Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Day 5- Sacrificing for the Gospel

Discover: Paul’s life was a profound example of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. In Philippians 3:7-11, Paul reflects on his willingness to forgo everything he once valued to gain Christ and be united with Him. This passage shows Paul’s commitment to knowing Christ deeply, even if it meant experiencing loss and suffering. His statement, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,” invites us to evaluate our own lives. Are there things we hold onto that hinder our commitment to the Gospel? How does our devotion to Christ measure up to Paul’s willingness to sacrifice everything? Matthew 19:29 reinforces this by showing that those who leave behind things for Jesus will be rewarded. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to throw off everything that hinders us and run with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example of sacrificial living.

Learn: Sacrificing for the Gospel is an integral aspect of true discipleship. Paul’s willingness to trade his previous achievements and status for a deeper relationship with Christ highlights the essence of sacrificial living. He viewed his past gains as insignificant compared to the value of knowing Christ intimately. The discipline of sacrifice, when practiced consistently, reorients our lives away from worldly gains and positions us to experience the fullness of Christ’s presence. This teaches us that genuine discipleship often requires us to let go of our ambitions, comforts, and even relationships that may impede our commitment to Jesus. The teaching of Jesus in Matthew 19:29 aligns with Paul’s message, indicating that sacrifices made for the sake of the Gospel are recognized and rewarded by God. Practicing this discipline sharpens our focus on Jesus and His mission, much like other disciplines such as prayer, service, or sharing. Hebrews 12:1-2 further illustrates the need to set aside every encumbrance and run the race of faith with endurance, emulating Jesus who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Together, these passages call us to a life of profound sacrifice that prioritizes the Gospel over our comfort and goals. Ultimately, sacrifice cultivates a heart of surrender and aligns our desires with God’s purposes, enabling us to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Apply: As you conclude this week’s study on sacrifice, take time to reflect on how you can make a meaningful sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Consider areas in your life where you might be holding back from fully embracing Christ’s mission. This could involve sharing your faith with someone, committing more time to serve in your community, or giving up something that hinders your spiritual growth. This trains us to actively release our grip on worldly priorities so we can embrace God’s call on our lives with greater freedom and focus. Identify a specific action you can take today that demonstrates your willingness to prioritize the Gospel. Remember that your TRS Life Group is a vital resource for encouragement and accountability. Share your reflections and commitments with your group and seek their support as you take these steps. Pray together, asking for strength to follow through on your commitment, and discuss how you can continue to support each other in living out sacrificial discipleship. Reflect on the entire week of studying sacrifice and consider how these lessons will influence your ongoing journey of faith. As you practice this spiritual discipline, trust that God will meet you in your sacrifice and deepen your relationship with Him as you grow in obedience and trust.

· What specific area of your life is God calling you to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel?

· How does making sacrifices for Christ bring you closer to Him and align your life with His mission?

· What practical step can you take today to prioritize the Gospel in your actions and decisions?

· How can sharing your commitment to sacrifice with your TRS Life Group help you stay accountable and encouraged?

· In what ways can you continue to apply the lessons learned this week about sacrifice in your daily life?