Read Matthew 20:20-28 (NIV). Coming to Jesus with request. (kairos) When other disciples hear this, they are indignant. (observe and reflect) Jesus calls them together for teaching and discussion. (discuss) Not so with you. (plan) Whoever wants to be first must be a slave to all. (account and act)
Read Matthew 18:15-35 (NIV). A wrong is done, a resentment remembered. (kairos) If your brother sins, go to him. (observe and reflect) Lord, how many times. (discuss) Therefore, forgive your brother from the heart. (plan, account, act)
Read Matthew 17:14-21 (NIV). The epileptic seizure (kairos). Unbelieving and perverse generation! (observe and reflect) Lord, why couldn’t we drive it out? (discuss) This kind can only come out by prayer. (plan) Mustard seed principle. (account/act)
This weeks GPS (grow-pray-study) guide references the concept of a Kairos Moment [Mark 1:15 (NIV)]:
Two definitions to help keep you grounded:
More information: Karios on Wikipedia and OpenTheWord.org.
Read 1 Samuel 3:9 (NIV). Pray the Eli/Samuel prayer -- Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Think of a decision that you are facing and run it through these five filters for discerning the promptings of the Holy Spirit:
Read Mark 9:8 (NIV). In the phrase, no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus, some take that to mean that reliance on Moses and Elijah had now moved to Jesus. The disciples are given a glimpse of what it means to only have Jesus in the midst of their fears, their faith, their failures, and their need for forgiveness. Where do you need to realign your focus to listen to Jesus?
Read Mark 9:5-6 (NIV). Peter has no problem expressing his thoughts. If the "three shelters" are a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles, then it is a reminder that in times of uncertainty we trust in God? What uncertainty has taken your focus off of hearing God's Word? Where do you need to ask God to remind you to trust Him to guide you through?
Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (NIV). How is the "veil" taken away from understanding God's Word? How are you experiencing the freedom the Spirit brings? Where do you need to pray for the Spirit's freeing work in your life?
Read Mark 4:3-9, 13-20 (links are NIV). In verse 9, Jesus says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." How do the four soils respond? Which soil are you most like today? What other soils that Jesus lists are at work in your life.
Read Mark 9:7 (NIV). Where do you find it challenging to listen to Jesus? Is the problem in hearing His voice or not wanting to follow what you hear?