Scriptures: Matthew 7:1-5
Scripture Passages for further studies: Matthew 7:1-5, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 15:7
Questions for thought & discussion:
Do I see myself as a judgmental person? Why or why not?
Am I aware of a plank or a major moral flaw that is keeping me from living the life Christ has called me to live?
Am I free to assist another with a minor struggle they may be having in their life? What is the best thing I can do for them?
Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-34
Scripture passages for further studies: Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, 1 Peter 5-7
Questions for thought & discussion:
On an average day, where does your heart find its home? Earthly treasures or heavenly treasures? In other words, where do you find your mind gravitating to most often?
Would you consider yourself a “worrier”? What sorts of things cause you to worry the most? Is it our finances? Your children? Your school?
In what ways does God’s command of “do not worry” seem realistic or unrealistic to you?
Scriptures: Matthew 6: 5-18
Questions for thought & discussion:
What draws you to what these passages teach us about prayers?
Why might it be important that you personal time of prayer is to be kept in secret?
What challenges do you face when it comes to prayer?
What difference does heart-felt prayer make in your walk with God?
Scriptures: Matthew 6:1-4
Our application for this Sunday’s message is to help you, our church members, take a step toward the practice of giving with intentionality and meaning. Our church provides various ways where you can give your time, presence, and financial resources to those in need outside of our church walls.
Step 1: Read through the opportunities listed below.
Step 2: Fill out the action plan form at the bottom of the page, stating one or more ways you would like to practice giving and engaging with those in need.
Step 3: Once you submit the form, P. Calvin will email you later this week to encourage you and ask about your action plan. We want to help you succeed in applying this important teaching!
Step 4: Throughout the week, pray and ask God to reveal to you a specific person or people group that He wants you to give to and engage with. Be ready and sensitive to whom the Holy Spirit will place in front of you as you go about your week. It may be a stranger or someone you know, but whoever they may be, pray for the Spirit to refine your motives in your encounters.
If you have any questions, contact [email protected]
Scriptures: Matthew 5:38-48, 1 John 4:12, Hebrews 12:1
Questions for thoughts & discussion:
Do you want to be Christ’s disciples who will truly live out this “next level living”?
Do you want to experience the perfection of God’s love and be a part of it?
Scriptures: Matthew 5:21-26
Scriptures passages for further studies: Ephesians 4: 26-31, James 1: 19-20, Proverbs 15:18, Genesis 4:1-12
Questions for Thought & Discussions:
Is anger something you’ve given time to intentionally process in your life?
How might anger be acting as a warning flag for you today? Has it become sinful?
In what ways do Jesus’ words against anger that harms others (and ourselves) give you insight into a difficult situation or correction in your life today?
Scriptures: Matthew 5: 17-20
Scriptures: Matthew 5: 13-16, James 1:22-25, 11 Corinthians 5:11-21
Questions for thought & discussion:
When it comes to sharing your faith, what one word best describes your feelings?
Do you believe it is a high priority for us as followers of Jesus to share the love and story of Christ with others? Why or why not?
What are the needs of pre-Christians in your world, that you can help meet?
Scripture: Matthew 5: 1-12, Revelation 3: 14-22, Philippians 3: 7-14
Questions for thought and discussion:
In hearing Christ knocking at the door of your life, what is your immediate response? Eventual response?
Should you choose to let Christ into your life, what type of freedoms do you give him in your “House”?!
As a long term roommate, what may be the challenges you face and how do you deal with the fact that it is Jesus, Lord of all?!
Scripture Passages for Further Study
Ephesians 2
Romans 12
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Questions for Thought & Discussion
Am I a part of God’s forever universal family? How do I know?
Do I contribute to the household of faith (the local church)? In what ways?
What is my motive in living the life God has called me to live?
This Week’s Application Activity
Ask God to reveal our motives to us in regard to living for him. Go near to the Lord to listen. Then respond and ask that God’s spirit will fill us with the beauty, love, peace and joy of Jesus in all things we do.
Remember:
Proverbs 16:2
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Scripture Passages for Further Study
Isaiah 6:1-5
Romans 12:1-2
Leviticus 16:25
Questions for Thought & Discussion
How have you understood the holiness of God?
In what ways is God calling you to greater “alertness” and “sober-mindedness” when it comes to living according to the way of Jesus?
What former evil desires may be creeping at your doorstep and how will you respond in a way that does not conform to them?
If a co-worker, neighbor, or school friend were to describe you, would it set you apart in the way that God has called you?
This Week’s Application Activity
Write down 10 practices in your life that are actively setting you apart as a person called to the way of Jesus. Think about how a non-believing friend or family member would describe you as “different”.
Scripture Passages for Further Study
John 4:1-42
II Corinthians 5
Romans 12:1,2
Questions for Thought & Discussion
What different cultures in your life impact who you are?
What struggles do you have in these cultures in terms of living out your faith?
How does the culture of the church influence you?
This Week’s Application Activity
Take note of the different cultures in your life and evaluate your mindset, behavior and how you decide to participate or not participate in those culture’s values and practices.
Remember
We are in this world, but not of this world!