Destined for Greatness – Part 6 – A Great LoveNovember 5, 2023 Sermon by Greg MacRobbie

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Sermon Audio Life Group Discussion Guide Series Theme

Destined for Greatness: Truly Great Love

This week’s Big Idea

“Love your enemies” seems like an impossible and foolish way to live in our day today. Protect yourself from your enemies, yes, keep your distance from your enemies, yes, but love your enemies? Not so much! Most of us have enough trouble really loving the people closest to us. How can Jesus make such a demand? What was he really saying, and why would we ever really want to follow his direction?

Scripture

Matthew 5:43-48; John 13:34-35.

Connect

Did you ever have someone you didn’t like surprise you by saying or doing something positive or helpful for you? How did you respond?

Explore

1. Read Matthew 5:43-44. How do we know Jesus isn’t talking primarily about how we feel toward our enemies here?
2. Think of someone you think of as an “enemy.” Without identifying them by name, what is one small practical thing you could do to show love to that person this month?
3. Read Matthew 5:45-47; John 13:34-35. Jesus gives us two main reasons for showing love to our enemies in these passages. What are they? Which one motivates you most?
4. Read Matthew 5:48. Jesus said this in the context of loving our enemies. What standard does Jesus set for us? How do we respond to this high standard?
5. We talk a lot at Brookside about becoming “fully engaged followers of Jesus.” How does loving your enemies fit into that goal?

Stretch

What is God saying to you from His Word right now? What are you going to do about it?

Pray