Stop, Look & Listen
Sermon Notes
People need JESUS + Help = WHOLENESS.
1. People HINT that they need help before they ASK for it. They throw out a touch.
I don’t want to be a burden. She wanted help, but mistook a critical fact. People need Jesus + Help = Wholeness.
2. STOP.
3. LOOK.
We look for the question or cry behind the COMMENT, CRISIS or NEED.
4. LISTEN.
STOP, LOOK & LISTEN to give hope in Jesus.
Planning the Journey Ahead
Your Spiritual Growth may not be linear, nor will it be complete until you are with Jesus in Heaven. Spiritual Growth is a journey that involves Identity, Formation, Community and Mission. God will use each of these at different times in your life to mature you. Your growth may be in one or more areas at a time and your journey will be different than any others’. God’s goal is that “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Share an occasion when someone stopped what they were doing to help you in a time of need.
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Mark 5:21-34.
What immediate mission was Jesus on? (Mark 5:21-24)
What was the woman in the crowd seeking? (Mark 5:25-29)
Jesus did three things once he was aware of the need. How did Jesus do these three things?
1. Stop:
2. Look:
3. Listen:
What keeps others from seeking our “touch” or help in times of need? How can we give them permission to reach out? How can we communicate that we are available and approachable?
What distractions keep us from seeing the needs of others? How can the urgency of our lives, work, or even ministry keep us from seeing the needs of the people around us? How can we become more aware?
When you are in need, who do you reach out to? What keeps us from reaching out to others? What keeps us from reaching out to Jesus?
People need Jesus + Help = Wholeness.
Why is only Help not enough?
What are examples of ways we can Help others with their immediate needs while directing them to find Jesus for Wholeness (both now and forever)?
Discuss in your Circle Group how this study has impacted your lives and the group. Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” How can we do this?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
“People need Jesus + Help = Wholeness.” How has this been true in your life? How can you provide help to others in Jesus’ name?
Tuesday – Reflect
At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
Mark 5:30
How can you stop and be more aware of the people around you who are looking for help or healing?
Wednesday – Reflect
“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.
Mark 5:31-32
What distracts you from seeing the needs around you? How can you slow down to see what is truly important?
Thursday – Reflect
Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”
Mark 5:33–34
How can you combine physical help with spiritual help when supporting others?
Friday
Consider the stages of Identity, Formation, Community and Mission. Where is God growing you today? In which areas do you need more growth?
Saturday
In which areas of your life have you refused to grow? Pray: Lord, I ask that you show me how I can open myself to the work you want to do in me.
Breaking Entitlement Activates Mission
Sermon Notes
1. Entitlement says, “I DESERVE.”
I deserve…a comment on my social networking picture because I liked yours.
I deserve…to be happy.
I deserve…to be able to text my friends…even in class…or while driving.
I deserve…my parent, my school, job or the government to bail me out financially.
I deserve…to be able to try and do it all, even though my day runs out of hours.
I deserve…more vacation and less responsibility.
I deserve…to borrow your stuff and never return it.
I deserve…to be unhappy and fussy because feelings should be expressed.
I deserve…to party and hook up and get my needs met.
I deserve…to buy myself something new because…well, I deserve it.
I deserve…to see any video clip or movie regardless of rating or content.
I deserve…to point out what you did wrong and conceal my part in it.
I deserve… to get into Heaven whether I believe in Jesus or not.
We find, “The more I focus on me, the more unhappy I’ll be.”
Those expecting God to accomplish their Mission, get off Mission.
2. Those who resist entitlement go from DEMANDING help to DELIVERING help. They get back ON Mission.
3. Those who go from “I DESERVE” to “I SERVE” find that their joy increases.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Describe a time when you demonstrated entitlement.
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Luke 4:16-30.
What type of miracle were the people of Nazareth wanting from Jesus?
What miraculous event were they ignoring?
Why didn’t Jesus perform miracles in Nazareth like he did in other places?
What was the response when they found out that they were not going to get what they wanted?
Pastor Dave said, “Those expecting God to accomplish their Mission, get off Mission.” Do you agree? How can our expectation of what God is going to do get in the way of seeing what God is actually doing? (See James 4:1-3.)
How did Jesus respond to what he could have felt he was entitled to? How can we learn from his example? (See Philippians 2:3-8 on page 44).
How has God empowered us to avoid feelings of entitlement? (See Hebrews 2:14-15 and James 4:7-10.)
In what ways does the world try to convince us that we are entitled to pleasing ourselves and to having what we want? How is that the same as the lie the serpent told Eve in Genesis 3:5 “You will be like God”? What are practical ways to break entitlement in our lives?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
In what areas do you think “I Deserve”? How can you focus less on your self?
Tuesday – Reflect
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:1–3
What desires cause battles within me? How do they affect my relationships with others?
Wednesday – Reflect on Matthew 20:1–16
What, in your circumstances, appears to be unfair? How is God using this for your benefit? For the benefit of others?
Thursday – Reflect
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3–4
In what ways do you consider yourself better than others? What practical ways can you teach yourself to consider the interests of others?
Friday – Reflect
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5–8
How can you humble yourself and be sacrificial to others in your life? In the world around you?
Saturday
Consider: Rather than focusing on your agenda and wants, how can you get on Mission with God? Where can you serve? What can you give?
Invite Unlikely People
Sermon Notes
1. Are we focused on REACHING people more than simply KEEPING people?
2. Look for people OUTSIDE the church to intentionally INCLUDE in the body of Christ.
When someone is intentionally INCLUDED, and
is transformed by Jesus, they instinctively give to RESTORE where they have broken community with others.
3. I played SOME PART in someone crossing the line of FAITH.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Have you ever had a close friend who was completely different than you? In what way? What made you friends?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Luke 19:1-10
How was Jesus different than Zacchaeus?
Why did the crowd mutter against Jesus?
How was Jesus’ response different than “all the people” expected? How was Zacchaeus’ response different than expected?
Who was seeking whom in this story? (see Luke 19:3-5, 10)
When befriending others who are different than we are, how does Jesus’ example show us who to reach out to?
Why was Jesus so attractive to people who were unlike him? What are ways we can both be true to who we are in Christ and be attractive to those who are not like us?
How is your life different because of your response to Jesus? Who around you deliberately rejects Community or appears not to be looking for Jesus?
Pastor Dave commented, “A common thread among people who become saved is the existence of a friend who nagged them to go to church or youth group or a church Christmas event.” When was a time you were far from Jesus? What brought you to Him or back to Him?
What intentional ways can we reach out to those who appear to be far from Jesus?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
Honestly, are you open to being around people who are not like you? Where in your life can you reach out to people who are different than you?
Tuesday – Reflect
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15–17
How can you love people instead of judging people? How can you be intentional this week to engage with those who need Christ?
Wednesday – Reflect
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15–16
Are you prepared to give the reason for the hope you have? What can you do to be prepared to share Jesus with others?
Thursday – Reflect
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5–6
How can you make the most of every opportunity? What does being “full of grace, seasoned with salt” mean in your context?
Friday – Reflect
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7
What are practical ways you can bring good news to others?
Saturday
Who in your life should you engage and invite to church? Or Circle Group? Or into a discussion about Christ?
No One Matures Alone
Sermon Notes
“Your friends determine the direction and quality of your life.” – Pastor Andy Stanley
1. What is the job of the Bible? To equip you for every good work.
2. No one who follows Christ matures alone.
What is the job of community and the church?
To stir up one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. What is the job of the pastors and teachers?
To equip you for good works of service. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
The job of the Word, of Pastors, Teachers & Community is the SAME job!
4. What is the job of our good work? So that others will give glory to our Father in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Mark 1:16-20, Mark 2:13-14, Mark 3:13-19. What type of people did Jesus call? Pastor Dave said, “Jesus was the secret weapon to mature those people he chose to be in community with.” What does this mean?
How does seeing who Jesus chose to carry the Gospel to the world give us confidence that we can be used by Him also?
How does seeing who Jesus chose to carry the Gospel to the world help us to accept and love others in our church and community even though they are different?
How does the presence of Jesus in our lives lead us to spiritual maturity? (Colossians 2:6-7)
Pastor Dave’s main idea is that no one matures alone. God has provided all the resources we need to mature in Christ.
How is the Bible useful for spiritual maturity? (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17 on page 31.)
How are pastors and teachers useful for spiritual maturity, both individual and corporate? (See Ephesians 4:11-13 on page 31.)
How is meeting together as a church and in Circle Groups important for Spiritual Growth? (See Hebrews 10:24-25 on page 32.)
What keeps us from maturing as Christians?
What is God’s goal for our maturity? (Philippians 3:13-14)
Consider the formula InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION. How can your group “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”? (Hebrews 10:24)
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday – Reflect
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
How does God’s Word help me to mature? What good work am I being equipped for?
Tuesday – Reflect
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:11–12
How does Christian leadership help you to mature? How can your acts of service build up the body of Christ?
Wednesday – Reflect
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11–13
How am I growing in faith, knowledge and maturity? What does it mean to me to attain the whole measure of Christ?
Thursday – Reflect
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…
Hebrews 10:24–25
What am I doing to spur others to love and good deeds? How can I intentionally be encouraging to others this week?
Friday – Reflect
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9–11
How is God calling me to pursue spiritual maturity?
Saturday
How can I actively use fellowship with Jesus, the Word of God, my relationships and the church to help me grow in Christ? How can I help others grow in their maturity?
Walking on Water
Sermon Notes
Two things: Being in PAIN and being POWERLESS will inevitably expose our immature, childish images of God.
| CHILDISH FAITH | MATURE FAITH |
| Good Christians don’t have pain or disappointment. | God uses our pain and disappointment to make us better Christians. (2 Corinthians 1:4) |
| God helps those who help themselves. | God helps those who admit their own helplessness. (John 15:5) |
| God wants to make us happy. | God wants to make us in the image of Jesus. (Philippians 2:5-8) |
| Faith will help us always explain what God is doing and things always work out. | Faith helps us stand under God’s sovereignty even when we have no idea what God is doing. (Job 13:15) |
| The closer we get to God the more perfect we become. | The closer we get to God, the more we become aware of our own sinfulness. (Romans 7:24-25) |
| Mature Christians have answers. | Mature Christians can wrestle honestly with tough questions because we trust that God has the answers. (1 Corinthians 13:12) |
| Good Christians are always strong. | Our strength is in admitting our weaknesses and our need for others. (2 Corinthians 12:9-11) |
| Strong emotional experiences are deeper spiritually. | We test every spirit and wind of teaching, as we worship emotionally in spirit balanced by truth. (1 John 4:1) |
| We go to church because our friends are there, we have great leaders, and we get something out of it. | We go to church because we are the body of Christ, and we are spiritual contributors. We celebrate and serve. (Hebrews 10:24-25) |
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – Share a time you took a big risk, and experienced a step-out-of-the-boat-and-walk-on-water faith moment.
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Read Matthew 14:22-33.
Pastor Dave pointed out that, “Peter wanted to make a splash and not take a splash.” How can our desire to look important get in the way of seeing God at work? How did Jesus respond to Peter’s bold actions?
Was Peter the only one with little faith? Why or why not? How can fear get in the way of seeing God at work? How did Jesus reassure them not to be afraid?
Peter’s reaction to the wind was to doubt Jesus and the reality of the impossible. How can doubt get in the way of seeing God at work? How did Jesus respond to Peter’s doubt?
How does Jesus react to us when we are acting out of self-importance, fear, or doubt? Which of these is most likely to keep you from acting in faith? How can these lessons lead to spiritual formation?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:5. How does “preaching ourselves” and “serving ourselves” get in the way of spiritual formation? What is the alternative? How can you refocus?
InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION. Spiritual Formation happens over time when we apply what we learn. God is giving us opportunity to grow through life experiences to become more like Christ. What are some ways He is doing this?
2 Corinthians 12:10 (When I am weak, then I am strong)
Hebrews 12:5-11 (Fatherly discipline)
Ephesians 4:11-12 (Pastors and teachers)
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Through God’s Word)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Build each other up)
In what way is God inviting you to draw near to Him in the midst of the hardships you are facing? How can the members of the Circle Group pray for you?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday – Reflect
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When has God comforted you? Who can you extend God’s comfort to this week?
Tuesday – Reflect
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
How can you remain connected to God?
Wednesday – Reflect
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8
When do you have an opportunity to demonstrate the attitude of a servant?
Thursday – Reflect
“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”
Job 13:15
Where do you truly find your hope?
Friday – Reflect
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Romans 7:24-25
When do you feel conflicted about God’s law and the law of sin?
Saturday
Choose one growth area from the Faith Chart and pray for God to bring you to mature faith in this area.
Satan Tempts Jesus
Sermon Notes
InFORMATION + APPLICATION = TransFORMATION.
Three ways Satan tries to stop spiritual progress:
1. Satan appeals to your FLESH.
“…tell these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:3)
You’re tempted to STOP the good and serve yourself.
2. Satan appeals to POSITION.
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down…” (Matthew 4:6)
You’re tempted to DEFEND your pride.
3. Satan appeals to your VALUE.
“All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9)
You’re tempted to place your value in THINGS.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – What bad habit or compulsion did you have when you were younger that you no longer struggle with? What happened to change it?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Pastor Dave pointed out, “When people are asked why they don’t believe in God, the number one answer is, ‘Suffering.’ When Christians are asked when they grew the most in their lives, the number one answer is, ‘Suffering.’” Do you find this to be true in your experience? Share an example from your own life.
Read Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He resisted him and did not sin. How does this knowledge help us to resist temptation?
Why did Satan tempt Jesus? Why does he tempt Christians?
How did Jesus respond to Satan in the wilderness?
How is Jesus’ response to temptation similar to or different from your reaction to temptation, trial or difficulty? Share an example.
Was Jesus left alone while He was being tempted? (Matthew 4:1, 11) How does knowing that God is with us during difficult times help us to stand up to temptation?
Why does God allow us to experience difficulties, pain, temptation and disappointments?
James 1:2-3 (Testing produces perseverance and maturity.)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (We experience God’s comfort and we comfort others.)
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (God’s power is revealed in our weakness.)
We learned that InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION. How does this knowledge help you to accept your current circumstances as God’s work in your life?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday
“InFORMATION + Application = TransFORMATION.” How have you seen this principle at work in your own life?
Tuesday – Reflect
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
What weaknesses can you take to Jesus with confidence that he understands?
Wednesday – Reflect
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
What temptations can you take to God for strength to resist and provision of a way out?
Thursday – Reflect
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:7-10
What is this saying to you about resisting temptation today?
Friday
Consider (from the sermon) the three ways Satan tries to stop spiritual progress. Ask God to reveal which of these you are vulnerable to. Ask Him for Bible references, wisdom and power to resist Satan. (Many Bibles have a list of topical verses in the back or topics can be found online.)
Saturday
Who can use your encouragement during a difficult time? Develop an action plan to encourage them this week.
You Smell Amazing
Sermon Notes
Your identity in Jesus Christ is the aroma that God uses to point people to His reality.
Authenticity trumps self-perfection.
Passport to My Identity In Christ…
I Am Accepted
John 1:12 I am a child of God.
John 15:15 I am Jesus’ chosen friend.
Romans 5:1 I am holy and acceptable to God.
1 Cor. 3:16 I am united to the Lord.
1 Cor. 5:19-20 I have been bought with a price.
1 Cor. 12:27 I am part of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint, a holy one.
Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God’s child.
Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed.
Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
I Am Secure
Romans 8:1-2 I am free forever from punishment.
Romans 8:28 I am sure all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31 I am free from any charges against me.
Romans 8:35 I cannot be separated from the love of God.
Ephesians 2:19 I am a citizen of Heaven.
Philippians 1:6 I am sure that the good work that God has started in me will be finished.
Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in times of need.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God; the evil one can’t touch me.
I Am Significant
Matthew 5:13-14 I am salt and light for everyone around me.
John 15:1, 5 I am a part of the True Vine.
John 15:16 I am hand picked by Jesus to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a Spirit-Empowered witness to Christ.
1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19 I am a temple where the Holy Spirit lives.
2 Cor. 5:17 I am at peace with God and He has given me the work of making peace between Himself and others.
2 Cor. 6:1 I am God’s coworker.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in Heaven.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s building project, His handiwork, His masterpiece.
Philippians 4:13 I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength!
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – What about your family (either as you were growing up or the one you are in now) makes it different, distinctive or special?
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
What do the following passages say about our Identity?
John 1:12 (Child of God)
Ephesians 1:4-6 (Chosen as adopted sons)
Ephesians 2:19 (Citizens of Heaven, members of God’s household)
1 Peter 2:9 (Chosen people, royal priesthood, belonging to God)
Colossians 1:12-14 (Inheritor, rescued, in the kingdom)
As children of God, we are loved and accepted by God. How can this knowledge help us to face changes, challenges and difficulties?
Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. How can we be a “pleasing aroma of Christ”? How does God use our Identity in Christ as the “aroma” that points people to Him?
Pastor Dave discussed some practical ways we can be authentic (real with our faith, not perfect) in our world. What are some practical ways you can be authentic in your world?
Read the Passport to My Identity in Christ. Which truths about your Identity in Christ resonate with you? Taken as a whole, how does knowing our Identity help us to grow spiritually into the people God has designed us to be?
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week? What Reflections did you apply last week?
Monday – Reflect
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:12-13
What does being a child of God mean to you?
Tuesday – Reflect
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ….. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39
How does this verse give you confidence to face your days?
Wednesday – Reflect
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
What are your current burdens? Where is true rest found?
Thursday
Reflect on what you are thankful for today.
Write your thoughts.
Friday – Reflect
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
What does it mean that you are the light of the world?
Saturday
Reflect on how God can use you to be a “pleasing aroma” to others this week.
Identity Kick Starts Spiritual Growth
Sermon Notes
1. Identity (Mark 1:11)
You are my son/daughter, whom I love; in YOU I am well pleased!
2. Formation (Mark 1:12-13)
3. Community (Mark 1:14-20)
4. Mission (Mark 1:21-28)
5. God is not so loving that He stops being just.
God is fully loving. God is fully just.
He doesn’t compromise one for the other.
Circle Group Questions
Ice Breaker – As a child or teen, what trends did you participate in to try to fit in with your peers?
Share your personal journey with God and your own Spiritual Growth with the group. (Everyone’s journey is different. Remember to honor each other’s stories.)
Share one of your Personal Reflections from the week.
Pastor Dave told the story of Harmony Dust and how her negative self-view resulted in a destructive lifestyle until she was able to embrace God’s view of her value. His challenge to us was: “It is up to us to actively replace the lies we believe with the truth.”
What lies have you told yourself?
What lies have others told you about yourself (either directly or implied)?
How have these lies negatively impacted your life?
What do Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 say about how we can change these lies into truth?
Mark 1:9-28 shows Jesus’ progression as he developed his leadership among the disciples. Pastor Dave identifies Four Areas of Spiritual Growth:
Identity – (Mark 1:9-11) What identity was given to Jesus? How does God’s view of you affect how you view yourself?
Formation – (Mark 1:12-13) How did Jesus respond to attacks and adversity? (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13). When have you grown from experiencing adversity?
Community – (Mark 1:14-20) Jesus chose people to share his ministry journey. How do our friends help determine the direction and quality of our lives?
Mission – (Mark 1:21-28) Jesus began his teaching ministry. Pastor Dave said, “Mission is not earning favor, it is expressing the favor we have already received.” What is your reaction to this definition of Mission? How does it translate in our lives?
Which of these areas of Spiritual Growth do you most identify with at this time? Why? (Keep in mind that this is an ongoing process, not always experienced in order. Each stage may be encountered many times in a lifetime.)
Personal Reflections
Sunday
What stood out to you from today’s sermon? What teaching can you apply this week?
Monday
Who in your life has had the greatest impact in shaping you as a person? In what way? What have you learned from this experience?
Tuesday
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Are you more likely to follow the world or God’s Word?
Wednesday – Reflect
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
What thoughts do you need to take captive and to make obedient to Christ?
Thursday – Reflect
And a voice came from Heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:11
Who are you to God? How does God view you?
Friday – Reflect
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1
How does God view you? Who are you to God?
Saturday
How can God use you to express His love to others this week?