Austin City Life

The purpose for being in a Fight Club is to attack sin at its root and see Christ in the height of his glory. Too often our focus is on the external symptoms of sin, where we strive for victory by working tirelessly to control our sin. Instead, we need to rest in Christ by trusting in his promises to see his glory. However, in order to see his glory we must first clearly see and repent of our sin.

Sin is a heart issue that often manifests itself in external behaviors. To kill sin we must get to the heart of the matter. I have found it helpful to ask personalized gospel-centered questions to uncover the deep-rooted idolatries of my heart. Because we encounter temptation and sin in different ways, personalized questions can be very helpful in leading us to repentance and faith in Jesus.

How can we formulate these questions?  Here are a few things to consider when probing the heart:

Personality Type: Are you naturally an introvert or extrovert? Do you get angry easily? Are you a Type “A” individual, constantly focused on completing your to-do list? Are you passive or shy? Knowing a persons personality will help you penetrate their heart.

Consider someone who is a naturally strong-willed achiever. They might have the tendency to treat their spirituality in the same way. It becomes more about what they can do for Jesus then what He has already done for them. Ask questions that are specific to their personality:

• Are you trusting in your own strength or the strength of Jesus?
• Are you striving for God or resting in God?
• Are you fighting well against finding  your worth from your work to find your worth in Jesus?

Reoccurring Outside Influences: What are the reoccurring situations and circumstances that offer the most temptation? Are there people who you struggle to love? Are there times when you work late or are alone for extended periods of time?

Consider the person who has an unruly neighbor. One who is constantly nagging or creating trouble for the family. Ask questions in light of the situation:

• How are you loving “Bob” well?
• Do you see “Bob” as a problem or a person made in the image of God?
• Are you asking Jesus to grant you patience and genuine love?
• Do you know where Bob could use prayer? Have you offered to pray for him?

Tendencies Toward Sin: Where have you struggled in the past? What are the areas of habitual sin? We all have vices. Sin that gets the best of us is the the sin we must fight hardest against.

Consider the man who is gluttonous. He might be fighting well, but still has a strong temptation find fulfillment by indulging in too much food and drink. Ask sin specific questions that do not promote legalism:

• Are you being intoxicated with grace or with alcohol?
• Are you being satisfied with Christ or with food this week?
• What is consuming your thoughts: Food or Christ?

These questions evolve with our relationships. The more you know the men or women in your Fight Club the easier it is to prod at the heart and uncover the sin beneath the sin. Make a habit of asking one another personalized, gospel-centered questions. As you do, you will cut sin off at the root and turn to see Christ in the height of his glory!

It is important to note that just asking questions isn’t enough. Our questions must turn the corner and point others to the truth of the gospel. Only surfacing sin without bringing the hope of gospel produces wounded Christians. It is necessary to know your sin but only so you can fight your sin so that you can trust and enjoy your Savior.

Keep fighting well!