Complacency Is The Enemy Of Devotion
Devoted
January 26, 2025
Key Scriptures
Key Points
- Prayer draws us closer to God.
- Being devoted means being steadfast and committed.
- The Greek word for devoted, proskartereo (προσκαρτερέω), means to be steadfast to, toward, or with regard to something.
- Complacency is rooted in pride. When we become complacent, we lack devotion.
- “You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” – S.D. Gordon
- John Piper’s three reasons we should pray: God commands us to pray, the needs are great, and God moves when we pray.
- To be devoted to prayer is to have a pattern of prayer.
- When husbands and wives pray, they get closer to God and closer to each other.
Discussion
- How can we maintain a balance between being content with what God has given us and avoiding complacency in our spiritual growth?
- Describe your current prayer life. Are devoted or more casual about it?
- What does Samuel Gordon’s quote mean to you practically?
- How have you seen God move in response to prayer in your own life or the lives of others?
- What are some signs of complacency in our spiritual lives?
Application
- Commit to a daily prayer time this week, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
- Find a partner to pray with regularly for accountability and encouragement.
- Read through 1 and 2 Timothy this week, noting Paul’s advice for staying devoted to God.
- Identify one area in your life where you may have become complacent spiritually. Share with the group and pray for each other in these areas.
- Try using a prayer guide or praying Scripture this week to grow your prayer life.