
PREPARE
At our Vacation Bible Week we learned that Jesus is our true North! When we wonder, feel alone or powerless, when we need hope or help, we can trust Jesus! Join us in celebrating all the ways Jesus has shown Himself trustworthy and deepen your understanding of these foundational truths through our review of select stories found in the book of Matthew!
Prepare for this week’s teaching by reading Mt 6:25-33, 18:12-14, 8:5-13, 2 Cor 5:21, Ro 15:13, Mt 28:18-20, Acts 2:1-12 using the questions below.
When I feel Alone:
1. Read Matthew 6:25-33. In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught about the nature of worry. What does worrying accomplish? What did Jesus say to do instead of worrying?
2. Read Matthew 18:12-14. What is the point of this parable? What dangers would a lost sheep face? What dangers does a spiritually lost person face? What do we learn about God from this passage?
When I feel Powerless:
3. Read Matthew 8:5-13. Who are the main characters in this passage? What did the centurion know about authority? How did he display his trust in Jesus?
4. What does it feel to be powerless? How does Jesus help those who realize they are powerless? What does it require for a person to be aware of his or her powerlessness?
When we need Hope:
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Describe what happens when a person gives his or her life to Jesus? How did Jesus become sin for us? How do Christians become the righteousness of Christ? How does this result in hope?
6. Read Romans 15:13. How does our experience of hope relate to our trust in Jesus? How can a Christian overflow with hope? How is the Holy Spirit involved?
When we need Help:
7. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What command did Jesus give His followers before He ascended into heaven? What challenges would Jesus’ follower face in fulfilling that commandment. How did God help them?
8. Read Acts 2:1-12. What is happening in this passage? How did the Holy Spirit’s presence manifest in this passage? What was the significance of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit form the mission of the church?
ATTEND
Verses: Matthew 6:25-33; 8:5-13; 18:12-14; and 28:16-20
Main Point: The journey of faith is marked by growing trust and transformation.
1. When we feel Alone (Mt 3:13-17; 6:25-27; 18:12-14; 6:33-34)
2. When we feel Powerless (Mt 14:22-27, MT 8:5-13)
3. When we need Hope: 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 5:6-8, Rom 15:13)
4. When we need Help (Mt 28:18-20, Acts 2:1-4)
REFLECT
- What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you?
- What did you learn about the character of God?
- How did this week’s sermon affect your perspective on God or your perspective on yourself?
ACT
- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?