Wesley’s General Rules

AUGUST 29, 2013
Today’s Reflection

AT FIRST GLANCE, the Christian life may not appear to be nearly as dangerous as mountain biking. That isn’t necessarily true. When Christians try to go it alone, they are on dangerous ground. We can experience a loss of clarity. We can forget what it is that is unique about Christians. When we are living in isolation, we can (and usually will) compromise our faith and allegiance to the gospel for the sake of comfort.

[John] Wesley was passionate about the need for Christians to “watch over one another in love” through small-group accountability. He does not mention small-group accountability explicitly in any of the three General Rules, but that is simply because small-group accountability was the foundation that the General Riles were built on. In the beginning of the General Rules, Wesley tells the story of how eight to ten people come to him in London seeking to grow in their faith. Wesley reports, “to these…I gave those advice from time to time which I judge moist needful for them; and as always we conclude our meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities.

– Kevin M. Watson

A Blueprint for Discipleship
From page 106 of A Blueprint for Discipleship: Wesley’s General Rules as a Guide for Christian Living. Copyright © 2012 by Kevin M. Watson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Discipleship Resources. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question
Are you familiar with Wesley’s General Rules? What are they? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture
I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.
~Psalm 81:16, NRSV

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Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember:
Augustine of Hippo (August 28).

Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 12:18-29
Luke 13:10-17