Distracted Devotion
Key Takeaways
Good things can replace the greatest thing - Service for Jesus can distract us from Jesus himself
Jesus wants our presence, not our performance - He desires us, not just what we can produce
Distracted devotion harms us - Relationally, personally, and spiritually
The Sabbath is God's antidote - Weekly rest combats our performance anxiety
Study Questions
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Why does Jesus call Martha "distracted" when she appears to be the focused, productive one? In what ways do you find yourself, like Martha, serving Jesus while simultaneously being distracted from actually being with Jesus?
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Robert stated: "The biggest threats to my devotion to Jesus tend to be good things, not bad things." Do you agree? What good things most often distract you from Jesus?
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How has technology enabled you to take on more responsibilities and concerns than God may have actually intended for you to carry?
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Robert reflected on a common misconception: "We are converted by the good news that we need Jesus...and then we grow as Christians and think, 'I should be needing him less by now.'" Have you experienced this shift? How does remembering our need change our relationship with Jesus?
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How would you honestly evaluate your current Sabbath practice? What makes keeping the Sabbath challenging for you?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please join us for our Sunday Morning Class, “Whole-Life Discipleship,” every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the 9 a.m. worship service.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 100:4-5
Leader: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
All: For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #17
Q: What is idolatry?
A: Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.
Confession of sin
Almighty and most merciful Father, we confess that our hearts are restless and divided; we have loved many things, and not you above all. We have filled our days with noise and ceaseless distraction, bowing to the tyranny of hurry and the glow of lesser lights. Forgive us for choosing distraction over devotion. Grant us grace to lay aside our burdens, and find our rest in Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend and join us next week as we return to our sermon series with Ephesians 3:1-21.