Kill Joy

March 12, 2023

Perhaps the most surprising and puzzling of the seven deadly sins is the sin of acedia or slothfulness. We rarely hear the first word and often associate the second with slow-moving mammals living in South America's rainforests. But as Jesus neared the cross and intensified His warnings to the disciples, this deadly sin is one to which He repeatedly referred. Join us for part two of The Joy Set Before Him as we discuss the reasons, results, and remedies for spiritual laziness.

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Passage

Luke 22:35-62

Principles

The ______________ for acedia:

A lack of ________________

A lack of spiritual __________________

________________________ with God

The ______________ of acedia: ________________, __________, and ________________ of God

The ____________ for acedia: ________________ vigilance.

Practice

For the next 28 days, ____________ more time in daily ____________.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aspire Church San Marco is growing! We’ve had an increase in attendance over the past several months. This awesome growth also brings some challenges, so please pray with your group about ways to help welcome our new guests and sustain the growth God is bringing our way.

HANGOUT

What makes someone a hypocrite? Is hypocrisy easier to see in others or yourself? Why?

HEAR

Read Luke 11:1-13

Luke’s record of the Lord’s prayer differs from Matthew’s more famous rendering (see Matthew 6:9-13). What are some possible explanations for the differences? Do these differences undermine or strengthen your confidence in the Bible? Why?
Why do you think this prayer has become the most famous and memorized passage of Jesus’ teachings?
Do verses 9 and 10 obligate God to grant you everything you seek in prayer? Why or why not?

Read Luke 11:14-26

How did some people explain Jesus’ ability to cast out demons? How did Jesus respond to this explanation?
Why did Jesus ask His critics by whom their sons cast out demons (v. 19)? Do you think their sons were casting out any demons? Why or why not? Why would the answer to this question have been an indictment against Jesus’ critics?
What is a practical application of the parable Jesus told in verses 24-26?

Read Luke 11:37-54

How would you summarize Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees? Throughout the Gospels, Jesus saved His harshest criticism for the religious leaders. Why do you think this was the case? What, if anything, should that tell us today?
Why did Jesus charge the blood of every martyr, beginning with Abel, to this generation? Was that fair? Why or why not? Read Matthew 27:24-25 & John 11:49-53. What perspective do these verses add to Jesus’ words in Luke 11:47-51?
What does it mean to “take away the key of knowledge” without “entering yourself” and hindering “those who were entering”? How could Christians be in danger of this charge today?

HUDDLE

Is the outside of your cup clean while the inside remains stained with hidden sin? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

This week we will continue reading through the Gospel of Matthew and other key Old Testament passages. Invite the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and mind as we reflect on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Day 1: Matthew 13
Day 2: Psalm 95
Day 3: Matthew 14
Day 4: Matthew 15
Day 5: Matthew 16
Day 6: Matthew 17
Day 7: Matthew 18