From Apprehension to Anticipation | Dec 16 – Dec 22, 2018

Message Big Idea

“Turn the page” by allowing the words of Jesus to transform my life.

Scripture

Matthew 7:24 – 29

Icebreaker and Opening Thought

  1. What is one of the best compliments you’ve received?
  2. Words have a powerful impact on our thinking, emotional state, and our relationships. What are some words that have made a positive or negative effect on your life?

Bible Discussion

  1. Read Matthew 5:29-30; 5:38-48; 6:19-34; 22:39. How would you summarize the teachings of Jesus in each section?
  2. Matthew 5:48 seems like an impossible command. It says, “be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect,” and we might misunderstand this statement as God’s command for us to be morally perfect. A better option for understanding Jesus’ words here is, “you shall be perfect.” It’s a promise and a clue for understanding the whole sermon, because when we rely on God, we gradually become the kind of person who can live in the world in a way that is non-anxious, loving, trusting, and generous. Which of the teachings of Jesus do you wish was true about yourself?

Life Application

  1. Read Matthew 7:24-27. In what ways we can build our lives on the person and words of Jesus?
  2. What is one area of your life where you need to trust Jesus more? What steps can you take to become so?

Challenge

This season is about celebrating Jesus, who was born to save us from our sins and transform our lives. He came to do this even though we can be full of doubts, fear, apprehension, and sin. Matthew tells us that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, at the beginning of his gospel and then at the end, Jesus says, “Surely I am with you to the very end of the age.” That’s a point Matthew doesn’t want us to forget. Jesus has made a promise, and his words have the power to change us, but he doesn’t leave us alone to figure it out for ourselves, he is with us through his Spirit, and when we live by faith in him, our lives will be changed to be more like his.

What is one small thing you can add to your day that will help you remember to trust in Jesus more? It could be a note or a reminder on your phone to do something as simple as praying about this for a few minutes.

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