MODULE 3: Self Denial — Meeting 4

Discipleship : Meeting 4

Spend time discussing the disciple’s sabbath experience. What difficulties did they face? What blessings did they receive? How did they feel re-energized for his or her week? How will the disciple continue a rhythm of Sabbath moving forward?

Then, discuss these simple questions about the gratitude excerpt:

Discussion

Questions

1. Why should gratitude be viewed as a spiritual discipline?

2. How can you see gratitude functioning as an act of self-denial?

3. Spend some time listing off things you’re grateful for, no matter how big or small they may seem—even if some of those things are in the midst of difficulty.

4. How could you see making a habit of gratitude playing a positive influence on your life?

Spend the remainder of time discussing any significant decisions, interactions, or challenges the disciple is facing, and what God may be up to.

ASSIGNMENT: Watch the Script video below in preparation for Module 4.

Roots Script by Phil Wiseman, videography by Jay Wilde

Reflecting on Your Sabbath

A first Sabbath rarely goes perfectly. Many people discover how hard it is to stop working, how quickly guilt creeps in or how often the phone pulls them back into busyness. Others are surprised by how much they needed the rest. Both experiences are worth talking about. Use these prompts to go a little deeper:

What did you stop doing for your Sabbath? What did you do instead?
When did you feel most rested? When did you feel restless?
Did you notice any guilt or anxiety about not being productive? Where do you think it comes from?
How did your Sabbath affect your relationships with God and others?
What would you keep, change or add next time?

Why Sabbath Is a Form of Self-Denial

Sabbath is God’s gift, first given at creation when God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3), and later commanded to Israel (Exodus 20:8–11). It might seem strange to call rest "self-denial," but it is. Keeping Sabbath means denying our urge to keep producing, achieving and controlling. It is a weekly declaration that the world does not depend on us; it depends on God. Jesus reminds us that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). It is a gift to receive, not a rule to fear.

Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline

Gratitude may seem like a feeling that comes and goes, but Scripture treats it as a practice. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is a form of self-denial because it refuses the self-centred voice that constantly notices what we lack. It shifts our attention to God’s generosity and makes us more generous in return.

Simple Ways to Practise Gratitude

Three good things. Each evening, write down three specific things you are grateful for.
Thank God in the hard moments. Not for the pain itself, but for his presence within it.
Say thank you out loud. Express gratitude to one person each day.
Pray a psalm of thanksgiving. Psalms 100, 103 and 136 are great places to start.
Keep a gratitude jar. Write small notes of thanks and read them at the end of the month.

Building a Lasting Rhythm

Module 3 has introduced four practices: secret service, fasting, Sabbath and gratitude. You do not need to practise all of them at the same intensity forever. Talk together about which ones you want to keep as part of your ongoing rhythm. Many disciples choose a weekly Sabbath, a regular day of fasting each month and a nightly gratitude list. Write your choices in your journal and revisit them when you reach Module 10.

Looking Ahead

Self-denial makes room in our lives; Scripture fills that room with God’s truth. Watch the Script video to prepare for Module 4: Scripture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my job makes a full Sabbath day impossible?

Choose the best 24-hour window your schedule allows, even if it moves from week to week. If a full day is truly impossible in this season, start with a half-day and protect it carefully. The heart of Sabbath is trust and rest, not a specific day of the week.

Can I keep fasting after this module?

Yes. Many disciples choose a regular rhythm, such as one meal a week or one day a month. Talk with your discipler about what is healthy and sustainable for you, and remember that non-food fasts are always an option.

How do I stay grateful in a hard season?

Gratitude does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means noticing God’s gifts even in the middle of pain. Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13, often end in trust and thanksgiving; they can be a helpful model for honest gratitude.

Continue the Pathway — You are in Module 3: Self Denial, Meeting 4 of 4. Previous: Meeting 3 — Sabbath Rest. Next: Module 4: Scripture. Every essay, worksheet and video for this module is collected on the Module 3 resources page.