2. Why do you think so many pastors feel tension between the ministry, marriage, and family? 3. Paul Tripp said, "There is no conversation in the New Testament about the tension between family and ministry. None." Why is it vital to trust that God would never call us to succeed in one area of life by failing in another? 4. Read Proverbs 4:23 and 1 Timothy 3:4–5. What is the connection between guarding the heart and leading well at home? How might health in the home strengthen public ministry? 5. Scripture gives pastors many responsibilities—shepherding, teaching, leading, caring for souls. How do all these callings fit under the larger role of being Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)? What difference might it make if you viewed each aspect of ministry through that ambassador lens? 6. Paul Tripp mentioned that the call to represent Christ as his ambassador should be the focus of every single thing we do in ministry. Why is it often difficult to keep that focus? In what ways can living with the identity as ambassador actually bring freedom and rest? 7. Paul Tripp explains that ministry is always a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of self—we feel that subtle pull to make ministry about what we want rather than what Christ wants. Where do you see that battle in your own heart or leadership? What helps you resist the pull to live for yourself and stay faithful to Christ’s calling? 8. Tripp warns that “the kingdom of self is a costumed kingdom”—it can look and sound like obedience even while serving our own desires. Read Matthew 23:5–7. How can you tell when self-glory is hiding beneath spiritual language or ministry success? What helps you keep your service aimed at God’s glory rather than people’s praise? 9. We’ve learned that “some of the deepest idolatries live in places that seem the most God-ward.” What essential practices have you found to guard your heart and keep your service centered on Christ rather than self? 10. Read Jonah 3:1 and remember that “there is no pit so deep that Jesus isn’t deeper.” In what specific ways do you need God’s grace to meet you in your ministry right now?
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.
1. Pray for a renewed ambassador's heart : Ask God to help you see every part of your ministry and family life through the lens of representing Christ—His message, His methods, and His character. Begin each day with a short prayer: “Lord, help me to serve as Your ambassador today—in my words, my tone, my decisions, and my relationships.” Let this prayer reorient your heart toward
Session 1
MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY
3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs