Childish Things: Fear of Commitment Week 5

Connect

Have you ever decided to do something with someone, only to have them back out later? Or were you the one who backed out? What did that do to your relationship?

Engage

Read Matt 4:18-22. Jesus is calling Peter, Andrew, James and John. What did each of them leave behind in order to follow Jesus?

Did their commitment to Jesus mean that they never fished or associated with their family again? What changed when they received Jesus’ call?

Read Galatians 2:20 and Philippians 1:21. Paul very publicly declares the depth of his commitment to Christ. Is there a difference between a commitment you make to yourself, and one you announce to others? Have you made public commitments?

Read through the story of John Mark in the book of Acts:

Acts 12:12 Peter escaped from prison & went to John Mark’s Mother’s house.
Acts 12:25 Mark joined Paul & Barnabas on a mission trip.
Acts 13:5 On a mission trip, Mark was their helper.
Acts 13:13 Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia to go back home.
Acts 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas separate over Mark’s lack of commitment.

How did John Mark’s lack of commitment affect the mission trip?
How did John Mark’s lack of commitment affect the relationship between co-workers?
John Mark put both Paul and Barnabas in difficult positions. How could he have prevented that?

Apply

To “burn the plow,” as Elisha did when he was called by Elijah, is to turn away from the past to completely embrace the future. What might that be for you? Have you ever done it?

Wolfgang said, “Ultimate commitment to non-ultimate things is idolatry.” What are some examples of that in today’s society?

Does commitment to one thing demand desertion of another?

Challenge

In Matt. 5:37, Jesus says “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’, and your “No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” In James 5:12, James says “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no, or you will be condemned.” When you say things, do you really mean them? When you make a decision, do you leave a “back door,” just in case you want to back out?

Watch John Ortberg speak on prioritizing God and His purposes above success and wealth. https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Training/Post/View/165648 (you must login to your account).

Pray Together

Quietly search your own heart for a moment and consider your own history of commitments that have been kept or broken. What is God calling you to do right now?

Pray for each other, especially for those who have made commitments during this discussion.