FOR PERSONAL APPLICATION These aspects of the study can be used in between group sessions on your own, either with your spouse or individually as part of your devotional and confession life.
Do Something During the week ahead, turn your learning into doing.
Make a written inventory of the amount of time and money you spend in the coming week on your hobbies, interests and avocations (it doesn’t need to be exact, but it does need to be honest). Also make a record of the amount of time and money you spend intensively on “the things of the Lord”—this would include church attendance of all stripes, personal devotions and family devotions, Bibles, study helps and literature (and Paul Tripp video series!). Finally, make an inventory of the “discretionary” time and resources you spend with your spouse—walking, talking about things not pressing in your household, dates, watching media, and…well, you know. Now compare the results of the three inventories. There is no right or wrong ratio, and each of our lives is different. But this might help you identify some treasure disproportion in your heart (as well as in your life). At the very least, consider what the numbers tell you about yourself and your priorities and the vitality of your relationship with your partner. Write down your observations and come next week prepared to discuss them. Search Me, O God For introspection during the coming week. What, honestly, are the treasures in my heart? What desires and aspirations do my thoughts drift toward when I am not otherwise focused? Right now, what am I looking forward to? What do I wish I had? Is Jesus my great desire—knowing him better, knowing more about him, becoming more like him? What habits or daily routine can I develop to assist me in fixing my heart on him? Want to Know More? God has given us a wonderful canon of classic hymnody in his great provision for the Church. Included in that treasure chest are so many sweetly profound songs of praise to Jesus, extolling all facets of his glory and goodness and grace. These hymns were written through the centuries by our brothers and sisters, many who know our Savior more dearly than we. Therefore their songs are a strong help in learning how properly to see and savor Jesus, and in placing and keeping him on the throne of our hearts. Here are just a few of my own favorites. Read the lyrics in a hymnal or listen to them online. Memorize them so that you can reflect on them, and sing them in your heart throughout the day and as you lay down to sleep at night—sweet dreams indeed. Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee Fairest Lord Jesus My Jesus, I Love Thee Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus O Sacred Head Now Wounded Crown Him with Many Crowns There are many more!
For More From Paul Tripp, Read: Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make, Chapters 9 and 10
Session 5
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
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