Opening Questions
- What spiritual lessons (if any) did God show you this summer that you might not have seen during our normal Bible study rhythm?
- In what ways did you feel your faith grow—or weaken—during our break?
- What’s the hardest part about restarting spiritual disciplines after a pause?
- Why do you think God values consistency in His Word, especially for men leading families, workplaces, or ministries?
- How can this group help you personally as we begin again?
Devotional: Returning to Spiritual Discipline
Summer can be a season of rest and refreshment, but it often comes with disrupted spiritual habits. Scripture shows us again and again that God calls His people to remember Him, return to His Word, and walk in renewed strength.
Let’s walk through passages that remind us of the importance of restarting with focus and faith.
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
- Commentary (Enduring Word): Life is not random—God ordains seasons, both busy and restful. A break doesn’t mean failure; it’s a reminder that seasons change.
- Discussion Question: How can recognizing life as seasonal help us restart without guilt but with fresh energy?
2. Deuteronomy 8:11
“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.”
- Commentary (BibleRef): Israel was warned not to let blessings and comfort dull their memory of God. Spiritual complacency is subtle and dangerous.
- Discussion Question: What “good things” in your life tend to make you forget God’s Word?
3. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Commentary (Enduring Word): Scripture doesn’t just inform—it directs, protects, and guides men through daily decisions.
- Discussion Question: What happens in your life when God’s Word is not your daily light?
4. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
- Commentary (BibleRef): Men need one another for growth. Fellowship around God’s Word brings accountability, encouragement, and strength.
- Discussion Question: How has meeting with other men in study sharpened your walk with Christ?
5. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Commentary (Enduring Word): Scripture is God’s own breath. It shapes character and equips men to lead, work, and serve faithfully.
- Discussion Question: Where do you most need God’s Word to equip you right now—in family, work, or personal growth?
6. Hebrews 10:24–25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- Commentary (BibleRef): Meeting together strengthens faith and prevents drifting. Christian men cannot thrive in isolation.
- Discussion Question: What keeps men from meeting regularly—and how can we overcome those barriers?
7. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
- Commentary (Enduring Word): Jesus promises His presence in gathered fellowship. Returning to group study means returning to His presence in community.
- Discussion Question: How do you personally experience Christ’s presence in our men’s group?
8. Hebrews 12:1–2
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
- Commentary (BibleRef): The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Distractions and sin slow us down, but fixing our eyes on Jesus brings endurance.
- Discussion Question: What distractions or sins do you need to lay aside as we restart our study?
Closing Summary
- God ordains seasons—summer may be a break, but His Word calls us back.
- We must guard against forgetfulness—busyness and blessing alike can dull our walk.
- The Word is essential—a lamp, a weapon, and a trainer for righteousness.
- Men sharpen men—we need each other to grow.
- Community matters—meeting together ensures encouragement and endurance.
- Christ is our focus—as we restart, our eyes stay fixed on Him.
Action Step for the Week
- Choose one verse from this study to memorize and meditate on daily.
- Commit to one specific way to encourage another man in the group this week.
- Ask God to reveal one distraction you need to lay aside in order to run with endurance.