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SUMMARY
Faith is always expressed in real-world life with real-world challenges and real-world hardships. Hardships are usually when it's the hardest to have confidence in faith .Paul wrote the book of Ephesians from a Roman prison. Yet he has tremendous confidence about the future and about faith.
In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul tells us that we have been included in Christ when we heard and believed in faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith doesn’t come from doing but from believing.
When we believe the Holy Spirit of God indwells each believer, he empowers them for service and is an ongoing mediator before the Father. He calls the “seal” of the Holy Spirit. A seal guarantees that something will get where it's going, and that even more is coming. It's a down payment for future payment.
The presence of the Holy Spirit is also an authenticating mark that someone is truly saved. We can know we are saved when we see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit is the downpayment for God’s Inheritance- we are his valued possessions that he bought at a price.
TALK IT OUT
•Do you find your faith grow stronger or weaker during hardship? Why do you think that is?
•Read Acts 14:21-22. What are all the action words? Why do you think there is such a high value on strengthening and encouraging their faith? (Vs. 22)
•Read Ephesians 1:13-14. How is it that we are included in Christ? How does this Christian definition of faith differ from other religious views of faith? What is the role of belief vs. works?
•Read John 16:7-10. According to Jesus, why is it good he goes away? What will he do? How does what he does with the world (John 16:8) differ from what he does with believers (John 14:16-17)?
•In ancient biblical cultures, the “patronus” connected the client in need, with the benefactor who had the provision. What significance do you see there when we understand that the Holy Spirit is our “patronus” to the Father?
•Read Galatians 5:22-26. Have you ever experienced any of the transformative fruits listed here?
• In Ephesians 1:13-14- Paul calls us God’s inheritance. What’s the significance of that?
SUMMARY
In this series on Ephesians, the focus is on the profound spiritual truths that Paul prays believers would understand deeply. Paul's prayer, as seen in Ephesians 1:15-23, emphasizes the importance of spiritual vision and understanding. He prays for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened so they can grasp the hope, inheritance, and power that believers possess in Christ. Despite challenging circumstances faced by the Ephesian believers, Paul's prayers steer away from material needs and focus on the foundational spiritual insights needed to navigate life victoriously.
Paul's approach to prayer is intentional and eye-opening. He doesn't pray about external circumstances, even though the believers were facing significant hardships. Instead, he targets the heart of the matter—literally—the spiritual needs that transcend temporal challenges. Just as a parent might prioritize their child's understanding of deeper truths over superficial desires, Paul zeroes in on the believers' need for profound spiritual insight into God's love and presence.
The core of Paul's prayer is to cultivate a deeper, experiential knowledge of God—going beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment to heartfelt experience. This contrasts mere factual knowledge ("Oida") with intimate, experiential knowledge ("Ginosko"). Paul desires believers to encounter God's truth in a way that transforms their hearts, fostering unwavering faith and joy regardless of circumstances.
Through Paul's prayers, believers are urged to embrace biblical hope—a deep-seated assurance in God's promises and power. This hope shapes how individuals perceive and respond to life's challenges, highlighting the certainty of God's work in their lives. They are encouraged to grasp their immense worth to God, being part of His glorious inheritance and embodying His fullness.
The personal impact of these truths is profound, as exemplified by the speaker's own journey. Wrestling with doubts and disillusionment, encountering the truth of Ephesians 1:23—recognizing the church as Christ's fulfillment—became a transformative turning point. This passage underscores the immense significance of the church in God's plan, challenging believers to value and engage with it wholeheartedly.
TALK IT OUT
1. How does Paul's prayer in Ephesians challenge our typical prayer priorities today, particularly in addressing material versus spiritual needs?
2. Reflecting on Paul's emphasis on deep spiritual insight, how can we cultivate a more experiential knowledge of God in our own lives?
3. What’s the difference between knowing about (Oida) and knowing (Ginosko) something?
4. What does biblical hope mean to you, especially in the context of navigating challenging circumstances?
5. How does the concept of the church being the "fullness of Christ" impact your understanding of its significance and role today?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources consulted and recommended reading)
The Message of Ephesians - John Stott
Ephesians - John MacArthur
Ephesians - Joyce Meyer
Ephesians - N.T. Wright
SUMMARY
In our study of the book of Ephesians, we're diving into some deep waters. First off, we're encouraging everyone to read through Ephesians in the next couple of weeks—it's only six chapters, so it's manageable. To aid in your study, we've got some resources available on our church app, including a YouVersion reading plan that'll guide you through the book in 14 days. Plus, there's a book overview to help you engage with the material. Ephesians is a powerful letter written by Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, packed with timeless truths that are still relevant today.
Ephesus had a rich cultural and religious history, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Temple of Artemis. It was a bustling hub of trade and worship, deeply entrenched in pagan practices, including temple prostitution and idol worship. Paul's arrival in Ephesus sparked both curiosity and controversy, leading to significant conversions and upheavals in the community.
Paul's strategy in Ephesus was strategic yet bold. He began by preaching in the synagogues but soon moved to a lecture hall owned by a man named Tyrannus, where he engaged in daily discussions for two years. His message of repentance and the gospel of Jesus collided head-on with the prevalent culture of idolatry and immorality, leading to both conversions and opposition.
The letter to the Ephesians is divided into two major sections. The first part delves into the grand narrative of the gospel—how God's redemptive plan encompasses both Jews and Gentiles, uniting them into one body through Christ. The second part addresses the practical implications of this gospel truth for everyday living. Paul emphasizes the importance of living lives worthy of the calling we've received in Christ.
Central to Paul's message is the concept of identity. Our identity as adopted children of God shapes how we live and interact with the world around us. It's not about conforming to external standards but being transformed from the inside out by the power of the gospel. Therefore, our worship and our lives should reflect this new identity, bringing glory to God and demonstrating His love to others.
TALK IT OUT
Group Leaders- Consider taking your group time to read the entire book of Ephesians together out loud. Have participants note important or puzzling verses you may encounter.
1. Read Acts 19 in your group. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of Ephesus enrich our reading of the letter to the Ephesians?
2. In what ways do you see parallels between the challenges faced by the early Christians in Ephesus and those faced by Christians today?
3. Consider Paul's strategy of engaging with different audiences in Ephesus, from the synagogues to the lecture hall of Tyrannus. How can we adapt our approach to sharing the gospel based on the cultural context and audience we encounter?
4. Reflect on the significance of identity in the book of Ephesians. How does our identity as children of God impact how we live our lives?
5. Paul emphasizes the importance of both understanding the gospel narrative and living out its implications. How can we strike a balance between theological understanding and practical application in our lives?
6. Read Ephesians 4:1. Discuss the concept of "therefore" in Ephesians and its significance for Christian living. How does understanding our identity in Christ lead to transformation in our attitudes and behaviors?
- GOD HAS A PLAN & HE IS WORKING IT OUT - which brings assurance in a world that is still in process
- Which parts of the passage most resonated with you? Brought you joy? Gave you hope?
- Are there sections that gave you pause or questions?
- How would your life be affected if you were able to keep the truths in this passage foremost in your mind?
SUMMARY
The cross today has become sanitized, but it was originally an instrument of execution. What has become a symbol of Christianity started a means of humiliation and dominance of the roman culture over it's conquered regions. So the cross was not glorious or wonderful for the ancient Jews- it was terrible, embarrassing and intimidating.
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 said that the cross of Christ is a stumbling block to the jews and foolishness to the greeks. But it is the power of God for our salvation.
Luke’s account of the crucifixion demonstrates this well. The crowds, the soldiers and even the criminal next to Jesus all mocked him for ending up on the cross. It seems this supposed “messiah” was no messiah at all— or why would he be there?
Yet the “other criminal” (Criminal No. 2) saw more in Jesus. He saw forgiveness and he knew enough to place his faith in him. Jesus declared that today he would be with him in paradise.
This story shows us 1) God doesn’t send “good” people to heaven, he sends followers to heaven. There was nothing good in this man. He was a convicted killer. Yet it was his faith in Jesus that saved him.
It also shows us that 2) It's the object of our faith, not the intensity of our faith that saves us. We may never be able to remove all doubt, but we know enough to understand his character and place our faith solidly, reasonably in the messiah who conquered the grave.
TALK IT OUT
1. In what ways did the crucifixion challenge the expectations and beliefs of Jesus' followers?
2. Read Luke 23:26-43. Why do you think the crowds, leaders, and soldiers mocked Jesus? Was it any different for the criminal that mocked him?
3. Why do you think the criminal crucified alongside Jesus chose to defend him and express faith in his kingdom?
4. What do you learn about the nature of saving faith through this account?
5. Read Ephesians 2:8-9- what is the caution we need to consider when it comes to works and faith?
SUMMARY
The apostle Paul described the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as scandalous because it challenged conventional beliefs. On the cross, Jesus forgave those who wronged him, offering salvation to a criminal beside him, which challenges the notion of earning salvation through good deeds.
The disciples expected Jesus to stay dead- and when he showed up in the flesh- Thomas struggled to believe. Thomas doubted until he personally saw Jesus.
We all deal with doubt at various levels. Many are taught to diminish their doubts and it's unfortunate because our doubts don’t disqualify us- they should actually drive our faith towards health. How do we deal with our doubts? Thomas shows us that we can press into Jesus with our doubts and he responds at our point of need.
Our doubts aren’t a reason to panic, but to process with God. The story of Thomas illustrates that encountering doubt isn't the end of faith but an opportunity to press into Jesus and seek understanding. Rather than disqualifying one's faith, doubt can lead to deeper insights and a stronger relationship with God. Like Thomas, individuals are encouraged to bring their doubts to Jesus and trust in his ability to provide answers and strengthen their faith.
TALK IT OUT
•Identifying with Thomas: Have you ever experienced doubts in your faith journey? Share a specific moment when doubt challenged your belief in God or Christianity. How did you navigate through that doubt?
•Understanding Doubt: What are some common reasons people experience doubt in their faith? Reflect on the three reasons mentioned in the text (unanswered questions, perceived unfairness, unresolved hurts), and discuss which one resonates with you the most.
•Response to Doubt: How do you typically respond when you encounter doubt in your faith? Are there any unhealthy patterns or coping mechanisms you tend to use? How can you cultivate a healthier response to doubt based on the example of Thomas and Jesus' response to him?
•Community and Doubt: The text mentions the importance of not hiding doubts and not running away from the church when doubts arise. In what ways can the Christian community support individuals who are grappling with doubt? Share any experiences where you felt supported or where you were able to support someone else in their doubts.
•Pressing into Jesus: Discuss the significance of fixing our eyes on Jesus in the midst of doubt, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-3. How can focusing on Jesus help us navigate through doubt and strengthen our faith? Share personal examples or insights from the text that highlight the importance of pressing into Jesus during seasons of doubt.
SUMMARY
In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus tells us to pray “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” He goes on to say that God will forgive us our sins when we forgive others. This challenging teaching needs to consider what sin is and how God’s forgiveness enables us to forgive others.
This message holds profound significance for several reasons. Firstly, it challenges our understanding of forgiveness from God's perspective, urging us to confront any misconceptions that may hinder our relationship with Him and restrict our freedom. Often, we carry unnecessary guilt and struggle to extend forgiveness to ourselves, let alone to others, due to a lack of clarity about God's forgiveness.
Breaking down this verse into two parts, we explore what it truly means to ask for forgiveness of our sins and how we can practically implement forgiveness in our interactions with others. The concept of sin, although archaic to some, offers a profound diagnosis of human nature. It signifies a failure to fulfill a goal, particularly the goal of loving God and others by treating them with the respect they deserve. Our inability to meet these goals results in a separation from God and incurs a debt that needs addressing.
Historically, forgiveness was sought through sacrificial offerings, symbolizing the transfer of debt to another entity. However, Jesus transformed this narrative by becoming the ultimate sacrifice, absorbing the debt of sin for all humanity through his death on the cross. His act of atonement emphasized God's unconditional love and mercy, not contingent on human performance but on faith in Jesus' sacrifice.
Furthermore, Jesus challenges us to extend the same forgiveness we receive from God to others. He illustrates this through the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of releasing resentment and extending mercy to those who wrong us. Failure to forgive others not only contradicts the essence of God's forgiveness but also reflects a self-righteous mindset that inhibits genuine reconciliation.
Through understanding the depth of God's forgiveness towards us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility, enabling us to forgive others freely. Forgiveness becomes an expression of our faith and recognition of God's grace in our lives. As C.S. Lewis aptly stated, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
Discussion Questions:
• How does our understanding of forgiveness from God's perspective influence our ability to forgive ourselves and others?
• In what ways do misconceptions about forgiveness hinder our relationship with God and our freedom?
• Read Leviticus 4:27-31. What is the significance of this in light of the cross? What parallels can we draw between the sacrificial system of forgiveness in ancient times and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross?
- Read Matthew 18:21-35. How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge our approach to forgiveness in our daily lives?
- Why is it essential to recognize forgiveness as an act of the will rather than an impulse of emotions?
- Reflecting on personal experiences, how has experiencing God's forgiveness impacted your ability to forgive others?
SUMMARYThis sermon series is considering Jesus’ instructions on prayer- line by line. This week we looked at what it means to pray "Give us this day our daily bread" When Jesus uttered these words, he wasn't merely instructing his disciples to recite a rote prayer; he was inviting them into a deeper understanding of reliance on God for sustenance.When we pray “gives us this day our daily bread” We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience, referencing a pivotal event in Israel's history: the provision of manna in the wilderness. Through the example of the manna, God taught the Israelites dependence and trust. Similarly, when we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge our reliance on God's provision and his wisdom in discerning our true needs.The prayer also carries a nuanced request: not only do we ask for what we need, but we trust God to deny us what we don't need. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 30, where Agar asks for neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. It's a plea for balance, recognizing that excess can lead to forgetfulness of God and deprivation to desperation.Praying for daily bread is an act of surrender, acknowledging God's sovereignty in discerning our needs and trusting his provision. It’s a reminder to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added unto us. This prayer challenges us to reorient our focus from temporal concerns to eternal truths.He is our Father and he gets to determine the difference between our wants and our needs. Just as earthly parents provide for their children's needs, our Heavenly Father knows what we truly require. We may not always receive what we want, but we can trust that God will provide what we need for our spiritual growth and well-being.TALK IT OUT•Share a personal experience where you felt God's provision in a time of need. How did this experience deepen your trust in God's faithfulness?•Read Deuteronomy 8:1-5, and Exodus 16:11-32. How does understanding the historical context of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the significance of manna in the wilderness, deepen your understanding of God's provision in your life today?•Reflecting on the concept of daily bread, what are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust God for provision, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual?•How does sabbath rest, fasting and tithing have to do with trusting God?•Consider the definition of this phrase in the Lord’s prayer “We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.” Which part of that brings you the most comfort and challenge?•How can we cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude for what God provides, even when it differs from our desires or expectations?•Read Matthew 6:25-34. How does trust and worry relate to one another in this passage? What is the key to worry according to Jesus?•Let’s spend some time praying together- in prayer, ask God for daily bread in particular areas of your life. Resist the urge to spend all your time talking together, instead, just talk to God about it. Allow others in the group to agree with you in prayer.
SUMMARYThis sermon series is considering Jesus’ instructions on prayer- line by line. This week we looked at what it means to pray "Give us this day our daily bread" When Jesus uttered these words, he wasn't merely instructing his disciples to recite a rote prayer; he was inviting them into a deeper understanding of reliance on God for sustenance.When we pray “gives us this day our daily bread” We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience, referencing a pivotal event in Israel's history: the provision of manna in the wilderness. Through the example of the manna, God taught the Israelites dependence and trust. Similarly, when we pray for our daily bread, we acknowledge our reliance on God's provision and his wisdom in discerning our true needs.The prayer also carries a nuanced request: not only do we ask for what we need, but we trust God to deny us what we don't need. This aligns with the wisdom of Proverbs 30, where Agar asks for neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. It's a plea for balance, recognizing that excess can lead to forgetfulness of God and deprivation to desperation.Praying for daily bread is an act of surrender, acknowledging God's sovereignty in discerning our needs and trusting his provision. It’s a reminder to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, knowing that all other things will be added unto us. This prayer challenges us to reorient our focus from temporal concerns to eternal truths.He is our Father and he gets to determine the difference between our wants and our needs. Just as earthly parents provide for their children's needs, our Heavenly Father knows what we truly require. We may not always receive what we want, but we can trust that God will provide what we need for our spiritual growth and well-being.TALK IT OUT•Share a personal experience where you felt God's provision in a time of need. How did this experience deepen your trust in God's faithfulness?•Read Deuteronomy 8:1-5, and Exodus 16:11-32. How does understanding the historical context of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the significance of manna in the wilderness, deepen your understanding of God's provision in your life today?•Reflecting on the concept of daily bread, what are some areas in your life where you struggle to trust God for provision, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual?•How does sabbath rest, fasting and tithing have to do with trusting God?•Consider the definition of this phrase in the Lord’s prayer “We are looking to God to provide what we need, to refuse us what we don’t, and to determine the difference.” Which part of that brings you the most comfort and challenge?•How can we cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude for what God provides, even when it differs from our desires or expectations?•Read Matthew 6:25-34. How does trust and worry relate to one another in this passage? What is the key to worry according to Jesus?•Let’s spend some time praying together- in prayer, ask God for daily bread in particular areas of your life. Resist the urge to spend all your time talking together, instead, just talk to God about it. Allow others in the group to agree with you in prayer.
SUMMARYJesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 on prayer show us that prayer is something that can be taught and it's something that can be learned. Which means that it can be done the right way and it can be done the wrong way. When Jesus teaches us to pray- he shows us that our prayers are not supposed to be a memorized mantra, but is a model for us to follow.
When approaching the Father in prayer, Jesus also says that we are to “hallow” the name of God.
To hallow means to make holy, sanctify or honor as holy. So what are we asking when we say God “Hallowed be your name”. What we are saying is “God we want your character and your trait's to be set apart and holy. We want it to be so revered, we want your personhood, your reputation, we want it to be so supremely valued, that it is the most precious and most valuable thing.
The truth is we all hallow something. It may be wealth or popularity. We can discover what we supremely value (hallow) by answering:
1) What do I believe makes me the most valuable or gives me the most worth?
2) What gets the priority of my time and money and attention.
3) Where do you struggle with the most amount of bitterness?
4) What do I worry about or what do I pray about the most?
When we begin our prayers saying “hallowed be your name”. We are not just declaring, we are not just proclaiming, we are petitioning God to take action in our lives so that he is understood as supremely worthwhile.
TALK IT OUT
• Read Matthew 6:6-13 together as a group. Today we are studying the phrase “hallowed be your name.” To “hallow” means to make holy, sanctify or honor as holy. It means set apart.
•What stood out to you the most from the teaching on the phrase "Hallowed be your name”?
•Reflecting on your own life, what are some things that you find yourself hallowing or placing supreme value on?
•How does the concept of hallowing God's name challenge our cultural understanding of value and worth?
•The message offered some questions that may help you determine what you actually hallow in your life. Discuss these together as a group.
1) What do I believe makes me the most valuable or gives me the most worth?
2) What gets the priority of my time and money and attention.
3) Where do you struggle with the most amount of bitterness?
4) What do I worry about or what do I pray about the most?
•The message mentioned that all our anxieties and problems are driven by issues of adoration. How does this idea resonate with your personal experiences?
•In what practical ways can we hallow God's name in our daily lives, relationships, and interactions?
•Why is it important to “tune our hearts to sing God’s praises continually?” How can we cultivate a habit of continually hallowing God's name in our lives?
•Share a personal experience or testimony of a time when you felt challenged to hallow God's name in a specific situation.
•How can we support and encourage one another in our journey to hallow God's name more fully in our lives?
SUMMARYMany struggle with prayer due to confusion, perceived lack of necessity, and skepticism about its efficacy. Yet, the Scriptures show that prayer is a teachable and learnable practice, demonstrated by Jesus' instructions to his disciples on prayer.Understanding prayer is crucial because it reflects one's view of God. People may approach God as a transactional figure (like a vendor or an employer), a distant authority figure (like a king), or a casual friend, each reflecting a different level of intimacy and reverence. Oftentimes, our view of God shows up when we endure trial or difficulty.The fundamental shift in perspective lies in seeing God as a father, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching to address God as "our Father." This relational shift, from a transactional to a familial approach, transforms the nature of prayer. Just as a child's behavior does not determine their status in a family, but rather their adoption, Christians are invited into a similar relationship with God through Jesus Christ.Prayer, then, becomes an expression of this familial relationship. Rather than a mechanical exchange or a performance-based interaction, it is rooted in the assurance of being accepted and loved as a child of God.The invitation is extended to those who may have approached God transactionally, based on religious performance or personal righteousness, to embrace the reality of adoption into God's family. This transformation, from viewing God as a landlord to recognizing Him as a loving father, marks the essence of becoming a Christian and fundamentally shapes one's approach to prayer and relationship with God.TALK IT OUT•How has your understanding of prayer evolved over time, and do you resonate with the struggles mentioned in the material regarding prayer?•Reflect on your current approach to prayer. Do you view it more as a transactional exchange, a formal duty, or a relational interaction with God?•Share about a personal experience where your perception of God influenced how you dealt with difficulty or suffering in your life.•What does it mean to you to address God as "our Father" in prayer? How does this relational perspective change the way you approach prayer?•Discuss the difference between a transactional view of prayer (e.g., expecting to be heard based on religious performance) and a relational view (recognizing oneself as a beloved child of God). Which perspective do you find more natural to adopt, and why?•Reflect on times when your prayers weren't answered as expected. How did you react, and what do you think this reveals about your view of God and your relationship with Him?•Consider the concept of adoption into God's family as a foundational aspect of Christianity. How does this perspective influence your understanding of grace, acceptance, and the nature of your relationship with God?
Prayer is probably the most powerful spiritual discipline for our lives. 94% of people in North America pray, and yet most people have challenges praying. If God already knows everything then why pray? And what difference does prayer even make? As a result many turn to prayer as a last resort.
It’s normal to feel that way. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with prayer. They saw how Jesus prayed and recognized just how powerful and revolutionary it was. So they turned to him and asked him to teach them how to pray. He didn’t tell them they had to go to seminary, he said “sure, I can teach you.”
Jesus gave them a model of the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11 and in Matthew 6. The Matthew teaching includes warnings about how NOT to pray: to not do so for public approval, thinking that God will hear you because of your fancy or abundant words. Instead, in private, pray to your Father.
The Lord’s prayer is not meant to be a mantra, it's meant to be a model for us to pray as Jesus did.
SUMMARY
TALK IT OUT
- What are some common misconceptions or struggles people have with prayer? Have you personally experienced any of these struggles?
- On a scale of 1(low)-10(high), how would you rate your prayer life? What are the obstacles that get in the way?
- Consider this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: “For most of us, prayer is more like a spare tire than the steering wheel”. Why do you think this is true?
- Read Luke 5:16 and 6:12. What do you think the disciples experienced that made them ask Jesus how to pray? How did Jesus’ expression of prayer differ from yours?
- Consider the statement: “Prayer is something that can be taught and learned. Which means this— that it is possible to do this right and that it is possible to do this wrong.” Read Matthew 6:5-8. What are some ways we can do it wrong? How do these things practically manifest themselves in our context today?
- Jesus teaches his disciples a specific model of prayer, known as the Lord's Prayer. How does this model differ from the ways prayer is commonly approached today? What significance do you see in the structure and content of the Lord's Prayer?
- Spend time as a group praying through the Lord’s prayer. This is not to be as a mantra. But use the outline Jesus provided to speak to God as father.
SUMMARY
Our world view is shaped by how we understand we came to be. There is no basis on science by which human beings have any greater worth or value than a gnat.
But a critical doctrine in Genesis 1:26-27 is that of the IMAGO DEI - or being made in the image of God.
The summary statement is: The Imago Dei is a unique feature, not an achievement, through which mankind reflects and represents the character and qualities of God.
This is true for every human being, regardless of what they are able to achieve. According to james 3:9-10, we should not praise God and then curse His image bearers.
It is this belief in the Imago Dei that set the Christian church apart from other worldviews and brought about the idea of human rights.
Being an image bearer means you reflect and represent the character of God. Much like a mirror- we have to face God in order to reflect him. Our glory or weight will never come from within- it has to come from God.
TALK IT OUT
- The message talks about the forgotten Rembrandt masterpiece hidden under a ping pong table. Can you share a personal experience where something valuable or meaningful was unexpectedly discovered in your life? How did it impact your perspective on value and worth?
- How does the idea that every human being reflects the character and qualities of God influence your view of yourself and others? How might this concept shape the way we treat and value people in our daily lives?
- Why is human capacity (reason, creativity, intellect, communication) not the right evaluation of dignity and worth? What’s the danger there?
- Read James 3:9-10 In what ways do you see the belief in the image of God influencing the way society views and treats individuals, especially in the context of civil rights? How can this belief contribute to a more just and equitable society?
- Being made in the image of God carries the idea of representing and reflecting God’s character and qualities. Like a mirror, we need to face God to be able to reflect his light. How can we practically align ourselves with God in our daily lives? What are some challenges or obstacles that might prevent us from fully reflecting God's character, and how can we overcome them?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Lost World of Genesis- John Walton
Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller
Making Sense of God- Timothy Keller
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-1/
https://bibleproject.com/podcast/genesis-1-and-origins-universe/
SUMMARY
Our world view is shaped by some significant and serious questions; how did we get here, is God real, am I just a random collection of cells? How we answer that impacts everything.
The problem is our human experience probes questions our human experience cannot answer. Everyone fills the gap with faith of some sort because we cannot be there to observe these basic questions of our human existence. Even science has to be observable, repeatable and measurable. And we cannot be there to do any of those things.
So as Christians, we turn to the Bible to inform how we understand the world around us.
Genesis 1:1-2:4 gives the biblical account for how the heavens and the earth came to be. This account is not written as a scientific treatment of how matter came to be, but Moses wrote Genesis (and the Torah) to teach the ancient Hebrews coming out of Egyptian captivity about the meaning and nature of creation, mankind and God.
The ancient Hebrews were embedded in cultures that believed the world came to be through strife and conflict between the gods. That the gods came out of the sea (representing chaos and disorder). They were wandering in a wild wasteland, learning to worship and trust Jehovah God.
So the account in Genesis is not primarily about the origins of matter, it's about meaning; who God was to them, and who they were to God. How did they get where they were at, and what is God’s plan through them? It shows us that God is self-existent, above creation, and that he has ordered nature in his perfect peace.
TALK IT OUT
- Have you ever walked into a movie late? How did it make you feel? What information did you need to catch up with where things were?
- When understanding a biblical text, why is it important to know what the original author meant it to mean to the original audience?
- The ancient Hebrews were embedded in cultures that believed the world came to be through strife and conflict between the gods. That the gods came out of the sea (representing chaos and disorder). Read Genesis 1:1-2. How does Moses’ account contrast? What is the significance?
- How does the Genesis account challenge your cultural programming about the nature of the universe?
- Moses said that the world was empty and formless - “Tohu Wobohu”. That is, it was a disordered, chaotic wild wasteland. How did God bring order and function? List the aspects of his creation together as a group.
- Where is an aspect of Tohu Wobohu in your life (chaos and disorder) that you need to surrender before the God of order and peace? How can your group pray for you in that area?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Lost World of Genesis- John Walton
Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkin
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller
Making Sense of God- Timothy Keller
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-1/
https://bibleproject.com/podcast/genesis-1-and-origins-universe/
SUMMARY
Gratitude is an attractive and powerful characteristic or trait. It's something that when we see it in others, we wish it were true of ourselves. Gratitude is thankfulness, gratefulness, joy, peace and over all positivity. It's not only an inward attitude, but it's an outward expression that others get to experience. People with an attitude of gratitude are just better to do life with. Conversely, people that constantly complain are miserable to be around.
As Christians, being grateful is not just something that maybe should be there, it's something that ought to be there. Gratitude to should mark God’s people. Scripture is full of commands to be thankful and to give thanks; because each day is a gift and we get to experience the goodness of God and the blessings of his people. It is God’s will that we give thanks IN all circumstances even when we can’t give thanks FOR all circumstances.
The truth is God doesn’t owe you anything. Everything we have is a gift of God. And our gratitude will begin when our entitlement ends. When I deserve and expect nothing, everything I get is grace.
This is beautifully demonstrated in Luke 7:36-50. The pharisees were entitled to deferment and so were cynical and judgmental. But the sinful woman was so overwhelmed with the grace and mercy experienced in Jesus that all she could do is erupt in gratitude and thanksgiving. Seeing God’s grace leads us to gratitude.
DIG IN
•What is one characteristic or trait you want to be true of you? When someone else describes your positive traits, what do you want them to highlight?
•How does it feel when someone else is complaining and disputatious around you?
•Why do you think it's easier to gripe, grumble and complain?
•Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18. How is the believer supposed to behave? Is there a difference between rejoicing IN all circumstances and rejoicing FOR all circumstances.
•Read Luke 5:36-50.
•What was the attitude of Simon the Pharisee?
•What was the attitude of the woman?
•Whom did Jesus regard as worthy of commendation? Why?
•Who do you identify with in this story?
•How did seeing the grace of Jesus lead to her worship?
•When, specifically, are you most inclined to complain, grumble or argue? What can you specifically do to practice gratitude this week?
SUMMARY
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and was a part of the lineage of God’s promise to Abraham. So he was a really significant figure in the bible. But he was also deeply flawed. From birth, he had a “me first” mentality. Throughout his life, he deceived, manipulated and lied to put himself forward in life. The name Jacob means “heel grabber”.
Jacobs twin (but older) brother was Esau. Esau was due the birthright and blessing as first child. But Jacob manipulated his brother to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup.
Much later in life, when his aging father was going to give his blessing to Esau, Jacob, (at the promptings of his mother) deceived his father to give him the blessing instead.
This lie enraged his brother, tore apart the family, and sent Jacob fleeing for his life. He fled to his uncle Laban. And in poetic justice, Laban deceived Jacob into 7 years of work to win the hand of his daughter Rachel. But then switched Rachel with his less desirable daughter Leah. Jacob had to work another 7 years to then win the hand of Rachel.
Running away from his Uncle, and on the path to once again see his brother who had sworn to kill him, Jacob’s life of deceit had finally caught up with him.
The angel of the Lord (understood to be the pre-incarnate Christ) wrestled with Jacob all night in the wilderness. He couldn’t subdue him, and Jacob refused to let him go until he was blessed by God. This is a powerful lesson in our sins chasing us down, coming to the end of ourselves, and learning to come to God for our blessing, and for our identity.
God changed Jacobs name to “Israel” which means “triumphant with God.” This encourages us to not tap out, even when we’ve been caught in our sin, but to continue to wrestle with the Lord till we experience his blessing.
TALK IT OUT
Hebrews 11 says
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Let's get familiar with the story of Jacob, his flaws, and his redemption.
•Read Genesis 25:19-34. What do we learn about the character of Jacob and Esau? What stands out to you? How does their actions show a lack of faith in God’s promises and provision?
•Read Genesis 27: 1-41. Who instigated the deceit? Jacob and Esau were 40 years old, (old enough to know better). What did both Rebekah and Jacob risk with their deceit? How did affect the family?
•Read Genesis 32:22-32. As Jacob flees Laban and is confronted by Esau once again, why do you think he sent his family and possessions ahead of him? What do you think his emotional state was? Who was the man Jacob wrestled with? (vs 28,30) How did Jacob demonstrate faithfulness and finally believing in God, rather than running to his old “heel grabber” ways?
•Jacob was always seeking a blessing, first by swindling his birthright, then by lying to get a blessing. Where did he finally find it?
•Consider; what are some patterns in your life that you’ve ran to over and over again, that never succeed to really bless you? What do we learn about the heart and mind of God about the source of our blessing?
SUMMARY
Walking by faith means being patient for God to fulfill his promises. Often times we want to take things into our own hands because we want control and we want things done on our own timeline. So we just “help God out a little bit”. The results are often disastrous.
We see this work out in the life of Abraham and Sarah. They are commended by God as being righteous because of their faith. Yet they were deeply flawed as people.
God had promised Abraham that he would have many offspring. And God even confirmed it through a pretty intense covenant in Genesis 15. Yet Sarah wouldn’t wait on the promises of God. She took things into her own hands by giving her servant Hagar to Abraham has a wife so that he could have an heir. This caused pain and heartache.
God ultimately renewed his promise to Abram and gave him a new identity - now calling him Abraham and Sarai became Sarah. In this story we learn to not cut corners. And that ultimately, when we fail, God is still faithful.
TALK IT OUT
•What are some ways you see people “helping God out a little bit” in areas of life? From the benign to the significant?
•Read Genesis 15: 1-6. What tensions do you think Abraham was experiencing? Imagine you were in their shoes- how would you have processed it?
•Read Genesis 16:1-15.
•In the previous chapter, God had twice promised Abraham that he’d become a mighty nation. What was their immediate response in Chapter 16?
•As humans, why do you think we are so quick to forget the promises of God?
•When Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to conceive, she was just following the customs of the day. How can we know whether something is okay or not for a Christian? Should, “everyone else does it” be our standard of decision making? Why or why not? What are some common and acceptable practices of the world that should be avoided by believers?
•How was Abraham complicit in this account?
•Read Genesis 17:1-7. What was God’s response to the mess they had gotten themselves into?
•God often seems slow to keep his promises while we are waiting. Weak faith grows impatient and tries to make something happen, while strong faith waits. How can you develop your faith, making it truly strong? Consider James 1:2-14.
•Share an area in your life where you may be tempted to “help God out” or cut corners to see a result come to fruition.
SUMMARY
For many, we would say we have faith in God “but….”. Fear, sin issues, and things we can’t intellectually reconcile leave us having a crisis of faith. The author of hebrews calls this “shrinking back”.
Hebrews was written to a group of people who had every earthly reason to shrink back, but could stand firm in their faith because they have a heavenly savior that becomes the basis of their faith.
This new series is studying people in Hebrews 11 who were just like you and I- who were deeply flawed, yet were still commended for their faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
As we begin this chapter study, the first thing we must see is that God uses flawed people to accomplish his tasks. The starting point of the gospel is having the humility to see your flaws and the willingness to walk in brokenness.
The second thing we see in this chapter, is that God measures greatness by our faith, not by the outcome. For just about every “hall of faith” member, it didn’t turn out great. Yet when we encounter suffering or pain, we tend to think something is wrong with God or with us. Yet for those who say “even if” God never fixes my problem, I’m still gonna follow him- God says he is proud to be called their God.
The third thing we must see is that it is the object of our faith and not the quality of our faith that saves us. Jesus is the confidence we have in God. And it doesn’t matter if I Feel closeness to God, what matters is the foundation of Christ.
TALK IT OUT
•Read Hebrews 10:33-39 out loud as a group. What kind of opposition were the people going through? Why were they told to have confidence?
•Have you ever had a time when your faith “shrunk back?” What caused it?
•Read Hebrews 11:1-6 out loud as a group.
•Put verse 1 in your own words as a group. What’s the difference between hope and confidence?
•In Verse 6 - the author says without faith it is impossible to please God. Why do you think faith is necessary? Pastor Scott said that faith is a relational concept. How does putting this kind of faith in the context of relationship bring clarity?
•Read Hebrews 11:13-16 and 39. Did these people receive the promises they had believed in God for? What does this passage say about how God feels about that kind of faith?
•Read Hebrews 12:1-3. According to these verses, what is the confidence we can actually have? How is this different than just blind faith, blind optimism or just belief in belief?
SUMMARY
Popular cultural views of romantic love insists on someone being a “soul mate” and highly “compatible.” For many, this means finding someone who doesn’t want to change them. But in the New Testament, no two people are ever compatible. Because we are all sinners and we all change, we have to learn to love in spite of incompatibilities. This is what God did with us through Jesus.
In Ephesians 5:21-6:4, Paul teases out how this adaptive kind of love shows up in our marriages and homes.
The expectation of submission is not limited to wives. It's actually expected for all people who are followers of Christ. To submit means to voluntarily place yourself under the authority of someone else.
Paul is showing us that the enemy of every happy marriage is self-centeredness. We are all naturally selfish because of our wounding. Our wounding makes us look at what has happened to us, rather than consider what’s happening inside of us.
The Christian response is to decide that our self-centeredness is more fundamental than our woundedness and invite the gospel of Jesus to begin healing us and defining us from the inside out.
TALK IT OUT
- Ephesians 5:21 encourages believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. What does it mean to submit to one another in the context of Christian relationships, and how can we apply this principle in our lives today?
- In Ephesians 5:22-24, wives are instructed to submit to their husbands. How should we understand this teaching in light of the broader message of mutual submission in the passage? How does submission look in a healthy Christian marriage, and what does it not mean?
- Ephesians 5:25-33 provides instructions for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. What are the implications of this profound command for husbands in their roles within the family and marriage? What are practical ways husbands can demonstrate this sacrificial love in their marriages? How does this compare to the world's view of love in marriage?
- The marriage relationship is often seen as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church. How does your marriage serve as a witness to others about the love and unity found in Christ? What steps can you take to strengthen this reflection?
SUMMARY
Deeply ingrained into our ideas about romantic love is the myth that once I find the right person, I’ll be completed. And so it doesn’t matter what I’ve done or who I am between now and then. All I need is a promise and I don’t have to work at becoming the right kind of person. But that’s a myth. We are adults and we know that it takes more than a promise, it takes preparation and hard work to become the kind of person the person you are looking for is looking for.
That’s where following Jesus moves us to relational maturity. He tells us we are supposed to love each as God has loved us through Christ. This is radical idea that challenges our understanding of love.
Paul gives us the fine print of that kind of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-11. Last week we considered the first several. Love is patient, kind, it shares the spot light (does not envy, boast and is not proud), and it doesn’t dishonor.
This week we consider that love is not self seeking. Love pus the interest and the needs of others first. This is what God did for us in Christ.
Love is not easily angered or provoked. The greek word means “sharp” or ”stirred up.” Instead love absorbs the offense and energy. No one can make you angry- it just stirs up what’s already inside you.
Love Keeps no record of wrongs. It's not a scorekeeper waiting for a mess up. God led the way in forgiveness. It's the conscious decision to not define someone by the wrong they do.
Paul leaves behind the childish ways of thinking of love, and recognizes a different kind of love- a love where you become the kind of person you are looking for is looking for.
TALK IT OUT
1. As a child, what did you believe about romance and relationships? Which of these assumptions have proved to be untrue as an adult?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-11
The apostle Paul defines love based on what it is and what it isn’t. Do the following traits describe the type of person you want to be? Do they describe the type of person you’re looking for in a relationship? Explain.
Love Is
•Patient • Kind • Protective • Trusting • Hopeful • Persevering
Love is not
•Jealous • Arrogant • Dishonoring • Self-seeking • Easily angered • A scorekeeper
3. What assumptions or myths about love do you need to let go of? How could Paul’s definition of love serve as the basis for understanding what “grown-up love” looks like?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Meaning of Marriage - Timothy Keller
Love Sex and Dating - Andy Stanley
Rocking the Roles- Lewis and Hendricks
SUMMARY
Life is full of enough challenges, and often times we make it more challenging when we make relational decisions that ultimately undermine our relationships. Two myths cause a lot of the confusions.
The right person myth is that once you meet the right person, everything will be all right. The second myth is the promise myth: that a promise replaces the need for preparation. But you can’t promise your way into healthy habits that cause relationships to thrive. You actually have to prepare for it and work hard for it.
Jesus shows us the pathway to satisfying relationships when in John 15;12 told us to “Love each other as I have loved you.”
Paul’s imperatives in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines what this kind of exclusive, God-shaped love looks like practically. That kind of love is patient, and graciously does life at someone else’s pace. This is the decision to pause rather than push and to accommodate to someone else’s capacity.
That kind of love is kind. It's loaning someone else your strength, rather than reminding them of their weakness.
That kind of love allows the other person to shine. It doesn’t envy or boast and is not proud. It's not threatened by someone else’s success and can celebrate for the other person.
That kind of love does not dishonor others and isn’t self-seeking. It's giving dignity to the other person and representing them in public with regard.
TALK IT OUT
Ice Breaker Question:
What one favorite actor, or recording artist would you most want to share a meal with?
•If you were to have dinner with your favorite actor or recording artist, what would you remind yourself not to do or say that you typically do or say?
•Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and consider the apostle Paul’s list:
•Patience: We all live our lives at our own pace. But in a relationship, how do you make sure you’re not forcing your own pace on the other person?
•Kindness; In your own words, how would you define “kindness”?
Have you ever thought of kindness as a weakness? Do you agree that a lack of kindness indicates a lack of self-control? Why or why not?
•What one area of discussion and study do you feel the weakest at? What’s one practical way you can begin acting according to this definition of love?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
(Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Meaning of Marriage - Timothy Keller
Love Sex and Dating - Andy Stanley
Rocking the Roles- Lewis and Hendricks
Main Idea: The One Relational Principle Text: John 15:1-13 SUMMARY Stories of people falling in love makes for great movies. But falling in love only requires a pulse, staying in love requires so much more. Real relationships are messy and complicated. And many times we make relational decisions that ultimately undermine our relationships. Such decisions […]
TALK IT OUT Read Galatians 5:19-21. Rank the items in this list from 1(least serious) to 10 (most serious). Read James 2:10. How does God see even small sins? Read 1 John 2:1-2 – for those that are sinners, what does Jesus do? According to Hebrews 9:22 what is required for forgiveness? How many times […]
- When it comes to legitimate hurts, do you tend to dismiss them or be defined by them? What’s the danger in each?
- Read Matthew 18:12-14, and 21-22. How do these surrounding passages help us understand the heart of God when it comes to relational conflict?
- Read Matthew 18:15-16 - Summarize the steps Jesus outlines for conflict resolution.
- Why do you think Jesus says the first step is to go alone? What happens when we broaden the circle at this early stage? Why do you think we are so inclined to do so?
- Pastor Scott said that we must be careful we are working to get back TO the other person, not get back AT them. What’s the difference? How do you know when your motivation is right?
- Why does Jesus say step two should include another person (vs 16) ? What good are “two or three witnesses?”
- Vs 17 says to tell it to the church. This tells us that this is a sin issue amongst Christ followers. Consider someone who has gone through the first two steps, and yet has a hard heart. Why do you think Jesus included this last step of bringing it to the attention of the broader church community? How does that protect the church?
- Read vs 19-20- what authority does the church have?
- Jesus says to treat that person like a tax collector or a pagan. According to the patterns and teachings of Jesus, how did he treat those people?
- Are there any legitimate wounds that you need to deal with right now? What would obedience to Christ’s commands in Matthew 18 look like? When will you do this?
SUMMARY
The early church went from massive growth to persecution. That kind of hardship can cause us to think something is wrong with us, or something is wrong with God. But what the enemy intended for evil, God used for good.
Steven was a man full of the Holy Spirit who became the first Martyr for Jesus. God used this suffering of his church to advance his kingdom and spread the gospel across the Roman Empire and beyond.
Hardship is not a sign something is wrong with you or with God. We shouldn’t be surprised when we come upon hardship. In fact, James tells us that we should consider it pure joy. God doesn’t waste our suffering, he uses it to help us learn to trust and treasure him. So when we engage in hardship, we should ask for courage to endure rather than control over the situation.
TALK IT OUT
•Pastor Scott said “We assume that hardship means something is wrong with me or with God.” How have you ever experienced that to be true?
•Read Acts 6:3 - why do you think that list of qualifications for leadership was important?
•Read Acts 6:8-11. If you were Stephen, how would you react to these accusations?
•Read Acts 8:1-4. How did the execution of stephen advance God’s Kingdom?
•Read 1 Peter 4:12-16. How does this passage agitate you? How does it encourage you?
•What hardship are you engaging with, and what does it mean to ask for courage over control? How can we pray for you in this trial?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Insanity of God - Nik Ripken
Suffering - Paul David Tripp
Walking With God through Pain and suffering - Timothy Keller
SUMMARY
The early church exploded with growth and had to figure out how to disciple all these new converts. The actions and values of the early church set an example for us of what a healthy church looks like. Acts 2:42 says the early church was devoted (persistent in the face of adversity) to the apostle’s teaching, to fellowship with one another and prayer.
The apostle’s teaching was first and foremost the witness to the teachings and supremacy of Christ. Over time these teachings were written down, through the supernatural inspiration of the Spirit of God and became the New Testament gospels and epistles.
The word behind “Fellowship” is the concept of “Koinonia”- which means a shared participation. It was more than just a sunday morning thing, they gathered together daily and ate in each others homes- breaking bread and sharing meals. They cared for each other’s needs sacrificially.
And they were devoted to prayer in the face of adversity.
God blessed the early church as they were faithful in their devotion. We are reminded that God is responsible for the fruit, while we are called to be faithful as a community and as individual disciples of Jesus.
TALK IT OUT
•Read Acts 2:36-41. What do you think it would have been like to experience such a radical response from the people. If you were an apostle, what emotions would you be having?
•Read Acts 2:42. What things were the people devoted to? Put it in your own language.
•What spiritual practice could you add to your life tomorrow that would increase your devotion and relationship to God? What do you need to do in order to begin?
•Read Acts 4:32-35. How is this similar to Acts 2:42-47? Have you ever witnessed anything like this? What impact do you think this kind of generous living would have on our relationship with unbelievers.
•What unique perspective and gifts has God given you that could be leveraged for the service of others?
•What keeps us from walking in radical generosity and sharing as the early church did?
•How would you rate our church community and your personal practices in your devotion to the Word, Fellowship and Prayer?
DEEPER DIVE (Sources cited and recommended reading)
The Lost World of Scripture - Walton and Sandy
- Self-righteoussness often shows up from someone who asserts their moral superiority. How does it feel when you encounter someone who is self-righteous?
- Read Galatians 4:4-7. The word “redemption” refers to purchasing the freedom of a slave or servant. Imagine what it must feel like to be a slave on the selling market. What emotions would you have? What is your greatest hurt, hope and fear? What would it feel to have someone come and purchase your freedom?
- What then would change in both the status and the experience of a servant who had been now adopted into the family of privilege?
- Have you ever experienced the presence of the Spirit of God?
- Read Galatians 4:6. What’s the significance of Paul calling God’s Spirit the “Spirit of Christ” (as opposed to the “Holy Spirit”).
- Paul says the Spirit of Christ calls out Abba! What does it mean to “call out abba”? What’s significant about the Spirit of Christ doing this on our behalf? What does this mean in terms of our access and behavior of approaching God. THE EXTRA MILE
- Pastor Scott said that “stuff expands to fill the space allotted.” What area in your home is like his wood shop; always filling up with stuff?
- If you had an extra 10 hours each day- how would you spend it?
- Read Hebrews 4:15. Do you think Jesus knows what it's like to feel busy and overworked?
- How does social media or other digital rhythms of life tempt to you to try to be in more than one place at one time?
- What are the urgent things that often draw your focus and intention away from what’s important?
- Read Mark 1:28-38 - How did Jesus model focusing on the important?
- Consider this quote from Kevin DeYoung “The people on this planet who end up doing nothing are those who never realized they couldn’t do everything.” Do you agree with it? How does realizing you can’t do everything help you actually accomplish something.
DIG IN When you were a child, who did you want to grow up to be like? What did you admire about that person? Looking back, how realistic was your perception of that person? What are some things you do to make sure people only see your life’s highlight reel? How does that influence whether […]
DIG IN: Do you ever daydream about a life in which you don’t have to answer to anyone—your boss, your parents, your spouse, the IRS? What is the allure of that kind of fantasy? As you look around the cultural landscape, what consequences do you see of people doing what they want, when they want, […]
DIG IN: Read the lyrics to If I had a Million Dollars by BNL. What assumptions does this artist have about money? If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Read Proverbs 30:7-9. What surprises you about Agur’s prayer? 3. What is his concern about poverty? According to Agur, what does poverty […]
DIG IN: Have you ever found an activity, job or location that made you feel like “i was made for this!”? What made it such a great fit for you? What do you want to be known for? What adjectives do you want others to use when describing you? When do you find it hard […]
We are gladly participating in Operation Christmas Child. Pick up a box at Grace Central for either a boy or a girl and follow the instructions in the box. Return to Grace Central November 6 or 13 to bless these kids for Christmas this year!
Dig In: Of the four “layers” of relationships; You/God, You/Christians, You/You, You/World- which is the most challenging for you? Have you ever seen cancelling someone ever produce significant changes in someone’s behavior or heart? Pastor Scott said “anyone can act like a Christian, not anyone can react like one”. What’s the difference between acting and […]
Dig In: 1. How did your parents handle confrontation? Chances are it influenced how you handle it today. 2. What is your emotional reaction to the notion that reconciliation begins with you even if you’re not the one responsible for what started it? 3. What are the steps of reconciliation outlined by Jesus? Why is […]
Dig In: When you are caught in sin, do you tend to run away from the consequences, Deny wrong doing or shift blame? Read 2 Samuel 11 through 2 Samuel 12-13 — how did David deceive himself? What was his turning point? Read Psalm 51 – What surprises you about David’s confession? In Psalm 51 […]
Dig In: 1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? 2. Have you ever felt compelled to boycott or cancel something or someone? What motivated you to do that? 3. Read Galatians 1:13–2:9. •In Gal 1:13-15, If you were an early Christian, and heard of Saul, the famous persecutor- […]
Dig In: •How has our culture been confused in the areas of marriage, divorce and sexuality? •How would you answer the question posed to Jesus; Is it lawful (ok) for someone to divorce for any and every reason? Why do you think the pharisees asked this question? How would our culture answer it? •How do […]
Dig In: •Have you experienced someone finding a loophole that frustrated you? •What are some of the religious loopholes that you experienced that have frustrated you? •Why do you think Jesus was so frustrated with the Oral Torah (laws) that the religious leaders followed? •Read Mark 7:6 – How did Jesus define their hypocrisy? •Read […]
Message Title: Power Under Text: Mark 10:32-45 Main Idea: Greatness in God’s kingdom doesn’t come from having power over others, but power under. Dig In: •When you have a conflict, do you tend to POWER OVER or POWER UNDER? •Read Mark 8:34-35. If you were a disciple listening to Jesus, how would you respond to Jesus’ call […]
DIG IN •Have you ever been in relationship with someone who has betrayed you to their own advantage? How hard was it to see them again? •On the other hand, have you ever wronged someone? Have you ever felt shame because of your actions or decisions? •How do you feel about people who corrupt your […]
DIG IN Can you think of a vacation or trip STOP ALONG THE WAY that became even more memorable than the trip itself? Read Mark 1:14-15. Jesus’ regular message was the coming of the Kingdom of God. Why do you think this was good news. How was it good news to these ancient jews? How […]
DIG IN •What group of people do you really not like to be around? •What have you experienced that leads you to think this way? •Read Luke 15 – which of the three parables has the most impact on you as you read it? •In the parable of the Lost Son, how did the Father […]
DIG IN How does our culture inform us what is virtuous and good? Read Matthew 23:5-7. How did the Pharisees signal their virtue? Read Matthew 22:34-40. How did Jesus define virtue? How does that compare with how the Pharisees understood it? Why do you think its so hard for us to accept Jesus’ definition over […]
DIG IN Read Mark 8:34. If this was Jesus’ sales pitch to you— do you find that engaging or off-putting. Why? Pastor Scott compared a Fan with a Follower. Can you think of anything in your life that you would be a fan of (a sports team, a product, a celebrity?) how is that different […]
DIG IN What conversations have you had people from other world views concerning the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth? Read the following passages: in what ways do they testify to Jesus’ divinity? -Mark 2:23–28 -Matthew 11:27 -John 5:18 -John 20:28 -John 8:19 Read John 8:58. Compare it with Exodus 3:14. What does it mean that […]
DIG IN Do you believe the resurrection actually happened? If not, why not? What alternate explanation could account for the rise of the early church? Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-6. How many witnesses does Paul mention? Why do you think it was important that there were witnesses? Read John 20:24-29 Do you think you would have […]
DIG IN 1. Do you think its wrong to be skeptical about biblical doctrines or beliefs? 2. Why are you a Christian? Where does it come from? 3. Have you ever struggled with your faith? What caused you to struggle or doubt? 4. Read John 20:31 ; what was John’s agenda in writing his account? […]
DIG IN 1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? 2. What does it mean for Jesus to be the “Amen” for us? 3. The Laodiceans were useless to God because of their belief in their self-sufficiency. Where do you see that creeping into your life […]
DIG IN 1. How do you usually react to uncertainty? 2. If someone were to look at your life… and specifically… your obedience, would it be obvious that you are following Jesus’ teaching? 3. Consider this quote from RC Sproul: “walking with Jesus is not about profession of faith, it’s about the possession of faith.” Whats the […]
DIG IN 1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? 2. When have you felt comforted by Christ’s rule? When have you felt convicted or unsettled by it? 3. This letter uses an Old Testament example to describe idolatry in the church’s present day. Where do […]
DIG IN •Can you think of a time when you experienced “persecution”? Was it because of living for God’s kingdom or something else? •Is there a difference between persecution and suffering? •What are some ways persecution could happen in our culture/schools/workplaces? •What has your faith cost you? Has it ever cost you anything? Friendships? Financial […]
DIG IN •What do you consider to be essential when you look for a church? How may that differ from what Christ looks for? •Why do you think the church plays such an important roll in this book? •Why do you think Jesus’ review of a church is so important? •Ephesus was challenged to compromise […]
•Pastor Scott said envy is a “blow-off” sin that we tend to minimize. Why do you think that is? •Read Psalm 73. How do you see this writer struggling with Envy? How are his struggling earthly, unspiritual, and demonic according to James 3:15-16? •Can you see patterns in your life where your conversation (either mentally […]
DIG IN QUESTIONS What thought patterns keep you up at night? What fear plays over and over again in your head and has a piece of your heart? Consider a past decision that you regret. How did fear of something inform that decision? Read 2 Timothy 1:7. What are the patterns of your mind? Are […]
DIG IN •Why do you think it’s so easy to see someone else’s pride and not your own? •Everyone has pride, some is easy to see while with others it may be hidden. Is your pride on the outside or in the inside? •What do you think blinded Belshazzar from seeing clearly? •Read 1 Peter […]
DIG IN: Do you have a hard time “clearing out old stuff?” Why or why not? Read Proverbs 4:23; Why does the writer tell us to guard our hearts? How does “everything we do flow out of our hearts”? Is that true? How? Have you ever known someone that you would consider a bitter person? […]
DIG IN •How have you been chasing religion and outward appearance, but have been neglecting the heart? Where have you been doing things by will power and by your own grit- and maybe it produces a few good days, but then crashes down because the change doesn’t last? •Where do you need a second chance […]
This weekend we are wrapping up our series on contentment and gratitude called Thank Full. In the last few weeks, we’ve defined Contentment is defined as accepting and finding satisfaction with one’s situation and lot in life.
I want to have a conversation about Worry. Worry is a contentment killer. Many times when I’m struggling with contentment, it's not that I’m greedy about something- and that I need to have more…. it's just that I’m worried about something. And so it steels my joy and my contentment.
And there’s been no lack of things to worry about lately with everything hitting the headlines. Each day is a new crisis and something to become worried about.
And I think that this is somehow unique and new- but I know that if you talked with people 100 years ago or 150 years ago, they would probably say the same thing. This is a message I feel like God’s Spirit has asked me to preach. In part because it's a journey God has been taking me through, and I think it's a Word he wants his church to hear this weekend because it's something we all deal with. And even as I bring up the word “Worry” some of you may think I’m talking directly to you- if so, that’s God’s Spirit working because I’m promise you I’m not addressing anyone in particular, but to all of us in principle.
And so as we begin, I just want to ask you to consider this question: What’s your relationship with worry? Is it something that occasionally strikes or is a constant companion for you? Some of you may think; of course who doesn’t worry about making it to work on time or if you’re gonna pass the test. Those are normal worries. That may be you, but there are also seasons of life for many and you’d say “i really struggle with worry”. Raise your hand if you are a world class worrier. Maybe worry isn’t something that’s occasional— worry is something that controls more of your life than you really want it to.
It controls your life when we get up in the middle the night at 3 AM we come back to bed and because of our bladder in our brains are possessed by the devil we end up thinking about things over and over and over again like a washing machine with a garment tossing in about. I thought enters our head and we play it over from every single aspect in possibility and what if this happens and what if that happens. And then we have a task that enters our brain we can’t let it go in so we stay up at night thinking about that project that’s due the next morning and we need to wake up in time to take them to the airport and so we worry.
•We worry about our health, we worry about the pandemic. •We worry about the future of our kids and our country. •We worry about our finances. How am I gonna make payment on all these bills? What’s gonna happen when the prices go up further and we are already stretched to the max? •We worry about our family members that just seem to keep taking a nose dive into addiction and self-destructive behaviors. •We worry about the tasks we have to do tomorrow…. and then the day after that and the day after that. •I worry that what’s inside of me is not strong enough to deal with what happens to me.
Worry is the spin cycle. It’s circular. It's not just we think about the task, challenge or threat once and move on, it sticks with us. It’s being concerned about something and playing that concern fear or anxiety over and over again in your head.
In many ways it holds our thoughts and our emotions hostage. We are trying to deal with other things in our life, but it's like our brain is split and it's preoccupied with this mental spin cycle. I’m trying to be present with my spouse or my kids, but I can’t shake the worry about how unstable work has been lately. It's got a hold on me and splits my attention.
In fact, in the greek language the root word that gets translated into worry means to divide and separate. That’s meaningful to me, because when I’m in a state of worry- i feel like there is a part of me that’s divided. I’m not able to be present, I’m distracted. My body may be present but my heart and my soul is in the spin cycle of worry.
There’s all sorts of research about the effects of worry and stress. that is can actually kill a person. In fact, stress has been labeled as the silent assassin. Stress and worry along with anxiety can cause damage to a person's heart and create blood clots that keep a person's blood from flowing properly. Stress/worry and anxiety can lead to heart disease and eventually lead to a person having a heart attack.
The trio of stress/worry/anxiety can be the one of the leading causes of high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, stomach problems, panic disorders, headaches, sleep disorders and chronic depression.
There’s a group of you, when you hear that, you start thinking: That sounds terrible, I should stop worrying. And the more you think about worry, and the more we talk about worry, the more you worry. You worry about worrying too much.
That’s why it will never work to simply say “Hey you know… have you ever thought about this— you shouldn’t worry so much”. It's not enough to sing with Bobby McFerrin and say “don't’ worry be happy”. When someone says that you just want to smack them.
The problem is worry is an emotion that is competing for control over our lives. Worry controls our thoughts which control our actions. It becomes the filter through which we engage with the world. And maybe for a moment you can turn it off enough to manage that interview or make that new friend. But it's still in the background silently controlling us. And I know you and I know me- no one wants to be controlled by something other than themselves.
So our goal is not to get rid of worry, but it's simply to be able to say to worry; “you’re not the boss of me.” Worry, you aren’t the boss of me. You’re in my life, you are working to protect me from threats upon my life, But you’re not gonna be the controlling force in my life.
But what we do know is that worry is something that most of us struggle with- me included. I think Jesus was doing life with people who were living with worry as well. When Jesus showed up on the scene, he was surrounded by people whose felt needs were so pronounced that they couldn’t get past them. •They were poor. •They were being taxed by an unjust government, and they had no means to protest that and they had no representatives to defend them. •They were being led by hypocritical religious leaders that had sold out to Rome. •They had their wealth stolen from them and there was no justice for them. •Their children were being confused with the infusion of Roman and Greek values. •They felt abandoned by God, no Messiah, no promises kept.
And Jesus has the audacity to say to this very needy group and to us.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
Now just for some passage context: Jesus is describing what it means to be in the kingdom of God and he was encouraging them to approach life from an eternal perspective. Don’t just live for these 80 years on this earth but for the 80 million years of eternity. And to do this he focused on their money. He know if he could get them to think eternally about their money, everything else would follow. For this reason; since we are to think eternally and not just temporarily…
He says don’t worry about your needs. Don’t be anxious or fearful about the unknown. Don't’ let these things consume your thoughts and emotions. You think you’re gaining control of the situation, but the situation is really gaining control of you. Don’t let that worry steer your life and rob your joy.
Now, Jesus isn’t calling for irresponsibility. It's not a “Don’t worry be happy” bobby McFerrin song. You don’t see Jesus living his life that way. He was a carpenter, he was a hard worker. He cared deeply about the pain and suffering around him and he took action and even had a holy discontent to make right the wrongs around him.
When 9/11 happened, Redeemer Presbyterian in Manhattan grew from 2000 to 5000 in one week, because so many people were flocking to that church that Sunday. Tim Keller was preaching from John 11 where Jesus came to the tomb o this friend Lazarus. The text says that when he reached the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus was Deeply moved. Keller explained “the translators are afraid. The greek word here means “to roar or snort with anger alike an animal, line a lion or like a bull. SO the best translation would be “bellowing with anger he came to the tomb’ that must as least mean his nostrils were flared with fury, it may even mean he was yelling.
Jesus was angry at death. He didn’t shrug it off. He was neither indifferent nor irresponsible with life and difficulty. On the contrary- he’s active and he’s concerned.
But what he does is he immediately sets up two categories of need we are not to be anxious about.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.
it's funny because often times my wife says “Hey i wish you’d think a little more about what you eat and put a little more thought into what you wear.”
So first he says don’t be anxious about your critical needs. These are things that pertain to your survival. Because you gotta eat and you gotta drink.
Now maybe you worry about those things, but most of us may not worry about that, because at least we’ll be able to get food from someone else. But for us, we are worried about our survival level economically and physically. •Will i be able to make ends meet? •Can we even put food on the table. Can we put good food on the table. •Will I be able to find a job that can actually pay enough to live here?
But he also sets up non-critical needs— your body what you will wear (so things that have to do with our appearance or our reputation.
•Some of us are worried about our advancement in our company. Will there be any opportunities for me here? Am I gonna hit a glass ceiling? •We may be concerned about our reputation - what are they gonna think about me if I’m still in this same position 5 or 10 years later? •How am I gonna compare with my brother in law who’s business just keeps growing? •Will I get recognition for my hard work and faithfulness in this company? •Will I get married… I’m not getting any younger you know? •Will we ever get pregnant…. what if we never get pregnant?? What if the treatment doesn’t actually work? •Will I get into my first choice of college? Because if I don’t get into this kind of school, I never get this kind of job. •Will I get the deal, can we afford the house, will I ever find a dress for the event?
And then Jesus asks us the first question - and it's so penetrating;
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?
What is life all about? And whatever it's about, shouldn’t that be the focus of your concern? Is life about simply surviving and looking good in the process? Or is there something more? Would having those two things really satisfy you? At the end of your life would you want someone to say “you know they survived— and they kept up appearances”
If someone were to follow you around for a week and listen in on all your conversations and have access to your checkbook and Credit Card statement, would she conclude that life for you is simply surviving and trying to look good? Is that where your time and your focus are?
Don’t stop short by focusing on food and clothing. There is more to life than what you eat, and there is more to your body than what you wear.
And then Jesus, probably pausing to point out what’s around him. He offers a little perspective on our needs. He gives us two illustrations to put our critical and non-critical needs in proper perspective.
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
They aren’t worrying a bit, and yet their critical needs are being met. Our heavenly father feeds them. It's not just their natural instincts kicking in- it's God establishing the food cycle and weather patterns, he’s setup the migration patterns and natural events that cares for their critical needs.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
He’s your heavenly father. He is merely their creator. But you are made in his image. He is particularly fond of you. So you don’t need to worry.
Jesus asks a question that is so profound, that it really needs to make us all pause a moment when we are tempted to let the spin cycle of worry continue. Even if you’re unsure about following Jesus- you should listen to this question he asks because when you start to ask it- it will help you say “worry, you’re not the boss of me” - the question he asked that was so powerful
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Has worry ever contributed to anyone’s survival? What is this worry adding to my life? Is it helping me live longer? Nope? Science tells us how negative it is. Is it helping me cope better, probably not. Is it helping my relationships? Not if i your worry is causing you to micromanage your kids decisions. When we start getting pushed around by anxiety, fear and worry, ask this question: can I add one hour to my life by worrying?
Is it keeping you from getting sick?…. maybe…. for a while at least. But eventually, something you couldn’t see coming or couldn’t control from coming is going to make you sick. Even in the lockdown my family still caught bugs.
It's interesting that in the original language, it also means how many of you by worrying can add a single cubit to your height. In other words, it's obvious that no amount of trying harder is gonna help you grow taller. In the same way, worry is not gonna make your life longer. Its not gonna make you happier, its not going to enrich your relationships, its not gonna make life better for you or you better at life- but there’s one thing it will do- it will kill your contentment. Worry only makes your life worse. It doesn’t bring any certainty in uncertain times. It only continues the spin cycle.
Again, he’s not advocating irresponsible living. He’s not asking us to be foolish. Wisdom is always the right policy because it's God’s policy. He’s just telling us to do what we know to do and trust God to fill-in the gaps.
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—
The emphasis here is not on survival, it's appearance. With no effort at all, these lilies look great. Have you ever seen flowers with colors that didn’t work together? Of course not, they are stunningly made and stunningly presented.
ILLUSTRATION
God is an expert in fashion design. He’s an expert in making things look good. He doesn’t need any help or suggestions. The lily did nothing - when it was what it was made to be it was at it's best.
Some of us are so concerned with looking good in front of other people that we fail to be who God made us to to be. We don’t serve a vanilla God. He didn’t hold back when he made you anymore than he held back when he created the lilly or the butterfly. To fear that God is going to make your life boring is to demonstrate limited knowledge of God. You need a good dose of the discovery channel. you need to visit the national botanical gardens- then cruise to your favorite clothing store- and tell me who is into color and variety.
My point is; if God gave this much attention to detail on a plan that is going to die in a few days, what business do we have being worried about something; the dress for prom, the right tie, the killer car, the haircut. This is just image stuff.
Then Jesus really boils it down:
Oh you of little faith
Here’s the problem. We don’t trust him. We don’t’ think he’s interested in us. We think he has overlooked us. In times of worry and uncertainty, we think he has lost power.
This is the message that God has been giving me. That my worry about things with the church’s facility was really an issue of my disbelief in him. I didn’t trust him. So I had to worry about it. You may not want to hear your pastor struggling with faith— but in my worry i wanted to get it all figured out because I feel like so much of the future is uncertain and I wanted to control it. But what God spoke to me is “scott, do you really trust that I’m going to provide for the church, and for you and your family?” The fundamental question I have to wrestle with is: Do I trust God?
Then he repeats his command just in case we missed it…
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
If we serve God who can be trusted and has proven it over and over again, we have no business worrying about all of that, it doesn’t even make sense.
32 For the pagans run after all these things,
This is what it looks like for a pagan. Now a pagan is not someone who doesn’t believe in the supernatural. A pagan was someone who believed in the gods.... plural. And their relationship with the gods was at the whim of nature and circumstance at worse or it was contingent on their performance at best. If they did something that made their gods angry, they wouldn’t have enough cabbages for the year. Their sheep wouldn’t multiply. So they were always worrying that what they did was enough. They were always toiling, always spinning , always sowing, always storing up because while their god was pleased with them now, who knows how long that’s gonna last?
But Jesus would say “not so with you… because you’re not a pagan…. you have a heavenly father- and he loves you”.
So don’t spend time seeking after those things; because that’s what people who don’t’ trust God do. They run after those things- they are frantic about them. they worry about them. For them this is all that life is about— and who can blame them.
But for a christian, when everyone else around us worries, when they run after those things frantically- we have a different provider. We have a heavenly Father who loves us.
Its been interesting to watch my three children contending for resources in my home. The thing is I’m a third child as well. I have two older siblings and one younger brother. So I can remember those days of fighting over how many peanut butter wafer bars were left in the pantry or who is gonna get the last bowl of cereal. My siblings and I would have all out fights over who gets how much of what. I remember my brother and i would even fight in church over who would get the biggest piece of the unleavened bread in communion. (Tell story)
Now as I watch my kids, I see it in them too. I see them hide food from the others, take it up to their room, I know because I find their dishes later when they haven’t cleaned them up either. And every couple months when we have done a deep cleaning of their rooms, we’ll move their beds away from the walls and find piles of wrappers.
What they don’t know is that they are really making a statement about what they believe about me. That I won’t provide for them. That I won’t care for them.
What I feel like telling my kids is - You don’t have to act like we never have food. We have plenty of food, and I recognize that you may not have the capability of replenishing food, I do. I’m not gonna let you go hungry - at least for long. I may press you into wise dietary decisions, but you’re not gonna starve. So You don’t have to worry. You don’t have to hoard. You don't’ have to manipulate or deceive. You don’t’ have to spin or toil about it. Because i’m your father and I love you.
Your heavenly father knows that you need these things, and he has the power to provide for you. How would you live if you heard God say, "I know you need that; trust me”?
Now Jesus answers the questions he posed in vs 25: what is life about? What are we to concern ourselves with?
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What is the thing we are to spin and toil and labor for? God’s Kingdom and his righteousness. That’s what we are to be preoccupied and “worried” about. It's interesting that it's actually the same greek root word for running after/seek in verse 32- it's just there it has a sense of panic. Here it means to concern yourself with and to focus on that.
So rather than getting spun up about impressing people at school by what I wear, we should be focused on building God’s kingdom in our school. helping more people become kingdom minded people.
Rather than isolating and running away from people who may make us sick, we should find wise and reasonable ways to engage people for God’s Kingdom and trust in God’s protection and provision. Rather than worrying about our rights being taken away, a kingdom minded person lays down their rights and preferences to build God’s Kingdom. Instead of saying “well one day we’ll have a church building, then we can advance God’s kingdom here” We say “God how can we be faithful to build your kingdom in whatever the circumstances.”
Being Kingdom minded rather than worry-minded shows tremendous faith and trust in God. And faith was the one thing Jesus was ever impressed by.
Jesus says when you make God’s Kingdom your center of focus, all these things will be given to you as well. Jesus says, "You look after my deal and I’ll look after yours." Don’t go through life stressed over stuff that I have taken responsibility for anyway.
Besides, where do you think it all came from in the first place? The talent, opportunities, breaks, education, chance encounters. Did you think that was you? That all came from me anyhow. So Don’t worry about your ability to sustain my blessings. Seek my kingdom. I’ll look after yours.
And the whole time God is asking, "Is there anybody down there concerned about my kingdom and my righteousness?" 1. Is anybody worried about disconnected people? 2. Is anybody worried about the next generation of teenagers? 3. Is anybody worried about the children who have never heard? 4. Is anybody worried about the people in other nations who still haven’t heard? 5. Is anybody going to talk to your boss? Neighbor? Friend?
Here’s the promise: concern yourself with what concerns me and "all these things shall be added to you. You take care of my deal, and I’ll take care of yours.”
So what do you do? Memorize vs. 27. Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Get up tomorrow morning and make the trade-just for the day. Say, "Today, when I begin worrying about me, I’m going to offload that on you and look for ways to further your kingdom. I’m not going to allow uncertainty to take a toll on my character. Worry, you’re not the boss of me.
PRAYER
DIG IN • Where have you felt tempted to have more “ER”? Fill in the blank; I wish I was ________”er”. Read Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 •Why does the compare envy to “chasing after the wind”? •Is it easier to see “chasing after the wind” in someone else or in yourself? •Do you tend to be a […]
This weekend I want to talk about a word that is connected to gratitude and thanksgiving - it's this word here- CONTENtMENT.
Contentment- is a state of satisfaction and of peaceful happiness.
Doesn’t that sound amazing? Who would love to be satisfied in your job, in your family, with your home? Who would love to have an internal sense of peaceful happiness when you look in the mirror- or at your pay stub?
We want to be satisfied, we want to have happiness. In fact, I would argue it's one of the strongest driving motivations for us. After all, it's built into our declaration of independence as one of inalienable rights; the pursuit of Happiness. And our pursuit of happiness is what drives our purchases, how we use our time, where we invest our energies, and even how we engage in relationships.
And while we all want it, desperately, finding someone who is truly content is like finding a unicorn. It's so rare. That’s why Mick Jagger, after years of trying and trying, can’t get no satisfaction.
I can identify with that- I’ve struggled with contentment in my life. Here’s how it showed up for me: As a future oriented person, I would always look at where I’m at and I’d think this:
•It’ll be better when I’m out of High school and away from these jerks. •It’ll be better when I’m in this program and can start studying what I really want to study. •It’ll be better when I’m done with school and can actually start making some money. •it’ll be better when I’m married and we don’t have to keep driving across town to see each other. •It’ll be better when we aren’t renting anymore and have some more space for storage. •It’ll be better when we have our own washer and dryer and don’t have to go to the laundry mat. •It’ll be better when we have kids- then my mom will have to respect my wishes now that I control the baby. •It’ll be better when I finally get this rank or E rating or GS rating- because then I’ll be set for my retirement.
The problem with the it’ll be better when mentality is this: it wishes away the most precious moments in life. When you are constantly searching for the next hit of accomplishment or accumulation, you fail to see what you’ve attained right in front of you. And then once you do accomplish those things, you spend the rest of your time reminiscing over how great it was to be free to hang out with your friend in school, the great support you had in school from your parents, the great feeling of finding love for the first time, the bragging rights of going to the laundromat with $10 worth of quarters.
DIG IN When someone isn’t grateful for something you’ve done, how does that make you feel? What emotions or words would you use to describe that feeling? When someone stops to express gratitude, how does that impact your ability to entrust yourself to them? What may lead you, or others, to not stop to express […]
Dig In •Where are you most likely to complain? •How does complaining set the direction for your heart? Where do you experience others complaining- how does it affect you? •Have you ever experienced an “entitled” gift receiver?” How did that make you feel. How do you think it may make God feel? •Where do you […]
DIG IN 1. Are you a WHAT IF or an EVEN IF planner? 2. Life is full of tribulations and troubles. Being children of God does not make us immune from experiencing the storms of life. How do we as followers of Jesus journey through darkness, pain, and hardships? 3. Discuss the following: “Many people […]
- What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? 2. Describe a time when a person or event did not meet your expectations? How did it impact your life? How did it make you feel? 3. Discuss a time when God did not meet your expectations? How did it impact […]
In this four-week series, Habakkuk begins by complaining and questioning God who seems silence and be unconcerned for his people. Yet, as God reveals his divine work, Habakkuk must let go off his own expectations and wait patiently for God to fulfill his divine purposes in his timing and ways. In the end, Habakkuk’s complaint […]
DIG IN QUESTIONS 1) What role have you seen unhealthy communication play in relationships? How has unhealthy communication affected your relationships? 2) In our gathering, we discussed how “Healthy communication involves both talking and actively listening.” How would you grade yourself in both of those areas? 3) Read James 3:2-9. What does this tell us […]
Topic: Lust Part 2 Text: 1 Corinthians 6:18 Big Idea of the Message: Flee sexual immorality by radical amputation, radical accountability and radical appropriation. DIG IN QUESTIONS 1. When you were growing up, what were the messages you were taught about saving sex for marriage? 2. Read Eph 5:25. Marriage is a picture of Christ […]