At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
This link is updated weekly, so we encourage you to select the “Email” button at the bottom to send your notes to yourself when you’re finished.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NIV)
7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Luke 23:35-39 (NIV)
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
John 19:19 (NIV)
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: “Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.”
Luke 9:51-56 (NIV)
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.
I am not permitted to let my love be so merciful as to tolerate and endure false doctrine. - Martin Luther
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Luke 9:57-62 (NIV)
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Giving
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Serving
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
John 15:9-13 (NIV)
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
1) Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 that the “princes/rulers of this world” would not have crucified Jesus had they believed in Him. What does this say about how believing in Jesus can change someone? What does this also say about what our mission is as Christians?
With all this in mind, what kind of grace should you have for those who follow the world and have not believed in Him?
2) Read Luke 9:51-56. Why do you think Jesus rebuked James and John when they suggested destruction on the Samaritans? What does this say about how Jesus sees people, even when they reject Him?
What does this say about how we should view those who reject Jesus?
3) Pastor Josh said it’s not our actions that produce righteousness but instead, it’s our righteousness that produces our actions. What are some everyday, practical ways we can pursue righteousness?
How important is it to be persistent in your prayer life, Scripture-reading, evangelism, worship, etc?
What are the consequences of prioritizing actions over righteousness?
Personal Reflection
Are you pursuing God’s righteousness, or just trying to have the right “actions?” What makes you say that?
What can you do to prioritize living by the Spirit and not just trying to “look your best?”