Where Are You on the Anchored Path?

📝 Summary

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Pastor Paul Durbin walks us through the "Anchored Stages"—an eight-stage journey that spells out the word ANCHORED. Using the life of the Apostle Paul as the primary example, Paul shows how each of us moves from being against God all the way to becoming a discipler of others. Whether you're just starting to ask questions about faith or you've been following Jesus for decades, this message invites you to honestly assess where you are—and take your next step forward.

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📌 Tips

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For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

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What's one thing you were once totally against... but now you love? (Could be a food, a hobby, a TV show, whatever!)

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📖 Bible Passage(s)

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Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

Romans 6:23 (NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

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🔎 Observation

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What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
In Philippians 3:12, what does Paul say he has not yet done? What does he say he is doing?
According to Romans 6:23, what is the consequence of sin—and what is God's response?
In 2 Timothy 2:2, how many generations of discipleship does Paul describe? </aside>

👋 Application

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Which of the eight ANCHORED stages do you most identify with right now?
- The stages are: Against, Not-Against, Convicted, Happy, Obedient, Refining, Engaged, Discipler. Be honest about where you are—not where you wish you were.
What's one practical step you could take this week to move toward the next stage?
- Think small and specific—this isn't about a giant leap, just the next right step.
Have you ever experienced a "knocked to the ground" moment that made you ask, "Who are you, Lord?"
- Paul's spiritual journey took a sharp turn when he was humbled. Reflect on any similar moments in your life.
What does it look like in your life to be a "slave to righteousness" instead of a "slave to sin" (Romans 6:17–18)?
- Paul says we can't escape being a slave to something. How does obedience to God bring freedom rather than restriction?
Is there anything from your "old life" that still needs to be buried as part of your refining process?
- Paul described leaving the old behind as a necessary part of becoming who we are in Christ.
How are you currently engaged in ministry or service—and if you're not, what might be holding you back?
- Ephesians 2:10 says we were created to do good works. This isn't just for "super Christians"—it's for everyone who's been changed by Jesus.
Who is one person you could begin to disciple or walk alongside in their faith journey?
- This is the goal of the ANCHORED journey: to become someone who helps others follow Jesus too. </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

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Identify your stage. Spend some quiet time this week honestly assessing where you are on the Anchored Path. Write it down.
Name your next step. Once you know your stage, take one clear action to move forward—whether that's reading a Gospel, getting baptized, joining a group, or starting to disciple someone.
Ask the question. If you're in the "Not-Against" or "Convicted" stage, try praying Paul's two questions: "Who are you, Lord?" and "What shall I do, Lord?"
Serve somewhere. If you haven't found a place to engage in ministry or volunteer service at Belay, reach out this week and get connected.
Invite someone in. Think of one person who might be at an earlier stage than you—and take one step to walk with them (a coffee, a text, an invite to church). </aside>

🙏 Prayer

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Lord, help me to honestly assess where I am on my journey with You—not where I wish I was.
Jesus, show me my next step. Give me courage to take it.
Father, keep refining me. Bury what needs to die and raise up what You want to grow.
Holy Spirit, help me become someone who helps others discover life with You.
May I live "on belay"—on mission, for Your glory. </aside>

🎶 Worship

https://youtu.be/lKw6uqtGFfo?si=NUz2yMgNR3X78j08