Freedom From Inner Vows

Sermon Summary, Outline and MC Discipleship Guide

Sermon Summery

In the sermon "Freedom from Inner Vows," Steve discusses inner vows and their influence on our lives, emphasizing the spiritual battle Christians face. Inner vows are personal promises made in response to painful experiences that neglect God and impact our beliefs and relationships. Like elephants restrained by tiny ropes, inner vows can limit our freedom and connection with God. To break free, we must identify, renounce, and replace these vows with God's truth, seeking support from gospel community for healing and growth.

Sermon Outline

FCF - Satan deceives us into making inner vows which sabotage our lives.

Big Idea - Jesus frees us from inner vows so his love and lordship can lead our lives.

Ten Insights on Inner Vows:

1. We make inner vows rashly in our pain.

2. Some people make inner vows at a young age and they become unconscious habits.

3. Some inner vows become entrenched as generational behaviors.

4. Inner vows take God’s place.

5. We become loyal to vows rather than to the Lord.

6. We often make vows without conscious awareness.

7. Violating an inner vow often triggers an emotional overreaction.

8. Inner vows make it hard for us to see or trust God’s laws as superior.

9. We punish people who break our inner vows.

10. An inner vow opens the door to the enemy.

MC Discipleship Guide:

FIRST THIRD = LOOK BACK - Use up to 45 minutes to build community by caring for one another.

1. Opening Question: If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

2. Check-in on everyone. (You can ask about "highs and lows" or "struggles and excitements" or whatever works to get people sharing about their lives with one another.)

3. Pray with and for one another as the Spirit prompts you.

SECOND THIRD = LOOK UP - Take about 45 minutes to review and discuss the Scripture(s) and sermon from Sunday:

4. What are inner vows and how do they impact our lives?

Steve defined inner vows as personal commitments that are made inwardly for self-protection, often in response to painful situations. These vows neglect God and can affect our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, sometimes creating barriers in our relationships.

--> Can you think of any inner vows you may have made in your life? How have they affected your relationships and spiritual growth?

5. Take some time to help one another identify any vows, underlying lies and pains that motivate them. Speak the truths of Jesus into one another's situations and pray for one another.

6. What is the role of gospel community in walking through pain and difficulty?

--> How can you lean on your MC to help you grow in your relationship with God?

THIRD THIRD = LOOK FORWARD - Take the last 30 minutes to pray and discuss how God is calling each person to live on mission with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit in the upcoming week.

7. Is there something specific from the Scriptures, sermon or discussion that God wants you to share with someone in your life? What is it and who does He want you to share with?

8. How will you live out the missional BLESS rhythms in the week ahead?

9. Do you or someone you know have a need that we can serve this week?

*BLESS Rhythms are practical ways in which disciples of Jesus live on mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit in their daily lives.

BEGIN WITH PRAYER: Start each day by praying and listening to the Spirit. Continue listening to the Spirit throughout the day, living surrendered to Jesus as your Savior and King.

LISTEN: Listen attentively to the Spirit's guidance and to those you encounter where you live, learn, work and play.

EAT and/or DRINK: Build friendships with others by sharing meals or drinks together, fostering connections and opportunities for meaningful conversations.

SERVE: Look for practical ways to serve your neighbors, co-workers, and those around you, demonstrating the love of Jesus through acts of kindness and compassion.

SHARE: Boldly share the gospel message and your personal testimony with those you engage with, expressing your faith with confidence and sincerity.