Rule of Life
The tool we are practicing as we explore abiding with Jesus is called a Rule of Life. It’s a guide consisting of boundaries, habits and rhythms. We commit to and explore these to flourish in our discipleship to Jesus.
You can find the full guide for creating your own Rule of Life here: https://thelakes.org.au/2024/02/16/create-a-rule-of-life/
A Rule of Life is like a trellis in a vineyard – it provides a helpful structure for the vines to grow up.
Saint Benedict from the 6th Century called the Rule of Life “a framework for freedom.”
This is not a legalistic set of rules that are poor attempts to please God. This is about practice, not about performance, effort or earning. This is a way of stewarding our time, energy, and life well as worship in response to what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives.
“A rule offers creative boundaries within which God’s loving presence can be recognised and celebrated. It does not prescribe but invites, it does not force but guides, it does not threaten but warns, it does not rigidly confine but it keeps you moving in the right direction.” -Henri Nouwen
A Rule of Life is a ‘measure’; a way to measure what we take on, what we do with our time, energy and attention and of course a way to relentlessly pursue Jesus, allowing us to abide in him and follow him.
A Rule of Life can be incredibly helpful for an individual’s formation. However, they can also be powerful tools for small groups to explore. In fact, having a shared Rule of Life with others can be a game-changer.
You can find the full guide for creating your own Rule of Life here.
Group discussion guide for Sunday 18th February 2024
- How have you been aware of abiding in Jesus in the past week?
- Read John 15:5-8 together again.
- What habits, practices, or rhythms of life do you already have that help you abide with Jesus?
- Discuss this quote from Henri Nouwen’s about a Rule of Life.
“A rule offers creative boundaries within which God’s loving presence can be recognised and celebrated. It does not prescribe but invites, it does not force but guides, it does not threaten but warns, it does not rigidly confine but it keeps you moving in the right direction.”
What resonates with you about this quote? How can a Rule of Life be a guide rather than a set of rigid rules? - Give people time to start developing their own Rule of Life using the steps and guide provided.
- Share with each other some of your initial thoughts on life categories such as abiding with Jesus, relationships, work, church family, hospitality, health, digital discipleship, creativity, and building.
- Encourage each other to commit to practicing their drafted Rule of Life for the next few weeks. Discuss potential challenges and ways to support each other in this journey.
- Spend time praying for each other.
As part of relentlessly pursing Jesus this year, we are introducing The Transformation Trek
The Transformation Trek is an exciting journey of discovery and growth in your faith. It is a series of practices and rhythms of life that will help you explore, grow, and connect with others on this journey with Jesus. We’ll be looking at Jesus’ character and teachings, aiming for alignment of heart, mind and action with his life.
Pastor Steve Gray at Burleigh Church of Christ has been developing and practicing The Transformation Trek for years. Other churches like ours have joined in along the way and we are grateful to Steve and Burleigh for offering these resources to us. You can find out more at https://www.transformationtrek.online
As part of making time for friendship this year, we are highlighting small groups
Walking The Transformation Trek together urges us to gather in smaller groups; intimate, trusted communities, which are a crucial element of discipleship. We encourage everyone to find a small community that can help them grow in their faith and connect with others on a deeper level.
We can help you find, or form, a small group where you can share your struggles and victories, ask questions, and grow in your faith alongside others. We believe that this is where transformation can truly take hold and we can’t wait to see how God will work in and through your life as you journey with us.
Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church
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