TheBookendsBook.comThe Bookends of the Christian Life
a collaborative work by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington

Chapter Seven

Dependent Responsibility

 

  1. Explain the concept of dependent responsibility from Colossians 1:29. (95-96)

 

  1. Explain the two sentences that start on the bottom of page 98: “There’s no conflict between our work and our dependence. In fact, the harder we work, the more absolute our dependence on the Spirit must become.”

 

  1. What is meant by the term “spiritual disciplines”? How do they benefit us? (99)

 

  1. What two truths must we constantly keep in mind as we practice the spiritual disciplines? Why are these two truths so important? (99-100)

 

  1. Explain how reading the Bible can become “a conversation, a process of talking to God and listening to him” in an experience of daily fellowship with him. (100)

 

  1. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. Explain in your own words what it means to “behold the glory of the Lord.” How does this result in transformation?

 

  1. What is involved in “preaching the gospel to yourself every day?” Why is this so important to your daily communion with God? (101)

 

  1. Read Colossians 1:9-10 and Romans 12:2. Why is Scripture so instrumental in renewing and transforming our lives? What are some practical ways we can apply this truth to our daily lives? (102-103)

 

  1. Explain in your own words how prayer is an expression of our dependency. How does prayer cause our dependency to grow? (103)

 

  1. Read Romans 8:28-29. How does God use the circumstances in our lives (both good and “bad”) as a means of grace in our lives? (104)

 

  1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:9 and 1 John 1:3. What are we called to have with the Lord? In light of this, explain the differences between our union with Christ and our communion with Christ. (106)

 

  1. Read Psalm 63:1 and Psalm 42:1-2. The Psalmists’ vivid desire for communion with God is evident in these passages. From all you have read in The Bookends so far, what is there about God that would make him this desirable to you?

 

  1. What can you do to improve the quality of your daily communion with the Lord?

 

  1. Where will you find the strength to carry out these desires?

© Copyright 2009, Jerry Bridges and Robert Bevington, All Rights Reserved.