I feared that no one would want to read the book or be open to evaluating and changing the rhythms of their lives. I’ve prayed about it on and off, trusting God would bring an opportunity when the time was right.

So, imagine my delight when our church pastoral team posed the idea of inviting multiple ministries in our congregation to read Practicing the Way, learn about spiritual disciplines, and try putting them into practice together this fall. There will be opportunities to read, study related Scripture, hear teaching, and expand our comfort zones alongside others. It will be awkward and uncomfortable at times, but if we can push through and trust the Lord, there will be abundant opportunities for life-giving experiences and spiritual growth.

Practicing the Way isn’t simply a book, curriculum, or program, but an invitation to a way of life with Jesus at the center. Like me, you may have moments of resistance along with way. You may read something challenging and just need to sit with it for a while and pray. Rest assured, this isn’t an all or nothing pursuit. Nor is it an attempt to push those who read it to do every practice or to have identical faith journeys. It’s an opportunity to make an intentional shift in focus that invites the Lord to move in your life in new ways.

If you’re up for joining me in this endeavor, pray for a mindset of curiosity, wisdom, and discernment as you approach the material. Also, pray for the hearts of others you’ll be learning alongside. Let’s be open and expectant together, inviting the Lord to use what we learn in the next few months to help us be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.

Order your copy of Practicing the Way using this link or buy it anywhere books are sold.

If you’re participating in a group in person at CPC Danville, copies of the Reading Reflection Guide will be given out at Focused Living AM and PM and are also available in the church office. If you’d like a digital PDF to download, please reply in the comments.

  1. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press 2024, 16.
  2. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way, Waterbrook Press 2024, 11.
  3. ibid

Doing Good to All

Brushing aside the tears I gave my son a final hug before turning to leave his dorm room. We’d helped him unpack and hang pictures on the walls, loaded him up on supplies from Target, and had even laid hands on him in prayer. The moment to say goodbye had come. Rummaging inside my bag, I handed him a card to read after we left. It contained a few words of affirmation and encouragement along with gentle reminders to keep in mind as he launched into this new season in college.

Paul’s final chapter in Galatians reads a bit like one of those letters—it includes an assortment of final words of instruction, encouragement, and advice before his closing salutation to the believers in Galatia. Let’s unpack a few key topics he covers as he wraps up his letter explaining how to use freedom in Christ  to love others well.

Restoring those Caught in Sin

Paul begins the chapter by saying: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, NIV) This reinforces Jesus’ teaching about offering correction to others: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5, NIV) James offers similar wisdom: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20, NIV)

In our hyper-individualistic society that has coined the phrase “you do you,” these words may sound jarring. Isn’t it judgmental to correct someone entangled in sin? No, because it hinders us from fully engaging the Lord, helping someone to understand the gravity of their sin is actually loving.  Of course, broaching a sensitive topic like this should be preceded by prayer, prompted by the Holy Spirit, and done with gentleness and wisdom. Restoring a person to a right relationship with the Lord is a courageous way to show love.

Carrying Loads and Sharing Burdens

Paul gives two words of wisdom that sound contradictory at first glance. In verse 2 he says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” And in verse 5 he says, “for each one should carry their own load.” Understanding these verses means distinguishing between a burden and a load. One commentary explains, “‘load’ signifies the personal obligations and tasks that are uniquely assigned to each person by God. It implies a sense of personal accountability and stewardship over one’s life and actions. The ‘load’ is something that is manageable and appropriate for the individual, suggesting that God equips each person with the necessary strength and resources to fulfill their personal duties.”1

We’re called to have a sense of personal responsibility for the loads we carry. Yet in our culture today this notion can be distorted in several ways. Here are a few examples:

  • Entitlement tells us “I am privileged and superior. I can’t be bothered with small inconveniences. Someone else should carry my load for me.”
  • Over-functioning tells us “I need to do for others what they could and should be doing for themselves; I take ownership and responsibility for others without realizing I’m stunting their ability to grow and mature.”
  • Victim mentality tells us “I’m powerless and I blame others for my misfortune. Someone else should fix my problems, take care of my responsibilities, and carry my load.”

Contrasting the word “load” in verse 5, “A ‘burden’ can be seen as an excessive weight that surpasses an individual’s capacity to bear alone, necessitating the love and support of the Christian community.”1 Believers are called to share burdens with others but sometimes we hold back from asking for help or from giving it. Here are few mindsets that hinder this:

  • Pride says, “I don’t want to admit I need help or support. I’d rather struggle under the weight of bearing a burden alone.”
  • Individualism says, “I don’t want to bother anyone or to be bothered by anyone. I want to be seen as self sufficient and would never  expose my need to others.”
  • Selfishness says, “I don’t want to be weighed down or to get my hands dirty with someone else’s load. My goal is to avoid messy situations at all costs.”

Regardless of the reason, when we avoid sharing burdens, we miss out on meaningful connection. Walking beside others through hardship builds community and deepens friendship in ways that good times can’t.

 Do Good to All, Especially Fellow Believers

Paul also encourages the believers to put their faith into action: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV)

The call to do good to all people is a mindset and a lifestyle, not a periodic service project. It seems there are many today who opt out of doing good and serving the family of believers. The swift current of busyness draws us into a rushing river of distraction that overwhelms us. We’re so busy trying to keep our heads above water we can’t think about anything else. So, in an attempt to simplify life or maintain control, we say no to anything that requires more from us. The very things that would feed our souls and bring life, community, and connection feel like too much.

Little by little we slip into spiritual indifference known as the sin of sloth. Pastor Bethany Allen describes this as “the subtle refusal to love when love feels costly, and ultimately it is an aversion to the good and the mysterious beauty and potential of the kingdom. Sloth shows up as spiritual or emotional disengagement from things like prayer, obedience, worship, from loving our neighbors, from the work that we’re called to, the relationships we have, and the growth that God is inviting us into…It isn’t some kind of loud rebellion. It’s totally masked in a quieter response and things like ‘not now,” ‘not yet,’ ‘oh not me.’…With sloth…personal comfort becomes the default setting. And over time, sloth doesn’t just waste our days, it shrinks our souls.”

Quoting Paul’s words in Galatians 5 about not growing weary of doing good, Allen adds, “See, perseverance or the attentiveness to the heart, that’s what keeps us free from sloth. But that work of not growing weary or apathetic or indifferent, it actually requires a deliberate decision of the heart and the will in order for it to be true for us.”2

 No doubt, Paul’s closing words may cause the sting of conviction. Instead of brushing that feeling aside, will you prayerfully consider the topics he addresses?

  • Where might you be turning a blind eye to sin instead of praying about restoring a fellow believer to a right relationship with the Lord?
  • Where might you be out of alignment with the call to carry your own load and to bear others’ burdens? Are you shouldering a load meant for someone else? Are you avoiding coming alongside someone to bear a burden? Do you have a burden you need help carrying?
  • Where might you be opting out of doing good and building the body of believers? Have you slipped into apathy or made “no” your default answer when it comes to serving?

Answering these questions honestly will put you on the road to true freedom in Christ, which is the goal of Paul’s writing throughout Galatians.Why not pray and invite the Lord to work in whatever areas have risen to the surface for you? Receive His grace and allow Him to bring transformation from the conviction you’ve felt. It seems fitting to end this series with Paul’s closing words to the believers in Galatia: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, NIV)

Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

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  1. “Understanding ‘Load’ vs. ‘Burden’”, Bible Hub 
  2. “Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth”, Bethany Allen, Bridgetown Community Church, Feb. 1, 2026

Life as It Was Designed to Be

Arriving home after a trip triggers a predictable chain of events: sifting through a stack of mail, watering parched plants, unpacking suitcases, and re-stocking groceries. Before heading out to buy new food, I take inventory of the refrigerator. Most of the time, I discover a few funky smells wafting out–a forgotten container of leftovers growing mold, a bag of lettuce that’s turned brown and mushy, or strawberries covered with green fuzz. These inedible landmines often trigger a full cleaning of every shelf and drawer because there’s nothing worse than putting fresh food in a stinky fridge.

With those smells and images in mind, consider Paul’s words to the Galatians as he urges them to embrace God’s grace and walk in step with the Spirit: “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses… Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Galatians 5:16-18, 24-25 NLT)

Paul encourages believers to understand that their freedom in Christ enables them to live in the way God intended them, no longer bound by the shackles of sin or the burden of the law. Elizabeth Woodson explains, “For Paul, freedom is not about living a life without any boundaries but living a life that is ordered by the boundaries of godliness.”1 He’s admonishing believers to clean out their spiritual refrigerators to make space for the fresh nourishment of the Holy Spirit.

In order to do this, however, we need to identify sin that’s keeping us from growing to maturity. Paul provides an extensive and specific list to consider—the old and decaying things in our lives that we need to surrender to the Lord so that we can live the abundant lives He intended: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,  idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21, NLT)

We may skim through this list without applying it personally, but the sins Paul calls out to the Galatians are just as relevant in our world today. Instead of glossing over them and focusing on less convicting passages, let’s take a minute to ponder them prayerfully.

Sexual Sins: Paul dives right in by calling out sexual immorality, impurity, and lustful pleasures. The biblical definition for sexual immorality is any sexual activity outside the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Lustful pleasures include anything that prioritizes gratifying a sexual craving over seeking God’s will and caring for the well-being of others. (This is what fuels the booming industries of pornography and sex-trafficking.) Our culture normalizes and even glorifies sexual behaviors and thought patterns that not only dishonor God but damage our relationships and souls. If you’re not paying attention to what’s forming your perspective on sex, it’s likely you’ve adopted the world’s way of thinking without realizing it. Take a moment and prayerfully consider where our current culture influences your views on sexuality more than the Bible. For a deeper dive on this topic, click on the sermon link at the bottom entitled “Two Beds.”

Spiritual Sins: Next Paul touches on spiritual straying by calling out idolatry and sorcery. The late Tim Keller describes an idol as anything that “has such a controlling position in your heart that you can spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources, on it without a second thought.” Family, children, career, making money, achievement, social standing, romantic relationships, peer approval, security, comfort, beauty, brains, even moral or social causes can all become “ultimate things.”2 Paul also speaks against sorcery, which is the use of spells, divination, or speaking to spirits. Any attempt to seek spiritual wisdom and power from a source other than God should not be part of a believer’s life—this includes practices that have recently regained popularity ‘just for fun” such as consulting mediums or psychics and reading tarot cards or auras.

Relational Sins: Paul gives a variety of examples including hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, and envy. It’s not hard to see how social media has given us more opportunities to be led into these kinds of sins. Most of them are rooted in unrestrained anger and selfishness. Anytime we’re tempted to have an “us vs. them” mentality or to resent a person for having what we think we “deserve” we’re heading into relational sin. If anger or sins related to it are a struggle for you, make time to listen to the excellent sermon by Christine Caine linked at the bottom of this post. If envy or jealousy regularly pop up for you, there’s a sermon at the bottom for you too.

Social Sins: Again, Paul doesn’t mince words and calls out drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these as practices to avoid. When alcohol, drugs, pills or other mind-altering substances become a necessary ingredient for having a good time or become the focal point of a social event, we’re veering into sin. They also lower our inhibitions and open the door for other sins. “When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit. Anything that takes control of our mind, will, and emotions is a false god.”3 If you rationalize or minimize times when you’re tipsy or joke about being “over served,” maybe it’s time to bring it to the Lord in prayer. If you’re feeling convicted, be honest with yourself, the Lord, and a grace-filled friend who can walk alongside you. To learn more, see the article linked in reference #3 at the bottom.

Galatians 5 is most famous for this verse: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT) Many of us like to skip right to these verses without considering what comes before them. But growing this kind of spiritual fruit means confronting our sin and letting the Lord remove it as a hindrance so that we can abide closely with Him. Rather than seeing Paul’s list of sins as restrictive, consider Elizabeth Woodson’s explanation: “The more we deny our flesh and say yes to the things of God (all by the power of the Holy Spirit), the more we are able to experience life as it was designed to be lived. God created us to be image bearers, living for His glory and for the good of others. When we live like this, we are free from the burden of sin, and are free to experience an abundant life—full of love and joy.”4

 Inspired by Live Free: A Study of Galatians by Elizabeth Woodson, Lifeway, 2025. Follow along by ordering your copy here.

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

“Two Beds” sermon on sexual sin by Tyler Scott  (start at 24:24)

“Anger” sermon by Christine Caine 

“Envy” sermon by Tyler Staten 

  1. Elizabeth Woodson, Live Free: A Study of Galatians, Lifeway Press, 2025, 131
  2. Tim Keller Counterfeit Gods, Introduction (quoted from Jake Griesel’s website.)
  3. “Is Getting Drunk a Sin?”, gotquestions.org
  4. Elizabeth Woodson, Live Free: A Study of Galatians, Lifeway Press, 2025, 131