3. “While you’re pursuing things that will never satisfy your heart, the significant important things of life are left neglected.” Consider the opportunity cost of earth-bound treasure—for example, time that you could have invested in your relationship with the Lord or your spouse is forever forfeited by the time spent at the gym or on social media. This is not to say that enjoying earthly pleasure in moderation is wrong, but when pleasure becomes treasure it is wrong. Talk about the potential opportunity cost of your own pursuits. 4. And what did Tripp identify as “the number one reason that marriages fail” ? Instead of devoting intentional time to your marriage, do you try to shoehorn important discussion into “inappropriate moments”? Describe some recent examples of such attempts in your own marriage. What are some specific , practical steps you can take to correct the misappropriation of your heart? 5. “Anxiety-bound needs” also capture our hearts and demand inordinate attention. “The vast majority of what we say we need we don’t actually need if ‘need’ means essential for life .” Think honestly for a moment: what are some things you have considered needs that in reality are not at all essential? Discuss this matter. Tripp says that “you don’t actually need a husband who loves you or a wife who respects you.” How is this true? 6. What—or more correctly, Whom —is, in reality, all that we will ever need ? Read aloud again Matthew 6:33 , and also Psalm 23:1 , Ephesians 1:3 , Philippians 4:19 and 1 Timothy 6:17 . Do these verses teach that God supplies some of what we truly need? And what is the range of types of need that God through Christ supplies? 7. One more time, read Matthew 6:33 —what prescription does Jesus give by which we may obtain all of God’s great provision? Now read Luke’s parallel account, Luke 12:29-32 , emphasizing the final verse. Does our Father give us his Kingdom blessing grudgingly? What does the fact that he sent Jesus, his only begotten Son, to win for us son- and daughterhood, tell us about the Father’s willingness to give us the inheritance of his Kingdom? 8. Therefore, for the glory of God through his blessing of our marriages, it is necessary that we forsake our own “nasty little kingdoms with all their entitlements and demandingness” and seek first his Kingdom and righteousness. So then, what does it mean to seek God’s Kingdom first in your marriage ? Tripp will take up this question in the next session. But for now, use the remainder of the time to sketch some specific , practical action by which to center your marriage on God’s Kingdom through Christ. Each of you should write these suggestions down for future reference, see below.
Session 6
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
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