Step Four

Mixer

What talent do you wish you had?

Discuss/Reflect

1.     What brought you joy this week?

2.    Share an act of kindness you experienced or witnessed this week.

3.     What is something causing you anxiety?

Sermon Questions

1.   This week Pastor Jared challenged us to think in terms of who we are and the type of person we’d like to be.  This gap is not a failure; it’s actually a blessing in which we can recognize that what we long for, when we think in a Christlike way, is what God intends for us.  God is with us in this gap.  Self-assess who you are at this moment.  Describe those areas in your life that you’d like to change (personally, relationship-wise, etc.)  Who do you want to be?  How would you like to act and engage others?  After sharing, write a prayer that reflects those changes – where do you need God’s blessing?
2.   Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  Often, we view righteousness as being good.  Righteousness is heaven happening on earth.  Pastor Jared taught us this week that righteousness is the reign of God.  Do you allow God to direct your life?  Are you living on this earth as God intended, or are you constantly beating yourself up?  What are the things that nag at you, maybe even cause sleepless nights, that remain absent in your life?  Where can God step in and say, “I am here – you are not alone.”  
3.   We are designed with free will – we are not perfect, nor are we spiritual robots.  Lately, it feels like all normalcy has been replaced with something a bit ‘weird.’ In this new season, what are some areas in which you find yourself striving to perform?  Extend yourself some grace.  God loves you and knows what is best for you.  What areas of your life are you striving for perfection, and can relinquish to God, and say, “God, I trust you!”  Retain your humanity, and let God do the rest.  

Go Deeper

Read John 14:16-31.

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus reminded the disciples of some important matters. In John 14:21, He pointed out the connection between love and obedience, saying, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” In other words, loving the Lord and obeying Him are inseparable.

What commands are we to obey? Jesus said the greatest commandments are: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). The Holy Spirit will show us how to live these out. When we let go of a selfish attitude and put someone else first, when we show forgive- ness instead of anger, or when we demonstrate a thankful heart in the midst of hard circumstances, we are expressing our love for Jesus.

Jesus’ life on earth was one continuous expression of love for the heavenly Father (John 14:31). To follow His example requires a heart that desires to please Him, a will that is bent toward obedience, and a mind that consistently seeks direction from Him. Develop the habit of asking yourself two questions: What does obedience to God look like in this situation? and What can I do to obey God more fully?

(InTouch Ministries: How Obedience Relates to Love)

Suggestions to Serve

Good Neighbor Drop-N-Drive | The Church at RB | Thursday 10AM-2PM

Prayer

Have the person(s) wearing red, pray for the group.

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