03-14-2021
03-14-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (West & Online), Rebekah Manuel (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Descending Into Greatness
Week 4: How?
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. We have a longer Scripture memory passage than usual for this series, but we encourage you to try to memorize it. Philippians 2:5-11: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
2. This sermon is about going to the next level. No matter where each of us is on our spiritual journey, we can ask God to show us a next step to pursue so that we can go even deeper with Him. Share about a next step that you personally are currently pursuing in your spiritual life.
3. We’re focusing today on Jesus’ next step on his descent into greatness, as described in verse 8: “…he humbled himself by becoming obedient….” Obedience isn’t a very popular word in our culture. Why is that?
Three Misunderstandings About Christian Obedience:
1. Obedience is NOT legalism.
4. Why is it important to point out that obedience is not legalism? How has this been misunderstood by some Christians?
2. Obedience is NOT earning salvation.
5. Explain the misunderstanding that many have about obedience being a way to earn salvation. Explain why this idea is incorrect.
3. Obedience is NOT self-empowered
6. Sometimes obedience is difficult. If obedience is not self-empowered, how do we do it?
7. When Jesus died on the cross, he switched places with us; and we switched places with him. He takes on our sin; and we take on his righteousness. Read Romans 5:19 and talk about what this verse means.
Romans 5:19: “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
Three Aspects of Jesus’ View of Obedience:
1. Obedience is How We Love God.
8. Read the following verses and talk about what they say about obedience:
Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 14:23-24: “Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. ‘”
2. Obedience Humbles Us.
9. How does obedience to God help a person grow more humble?
10. Read Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”
What difference does it make in a person’s life when they believe that God’s commands are for their own good?
3. Obedience Grows My Relationship With God.
11. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed that his crucifixion could pass from Him if there was any other way. Yet he told his Father, “Not my will, but may your will be done.” Imagine the trust it took for him to do that. It takes trust to obey God, especially when it’s hard. Think about a time when – even though it was difficult – you trusted God enough to obey Him with your money, sexuality, dating life, kids, home life, a big decision, career, relational conflict, or other area of life. How did that impact your relationship with God?
12. God says in Isaiah 55:9: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Share about a time in life when you recognized that Gods ways were better than your ways.
Ready for your next step?
If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.
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