Sermon Notes

Main Idea: Disciples of Jesus draw on the power and strength the Holy Spirit provides as they pursue God’s will for their lives.

Today’s Bible Passages

2 Timothy 1:6-14; Acts 1:4-8; Ephesians 3:16-20.

A Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Discipline

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

The Holy Spirit who resides in the hearts of baptized disciples is a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
We might not feel this way on our own, but the Spirit enables us to live this way.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Life of a Disciple:

Our Teacher and Guide
Our Constant Comforter
Our Partner in Prayer
Our Source of Strength
The Giver of Gifts

The Holy Spirit’s Power Helps us Accomplish God’s Mission.

Love God, love others, make disciples.
We cannot accomplish God’s will for our lives through human effort alone — we need the power that the Spirit provides.

Scripture: Acts 1:4-8.

The Holy Spirit was so crucial to the mission of the church that Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Spirit came.
If the disciples tried on their own, they would have failed. If they somehow succeeded, they would have given themselves credit (instead of God).

Are You a Functional Atheist?

Reflection Questions:

If someone had access to all of your thoughts, words, and actions, how obvious would it be that you were living with a daily dependence on God instead of relying only on yourself?

Functional Atheism: “The belief that ultimate responsibility for everything rests with us. This is the unconscious, unexamined conviction that if anything decent is going to happen here, we are the ones who must make it happen — a conviction held even by people who talk a good game about God.” -Parker Palmer

Traditional Atheism is the belief that God does not exist (or the belief that there isn’t enough evidence to conclude he exists).
Functional atheism refers to acting as though God didn’t exist, even if you would say you believe in him.

Signs You Might be a Functional Atheist:

Over-Reliance on Self
Lack of Consistent Prayer
Few Risks, Small Goals
Paralyzing Fear of Failure
Chronic Worry
Burnout, Inability to Rest
Apathy Towards Sin

God’s Grace, The Gift of the Spirit, and the Call to Discipleship

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

This passage addresses the what, why, and how of the Gospel story and our purpose as disciples.

What? This passage is a call to discipleship.

“Called us to a holy life.”
“Join me in suffering for the Gospel.”
“Guard the good deposit.”
This is our goal.

Why? Because God has saved us and been gracious to us.

“He has saved us.”
“Because of his own purpose and grace.”
This is our motivation.

How? Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The Spirit God gave us… gives us power.”
“By the power of God.”
“With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
This is our source of strength.

Discipleship: Be One, Make One.

Disciples Grow with God (knowledge, character, faith).
Disciples Connect in Community (relationships)
Disciples Live Like Jesus (actions, lifestyle)
Disciples Make More Disciples (Great Commission)
Disciples Rely on the Holy Spirit (power)

Closing Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-20

Study and Reflection

Spend some time reading and reflecting on Romans 8:1-17, which focuses on the difference between life in the flesh and life in the Spirit.

As you read, reflect on these questions:

What key things does God want us to know about the Holy Spirit from this passage?
How does the Bible describe the life and ultimate destiny of someone who is separated from the Spirit of God?
What are some of the specific benefits or blessings associated with being “in Christ” and having the Spirit of God?
What does this passage reveal about our identity as disciples, and how does this compare to the way you view yourself? How does it compare to the way the world tends to define our identity?
What kind of “obligation” do you think Paul was referring to in verse 12?
Today’s sermon discussed the way the Spirit brings power, love, and self-discipline to our lives. How do you see those three things functioning together in our discipleship? For example, what would happen if love were missing from that mix? Or if there was plenty of power, but no self-discipline?
Can you think of times in your life where you were showing signs of functional atheism? Even if you never denied God’s existence, have you ever acted as though everything depended on you?
In today’s sermon passage, we saw the connection between what God has done for us (grace) and what we are called to do for God (live holy lives). How does Paul describe the relationship between God’s gifts and our call to discipleship in this passage?
What is something from this passage or the sermon that you want to pray about and apply to your life? How will you put it into practice?

Today’s Main Idea: Disciples of Jesus strive to follow his teachings and imitate his example throughout their daily lives.

Today’s Bible Passages

1 John 2:1-6; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:1; John 13:15; John 14:12; Mark 1:9-45; Philippians 3:7-9

What Would Jesus Do?

A popular phrase that prompts people to consider how Jesus would respond in various situations.
A good reminder that one of our core commitments as disciples is to live like Jesus.

Embracing Our True Calling

Our Mission: “The church exists to develop lifelong disciples of Jesus who glorify God, love others, and make more disciples.” (Be One, Make One)
What kind of disciples are we called to be? Our vision statement explains it like this: “We strive to be a diverse church family where each individual commits to growing with God, connecting in community, and living like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We need a clear picture of where we’re going (mission) and how we plan on getting there (vision); otherwise, we will lose sight of our true goal.

Sobering truth: it’s entirely possible to be committed to church on Sundays without actually living like Jesus the other six days of the week.

Some people outside the church are noticing that many Christians do not imitate Jesus in their daily lives.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” -Gandhi.
To the extent this critique is applicable to us, we need to hold each other to our true calling of living like Jesus.

God calls us to live like Jesus.

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

We are called to reject sin.
We are called to imitate Jesus.
Jesus died for our sins and acts as our advocate (a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement).

Three Goals of First-Century Discipleship

(Adapted from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer)

Be With Your Master
Become Like Your Master
Do As Your Master Did

Bible Verses About Imitating God & Jesus

From Paul: Ephesians 5:1-2 (follow God’s example, imitate Jesus); 1 Corinthians 11:1 (Follow Paul’s example as he follow Christ).
From Jesus: John 13:15 (do as I have done for you); John 14:12 (you will do even greater things than me)

Key Point: We can’t follow Jesus’s example unless we know what Jesus was like.

What was important to him? Who did he spend time with? How did he treat people? What were his top priorities? What made him upset? What brought him joy?
The only way to answer those questions truthfully is by devoting ourselves to the study of God’s Word — especially the Gospels.

The Crucial Role of Studying God’s Word

Disciples are called to live like Jesus.
We can’t imitate Jesus without knowing him.
We can’t know him without reading the Bible.
We won’t read the Bible unless we make it a priority.
Reading alone won’t change us; it takes a commitment to putting our faith in action.

A Christ-Centered, Action-Oriented Approach

As you read the Bible, ask yourself, “How is God using this passage to help me become more like Jesus and live like Jesus did?”

Scripture: Mark 1:9-45. What Did Jesus Do?

Glorified God (baptism, overcoming temptation, praying), Loved Others (healing, casting out demons), Made Disciples (preached, taught, called his disciples).
What can we do to follow his example in these areas?

Application: Living Like Jesus

Know Christ, imitate his example, follow his teachings.

Final Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:7-14

Faith At Home Challenge:

This week, read Luke 7-9, which tells us about several interactions Jesus had with different kinds of people.

As you read, reflect on these questions:

What was important to Jesus?
Who did he spend time with?
How did he treat people?
What were his top priorities?
What made him upset?
What brought him joy?
How is he calling us to imitate him?

Main Idea: God wants us to invest in Christ-centered relationships with other disciples so we can give and receive encouragement throughout our lives.

Today’s Bible Passages

Luke 10:1-17; John 13:33-35; John 17:20-23; Acts 2:42-47.

Today: Disciples Connect in Community.

Discipleship isn’t just about following Jesus personally; it’s about following Jesus together.

Sometimes we will be the one who needs support from other Christians.
Sometimes someone else will need us to be there for them.

Ninja Warrior or Team Challenge?

There are two shows on T.V. with a similar premise: American Ninja Warrior and Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge.

One is a solo competition where you succeed or fail on your own.
The other is a team competition where you rise or fall together.

Some parts of our discipleship have to be done alone, and we can’t delegate those responsibilities to anyone else.

But a lot of what we are called to do as a church cannot be done by any one person alone.
We need to come together as a body to accomplish the mission God has given us.

1. Community Strengthens Us for our Mission.

Scripture: Luke 10:1-17

Jesus was training and equipping his disciples for their long-term mission of making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus does not send his disciples out to preach or do ministry alone; he sends them out two-by-two. Why is that?

Following Jesus isn’t always easy, which is why we need strong Christians by our side.

Notice the potential threats and challenges mentioned in this passage:

Lambs among wolves.
Some cities won’t welcome you.
Some people will reject you.

This is a continuation of growing opposition and challenges from the previous chapter (Luke 9):

Herod starts asking questions (the ruler who had John the Baptist killed).
Jesus predicts his death and challenges his disciples to take up their cross.
Opposition from the Samaritans.
The high cost of following Jesus.

Who’s on Your Team?

Who are you pouring into with encouragement and wisdom?
Who could you turn to in a moment of crisis?
How can our church family help you build your team and get connected?

2. Community Shows We Are Sincere Disciples of Jesus.

Scripture: John 13:33-35.

Our love for one another builds our credibility as witnesses for the Gospel.
People will see how much we love each other and conclude that we must be sincere in our faith.
This demonstrates that we are not just casual Sunday morning Christians; we are devoted, everyday disciples of Christ.

3. Community Helps Prove Our Message Is True.

Scripture: John 17:20-23.

Our unity as a family of faith will send a powerful message to the world.
Our love and unity will help people believe that Jesus really was sent by God. Why else (and how else) would such diverse people be able to love each other so deeply and serve alongside each other with such joy?

The Results of Connecting in Community.

What would happen if every disciple of Jesus chose to connect in community the way the Bible describes?

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the way God would be at work:

People were filled with awe.
No one went needy.
Their hearts were full of gladness.
The church enjoyed a great relationship with their community.
Every day more people were saved.

Faith in Action Challenges:

Be part of a young person’s “Team of Five.”
Join a small group or ministry.
Pray, study, serve, eat, evangelize, or worship with other disciples.

Study and Reflection

“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” -Charles Spurgeon

Read Mark 2:1-12.

As you read, reflect on the following questions, or discuss them together with a small group.

What does this story reveal about the heart, character, or nature of Jesus?
What does it reveal about the human condition? What are people like, especially without Jesus?
How does this Bible story connect with the “Ultimate Team Challenge” illustration used in this week’s sermon?
What do you think this man’s life would have looked like if he didn’t have a community that helped him reach Jesus?
Some people struggle with asking for help when they need it. Do you find it easy or difficult to reach out to others when you are struggling? What has helped you do it in the past?
When it comes to your walk with God, who do you connect with most in this story — the paralyzed man, the supportive friends, the rigid Pharisees, or Jesus? What about them resonates with you?
What do you think God is calling us to know, be, or do through this story? How can we put our faith in action in a way that helps us grow with God, connect in community, or live like Jesus?

Main Idea: Jesus is guiding us on a journey of becoming more like him in every area of our lives: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Recap: Be One, Make One.

Being a disciple is a lifelong commitment and a full-time calling, not a part-time responsibility.

Today: Disciples Grow with God

What does it mean to “grow with God”?

It could include knowing the Bible better (knowledge), making better choices (action), working on our hearts (character), or trusting God more (faith).

A Simple Description of Growing:

As disciples, Jesus is guiding us on a journey of becoming more like him in every area of our lives: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Jesus Is an Empowering Guide.

He not only points us in the right direction (where God wants us to go), he equips and empowers us to be successful on the journey.

This is especially important for people who struggle to stay consistent in their growth, and follow through on their commitments.
Case in point: “Quitters Day” was January 9th… the day when a large portion of the population abandons their New Year’s Resolutions.
Jesus helps us achieve things we’d never be able to do on our own.

Out With the Old (Self), In With the New (Self)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

We have to take an active role in our growth. “Put off the old self… put on the new self.”
But we also have to remember that only God has the power to make us new. We are taught “to be made new,” by God, not try to “make ourselves new” on our own.
The goal of the new self is to become like God in righteousness and holiness.

“The Paradox of Change”

Key Point: God loves you just the way you are, but he doesn’t want you to stay that way.

1. God Loves You Unconditionally

You are made in his image (Genesis 1:26-27) and he demonstrated his love by sending Jesus to die while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8).
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

However, we can’t confuse God’s unconditional love for us with an unconditional approval of our sins. Love does not equate to endorsement.

2. God Doesn’t Want You To Stay This Way.

He knows who you were created to be and who you can become in Christ, so he doesn’t want you to stay the same forever.

Example: Dinner at Matthew’s House (Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:31-32)

Many sinners followed Jesus because he invited everyone to spend time with him.
But everyone who chose to follow Jesus was expected to repent of their sins and become more like him.

Two Mistakes People Make:

Mistake #1: Thinking you have to be perfect to follow Jesus (you don’t).
Mistake #2: Thinking that being loved by God means never having to change (you do).

Reflection Questions:

Where are you in your walk with God?
Where does God want you to be?
How will you make progress?

Asking questions like these is a vital part of the growth process as disciples.

What We Can Learn About Growth from Paul and Timothy

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

1. Spiritual growth takes intentional focus. (“Train yourself… be diligent… devote yourself wholly to them.”)

2. Spiritual growth involves multiple aspects of our lives:

In our knowledge of God and His Word.
In our character (heart, attitudes).
In our actions (way of life).
In our faith (trust in God).

Our challenge is to study, worship, and pray with a growth mindset.

How is God using this experience to help me become more like Jesus?
How can I cooperate with Him in that work?
Am I growing in my walk, or just busy with my religion?
How is Satan trying to sabotage my growth?

Faith Challenge for the Week

This week, read Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount).

As you read, reflect on the following (use extra space if needed):

Knowledge: What does God want me to know?
Character: What kind of person does God want me to be?
Action: What is God teaching me to do?
Faith: How has God earned my trust?

Lastly, talk to someone about what you learned, how you felt God speaking to you, and any commitments you have made.

Main Idea: Being a Disciple is a lifelong commitment and a full-time calling, not a part-time responsibility.

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Be A Disciple: “Come Follow Me.”
Make More Disciples: “Fish for People.”

Key Point: Jesus was not calling these men to a short-term assignment or a part-time job. That’s because discipleship is a lifelong commitment and a full-time calling; not a part-time responsibility.

Discipleship is not something we clock into and clock out of every time we go to church and leave again. It is an ongoing, everyday commitment to follow Jesus faithfully.

Southwest’s Mission and Vision

Mission: “The church exists to develop lifelong disciples of Jesus who glorify God, love others, and make more disciples.”

Develop Lifelong Disciples = “Be One.”
Make More Disciples = “Make One.”
This is based on the greatest commands and the Great Commission (Matthew 22:34-40; 28:18-20).

Vision: “We strive to be a diverse church family where each individual commits to growing with God, connecting in community, and living like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Mutual Responsibilities

The church as a whole has a responsibility to develop lifelong disciples who glorify God, love others, and make more disciples.
Church leaders have a unique responsibility to facilitate this (Ephesians 4:11-13).
But each member is also individually responsible for being a disciple, making disciples, growing with God, connecting in community, and living like Jesus.

Healthy Churches are Equipping Churches.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Church leaders are called to equip God’s people for works of service (v. 12).
Each member must participate in the work God has given us (v. 16).

Notice the references in this passage to our vision statement:

Grow with God (become mature, we will grow, mature body)
Connect in Community (unity in the faith, joined and held together)
Living Like Jesus (works of service, each part does its work)

Healthy Churches, Healthy Disciples

Healthy churches develop lifelong disciples, help people grow, facilitate Christ-centered relationships, and equip people to serve.
Healthy disciples focus on “be one, make one”, grow with God, connect in community, and live like Jesus.

Bill Hull: “Discipleship isn’t a program or an event; it’s a way of life. It’s not for a limited time, but for our whole life. Discipleship isn’t for beginners alone; it’s for all believers for every day of their life. Discipleship isn’t just one of the things the church does; it is what the church does.”

Why The ABC’s are an Unhealthy Scorecard for Churches

Some churches slide into thinking that success as a church comes down to the ABC’s:

Attendance: The More the Merrier
Building: Bigger is Better.
Contributions: Strong and Stable

When this happens, discipleship and spiritual growth can be neglected because there is too much focus on being bigger and better.

Spiritual Co-Dependency: When church members who want to outsource their responsibilities hire or appoint church leaders who need to be needed, both sides enable the other to ignore their Biblical calling to serve and equip.
In Kingdom Minded Churches, leaders challenge and equip the members to serve (with grace, patience, and support), and the members rise to the occasion.

Summary: Be One, Make One.

Every Christian is called to be a full-time, everyday disciple of Jesus.

Faith in Action:

Be One. Spend time with Jesus (prayer, worship, Bible reading) every day this week.
Be One. Pray to God and talk with other Christians about specific ways you can grow as a disciple this year.
Make One. Choose one person who isn’t a disciple yet that you will pray for and reach out to in 2026.

Study and Reflection:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” -Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Read: Luke 9:1-6 and 18-27.

In these stories, we see the disciples spending quality time with Jesus, professing their faith that he is the Messiah, being sent out to do ministry, and being challenged to follow Jesus every day.

In your own words, what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? How is this different (if at all) from being a Christian or a believer?
When Jesus first called Peter and the other disciples, he emphasized following him and being sent out into the world. How do you see those two themes in the stories you read in Luke 9?
What kind of risk or cost did the disciples take on when they became disciples? What about when Jesus sent them to do ministry?
What kind of risk or cost do we face as disciples of Jesus today?
What we believe about Jesus will determine how devoted we are to him. If he is just a myth, idea, or wise philosopher, we won’t be willing to sacrifice much for him. With that in mind, why was it so significant for Peter to declare that Jesus is the Messiah?
Jesus says being a disciple requires carrying our cross every day. What does it mean to you to “carry your cross?” Do you ever find it challenging to live as a disciple when you’re not at church (e.g. school, work, home)? What makes it more challenging to follow Jesus in those contexts?
Jesus speaks about having the right priorities in Luke 9:24-25. As we begin a new year, how can you let this passage guide your thoughts and transform your heart about what to focus on?
Thinking back to the sermon, what responsibilities do church leaders and church members have in accomplishing the mission God has given the church? What is one way you could get more involved in Kingdom work this year?

Main Idea: The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with power so we can become the people God calls us to be and do the things God calls us to do.

The Role of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is directly involved in giving us the gift of God’s presence, guidance, and power.

The Holy Spirit’s Power in the Old Testament

Physical Power: Samson (Judges 14:6)
Power to be Transformed: King Saul (1 Samuel 10:6) and the people of Israel (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Power to Speak Boldly: Moses and the elders (Numbers 11:24-25), Prophets like Micah (Micah 3:8).

Today, God’s Spirit continues to…

Make us strong (Ephesians 3:16),
Transform our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:18),
Help us speak up about our faith (Mark 13:11; Acts 4:31).

Jesus and the Gift of the Spirit

Jesus was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in the Gospels (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:14).

But he also promised we would receive power from the Spirit (Acts 1:8).

The Bible frequently reminds us to remember the power of the Spirit (2 Tim. 1:7; Rom. 15:13).

Why We Need the Reminder

Many Christians (in the Bible and now) might feel tired, weak, discouraged, and hopeless about following Jesus in a difficult environment.

Some first-century Christians probably felt that it was too dangerous to speak up about Jesus, and it wouldn’t do any good anyway.

They Suffered from “Learned Helplessness.”

The hopelessness people feel when they have been conditioned to believe nothing will ever work out well for them.
They feel stuck, hopeless, and that there’s nothing they can do to change or fix the situation. “Why bother?”

Examples of Learned Helplessness:

“That’s just the way I am. I’ll never be able to conquer this sin.”
“I just know people will judge and reject me for talking about faith. I better stay quiet.”
“They’ll never listen to me if I tell them how hurt I am. I’ll just avoid them and hope it blows over.”

The Scripture we need to take to heart is Ephesians 1:18-20. We have the incomparably great power of God at work in our lives.

This is God’s resurrection power, and we have more of it than we realize.

God’s Power in the Birth of Christ

1. God has the power to do the impossible in our lives.

Scripture: Luke 1:34-37.

The Holy Spirit is the power that enabled Mary and Elizabeth to both experience an “impossible” miracle.

Elizabeth — Very old, unable to conceive (Luke 1:13-17).
Mary — Very young, still a virgin.
Neither woman should have been able to have a child, but God did the impossible through the Holy Spirit’s power (Luke 1:35).

God’s power enables us to serve him in mighty ways, even when our human circumstances seem like impossible obstacles.

2. God has the power to redeem our broken stories and draw us near to Christ.

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17.

The women mentioned in Jesus’s family history remind us of God’s love and compassion for people who tend to be excluded.

1. Tamar (Genesis 37)

2. Rahab (Judges 2)

3. Ruth (Ruth 1-4)

4. Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)

5. Mary (Luke 1-2)

These women had painful, broken stories that God redeemed for good. Their stories were marked by loss, tragedy, grief, and scandal. Many were horribly mistreated by powerful men.

Nevertheless, God showed up in the brokenness of their lives to redeem their stories, draw them near, and give them hope.

Conclusion

2 Peter 1:3-4 reminds us that God fills our hearts with the power of the Spirit so we can become the people God calls us to be and do the things God calls us to do.

Challenge: Use God’s Power to….

Grow in your Walk (Knowledge, Character)
Connect with Others (Fellowship, Prayer)
Live like Jesus (Discipleship, Evangelism)

Study and Reflection:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

-Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Read: Hebrews 11:24-40

This part of Hebrews is designed to encourage us to stay faithful to God and not give up.

Thinking about the life of Moses (v. 24-29), what are some of the miraculous ways he saw God’s power at work? Why did God choose to show his power like that?
How does the crossing of the Red Sea (v. 29) give us hope for the difficulties we face today?
Moses was willing to risk his life to follow God’s will. What are some of the ways you are called to sacrifice in your walk?
Bryan mentioned the Spirit’s power can give us strength, transform our hearts, and empower us to speak boldly. Are there any stories mentioned in this passage that connect with those themes?
Have you ever experienced learned helplessness? How were you able to break out of that mindset?
Why do you think someone like Rahab was mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy and in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11? How could her story challenge or inspire you?
What is one area of your walk with God where you know you are not living up to God’s standard? What are three ways you could address that? Which one will you commit to?

“Walking by Faith” Study

Ladies Bible class recently finished a series called “Walking by Faith” on Hebrews 11. If you would like to download the digital copies of our class material, visit https://tinyurl.com/WalkingByFaithSW.

Key Message: God directs our lives with wisdom and clarity through the truth of his Word, the work of his Spirit, and the wisdom of his people.

The Decisions We Make

We all need God’s guidance because we all face difficult decisions.
It’s especially important to seek God’s guidance on the bigger issues we face.

Follow God (Not Your Heart)

How do we know if we’re making a good decision?

The world tells us to follow our heart, live our truth, and do what feels right.
The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful and not a reliable guide of what’s best (Jeremiah 17:9).

If we want to make better decisions, we have to ask better questions. For example:

Where is God leading me?
How does the Bible speak into this?
What’s the best way to glorify God?
How do I know if I’m doing God’s will?

These questions involve asking God for wisdom, something he generously gives to everyone who asks him (James 1:5).

If we want God to guide us on our journey, we need to stop and ask him for the wisdom we need.

How God Guided Joseph

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19

Joseph and Mary are betrothed (a formal and legally binding type of engagement).
Mary is found to be pregnant, which Joseph (and others) assume to mean she has committed adultery.
Joseph’s plan was to quietly divorce Mary to avoid a shameful situation, but God had a different plan.

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-25

The angel directs Joseph to take Mary as his wife anyway.
People might talk, gossip, or make assumptions, but God had great plans for this child, and Joseph needed to stay with Mary to raise him.
Joseph was a dedicated servant of God and chose to obey the angel’s instructions.

The Lord Determines Our Steps.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

Sometimes we think we know best, but our plans don’t always align with God’s plan.
In situations like that, God might intervene to redirect us, like he did with Joseph.

God’s Guidance in Matthew 2

God Sent Joseph Three More Messages:

Flee to Egypt for safety (Matthew 2:13).
Return home to Israel (Matthew 2:20).
Don’t settle in Judea (Matthew 2:22).

Why did God intervene? Why didn’t He let Joseph follow his heart and live his truth?

God’s guidance might protect us from danger, align us with his will, or draw us closer to him.
It’s not about control, it’s about a loving father guiding us on the path that is best for our lives.

How Does God Guide Us Today?

God guides us through his Word, his Spirit, and his People.

1. Through His Word (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

BIBLE = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Illuminates our path, teaches us what we need to know, and equips us to serve God.

2. Through His Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; John 16:13).

A spirit of wisdom, understanding, counseling, and knowledge of the Lord.
Jesus says a key function of the Spirit is to guide us into the truth.

3. Through His People (Matthew 10:20, 1 Peter 4:11).

Jesus promises that sometimes the Spirit will speak through us to other people.
God may choose to speak his words through you to another Christian or speak his words to you through another believer.

Remember: Trust, But Verify. (Acts 17:10-12)

Make sure that the messages you take to heart are aligned with the Word of God.

If you want to know God’s will, go to the Bible, pray (while listening for the Spirit’s guidance), and talk through it with other Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Christians.

Call to Action

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Study and Reflection:

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” –Psalm 48:14

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

This part of the story focuses on the three magi (wise men) who come to worship Jesus.

How do we see the theme of God’s guidance in the story of the Magi? What two things did God use to guide them (v. 9, 12)?
When Herod asked the religious leaders about the birthplace of the Messiah, they answered him by quoting Scripture. How does this reliance on the Bible fit in with today’s sermon?
Why is it important for us to stay rooted in the Bible and grow in our knowledge of the Word? Without that foundation in place, what is likely to happen in our walk with God?
In verse 8, Herod claims to have pure, godly motives for wanting to know the location of Jesus, even though we later realize he actually wanted to kill Jesus. How does this relate to the idea of “Trust, But Verify”?
Bryan mentioned that God’s guidance is about protection, alignment, and drawing us into his presence. Which of those do you see in this story?
When you are faced with a difficult decision, how can you use God’s Word to discern God’s will for your life?
What would it look like for you to listen for the voice and guidance of the Holy Spirit in your walk with God? How would you know if you’re doing that or ignoring him?
Who are some Christians that you would feel comfortable talking or praying with about big decisions in your life? How will you let them know that you need their advice?

Faith Challenge: Commit to reading the Bible, praying for God’s guidance, and talking with other Christians about big decisions in your life.

Main Idea: God is offering all of us the opportunity to receive the gift of his presence by welcoming him into our hearts.

Recap

The story of Jesus is good news that leads to great joy (see Luke 2:10-11).
Last week: Gratitude is an important way we can stay anchored to the joy we have in Jesus.

God’s Presence in the Bible

God blesses his people with the gift of his presence in many ways throughout the Bible.

Examples: Walking with them, appearing to them, guiding them on their journey, dwelling in the Temple, and protecting them from harm.

Jesus’ arrival on Earth is the clearest example of God’s desire to bless our lives with the gift of his presence.

Scripture: John 1:14. God came in the flesh and made his home (dwelling) among us.

The Angel Appears to Mary

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38.

The story of Jesus’ arrival begins with an angel appearing to Mary in Nazareth.

Mary Asks the Obvious Question: How will this work, given my circumstances?

People in the Bible frequently feel the need to tell God why his plans will never work, but God is limited by our limitations.

What the Angel Says About Mary:

You Are Highly Favored (Covered in Grace).
The Lord is with You.
You Have Found Favor with God.
You Will Give Birth to a Son (Virgin Birth).
You Will Receive God’s Spirit and Power.

The angel reassures her about God’s plan by telling Mary God’s promises will never fail.

What the Angel Says about Mary’s Child:

He Will Be Great.
He will be called Jesus (“The Lord Saves” or The Lord is Salvation).
The Holy One, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God.
He will reign as King forever.

God emphasizes the gift of his presence in at least three ways:

Telling Mary he is with her.
Promising Mary the Holy Spirit will cover her.
Sharing with her that the child in her womb will be the very son of God.
Not just God in the flesh, but God in her flesh.

Fulfilling his Promises

Matthew 1:22-23 contains an additional reference to God’s presence.

Not only are God’s present promises going to come true in Mary’s life… her son represents the fulfillment of many past promises God made to Israel long ago.

Example: Isaiah 7:14. A virgin gives birth to a child who makes people realize “God is with us.”

1. The Gift is for All of Us.

God shows up for two people in Luke 1 — someone you would expect, and someone you probably wouldn’t.

Zechariah, a religious priest who is worshipping God in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Mary, a poor teenager from a town (Nazareth) everyone is ashamed of.

God shows up in all the places you’d expect but also in a lot of places you wouldn’t.

2. It Really is a Gift!

Scripture: Acts 1:4-5

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a “gift” from God.
How is this related to the gift of his presence? The indwelling of the Spirit is the way we experience God’s presence in our lives.
In the Old Testament, God’s presence resided in the Temple in Jerusalem. Now, we are the Temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), so God dwells among us (as a church) and within us (as individuals).

3. We Receive this Gift When We Welcome God into Our Hearts.

Scripture: Acts 2:36-39.

What does it require? A personal conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah, and that he died for our sins and was raised to life.

Also: Contrite heart, repentance, baptism into the name of Jesus.
The Result: Forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Who is this for? Everyone who hears the message and responds to it in faith.

Conclusion:

God is with us through every season of life. In our pain, our doubts, our victories, and everything in between.

Final Blessing: Isaiah 43:1-5.

Study and Reflection:

“God is present in every moment, in every act of our lives, and in every place, even though we do not always recognize Him.” -Brother Lawrence

Read: Luke 1:5-25

In this story, the angel appears to Zechariah to announce a miraculous birth, just as he does for Mary. Pay attention to the similarities and differences between the two encounters.

What do you know about Zechariah’s background? Why is he an ideal candidate for God to appear to?
Why do you think God chose a barren couple to give birth to John the Baptist? Why does God like choosing people with an obvious limit or flaw to accomplish his will?
What are some of the important promises the angel makes about the child’s future? Do you think they ended up coming true?
Zechariah asks an obvious question (about being barren), but the angel has a much harsher response to him than he does to Mary (who asked essentially the same thing). Why did the angel punish Zechariah, but not Mary, for asking questions?
What parts of this story emphasize the presence of God?
Thinking more generally, when or where do you find it easiest to feel the presence of God? When is it more difficult?
God frequently reassures people by saying “Do not fear, for I am with you.” How does the presence of God cast out our fears?
What are some other ways that God’s presence can be a gift or a blessing in a person’s life?

Faith Challenge: Every day this week, pray for God to help you be more mindful of his presence with you. Stop at least one in the middle of each day to thank him for the gift of his presence.

Main Idea: Gratitude is an important way we can stay anchored to the joy we have in Jesus.

New Series

Main Theme: Being thankful for the blessings we have in Christ, particularly the ones that are emphasized in the stories of Jesus’ birth (Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2).
Title comes from Luke 2:8-12, when the angel announced good news that will cause great joy after the birth of Jesus.
What’s the Good News? We can be forgiven and receive eternal life through Christ.

Theme Verse: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

Negativity Bias

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful or hopeful. One extra challenge is negativity bias, that our minds are predisposed to focus more on the negative than the positive.

Negativity Bias: We pay more attention to negative things than positive ones; negative experiences have a larger and longer effect on us; there are far more negative messages in our world than positive ones.

Biblical Example: Israel wandering in the wilderness. They were surrounded by God’s glory and blessings, but still tended to dwell on the negatives instead of the positives.

The 3-to-1 Ratio: You will likely need about three times more positive things happening in your life to overcome all the negatives.

We need to seek out enough positive people, experiences, and thoughts to overcome the negative influences.
One way to do this is by dwelling on God’s blessings and practicing gratitude. The positives are already there — we just need to intentionally focus on them.

Paul’s Example of Gratitude and Joy (Philippians 4:4-9)

Through Paul’s life and teaching, we see that gratitude is an important way we can stay anchored to the joy we have in Jesus.

Paul’s life is a clear contrast to the people of Israel in the wilderness.

Instead of dwelling on the negatives, Paul chose to meditate on God’s blessings.

The Call to Action in Philippians 4:4-9:

Always be joyful.
Demonstrate gentleness.
Worry less by praying more.
Cultivate gratitude.
Meditate on the positives.
Practice what we preach.

Notice the connection between gratitude (v. 6) and joy (v. 4). Paul reinforces this connection in Philippians 1:3-5 and Colossians 1:12.

Joy in the Hard Times

Gratitude helps us stay rooted in the joy of the Lord, even in the hard times.

Paul wasn’t writing these words when life was going well; he was writing from prison.

There was nothing in Paul’s circumstances that would cause the average person to be happy, but there was something beneath the surface of the circumstances that caused him great joy.
Paul’s joy came from his awareness of the blessings he has in Christ.

Three Blessings Paul Knew He Had (v. 7-9):

God’s Peace
God’s Protection
God’s Presence

Paul is taking every thought captive, disciplining his mind to focus on what he has (rather than what he doesn’t), and he’s staying rooted in joy by being thankful for God’s blessings.

Experiencing Real Joy

The Gospel message of Jesus Christ is good news, and God always intended for this message to bring great joy to everyone who hears it, accepts it, and responds to it with faith.

God has done his part to bring us joy (sending Jesus to the cross).
We must do our part to receive it.

If we aren’t experiencing real joy, it might be a sign that we need to grow in our gratitude.

Call to Action

Discipline your mind to dwell on God’s blessings (Philippians 4:8).
- Take control of your thoughts before they take control of you.
Cultivate a thankful heart (Philippians 4:6).
- Start your prayers with thanks.
- Create a gratitude list of 10, 50, 100, or 1,000 things you are thankful for.
Guard your heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:7).
- Be discerning about the messages you choose to receive from movies, social media, news, etc.

Study and Reflection:

“Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts. What we think shapes who we are.” -Craig Groeschel.

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Paul begins this letter by praising God for the many blessings we have in Christ. Which of these blessings resonates with you the most? Are there 2-3 that stand out to you?
What does it mean to you that the blessings we have from God are found “in Christ”? What is Jesus’ role in allowing us to receive these blessings?
Paul uses the word “lavished” in verse 8 to describe the generosity of God’s blessings. What does it mean to you that we have been lavished with the grace and love of God?
Ephesians has an interesting format. Chapters 1-3 are essentially a long list of everything God has done for us. It’s not until chapters 4-6 that Paul tells us what we are supposed to do for God. Why do you think Paul began with such an extended time of thanksgiving and praise?
How does gratitude for what God has done for us connect with our obedience as disciples?
What are some of the big, medium, and little things that you are thankful for today? What is one way you can thank God for his goodness and mercy?
As you think back to Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-9 (from the sermon), how are gratitude and joy related?
Have you seen any examples of negativity bias in your life? Why do you think people are so prone to dwelling on the negatives? What do you plan on doing to overcome this tendency?

Faith Challenge: Based on the sermon and these Bible passages, I will (fill in the blank)…

Following the Example of Jesus

Romans 8:29-29 — A major part of God’s plan for our lives is to help us become more like Jesus (conformed to his image).
One important (but challenging) way we are called to imitate Jesus is by forgiving others when they sin against us and working towards reconciliation.
If this feels hard, remember that God equips us with the strength, grace, and patience we need to forgive people in a way we’d never be able to do on our own.
See: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; Luke 18:27.

We Forgive Others Because God Forgave Us.

If we stop to consider what God did for us when we sinned against him, we’ll be more likely to forgive others when they sin against us.

Scripture: Matthew 6:12-15— We shouldn’t expect to receive God’s forgiveness if we’re not willing to forgive others. See also Matt. 18:21-25 (Parable of the Unmerciful Servant).

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32— We must forgive others just like God forgave us in Christ.

Scripture: Romans 5:6-11

What did God do for us when we sinned against him? He sent Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners and enemies.

We Are Saved by Jesus’ Undeserved Sacrifice for our Sins

Jesus died for us even though we didn’t deserve it. That is unmerited grace.
Our salvation is only possible because of his death, burial, and resurrection.
His sacrifice also inspires us to forgive others even when they don’t deserve it. After all, we didn’t deserve forgiveness, but God offered it anyway.

C.S. Lewis: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Scripture: Genesis 45:3-15

Joseph’s brothers committed inexcusable sins, but he chose to forgive them anyway.

Spoke kindly to them (gracious words).
Invited them into his inner circle.
Generously provided for their needs.

Joseph was able to demonstrate grace because he chose to view his life from God’s perspective. Instead of thinking vindictively about how to get even, he thought redemptively about how God could use him to bless others and save lives.

Because of this, Joseph was willing to forgive his brothers and reconcile with them.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Forgiveness — Letting go of the bitterness we feel towards people who have wronged us.

A personal decision you can make on your own, regardless of whether or not the other person apologizes.

Reconciliation: Restoring harmony to a relationship that has been damaged by unresolved conflict.

Requires two people who are willing to do the work.

Reconciliation Requires Two People Who Are Committed to Doing the Work.

An offender who is willing to repent and move forward.
A victim who is willing to forgive and move forward.
God’s desire is for reconciliation to take place, if at all possible (Luke 15, Prodigal Son).

Reconciliation: Three Principles

1. You are fully responsible for your role in the reconciliation process. No one can do your work for you.

Both the victims (Matthew 18:15-17) and offenders (Matthew 5:23-24) can take the initiative to pursue reconciliation.
You are fully in control of whether or not you choose to repent and/or forgive.

2. You are only in control of your part in the reconciliation process. You cannot force someone to repent, forgive, or reconcile.

Scripture: Romans 12:18

3. Mature Christians do their work to confess, repent, or forgive, even if the other side doesn’t.

We choose to forgive / repent / because God demands it, even if the other person refuses to do their work.

Joseph’s Final Blessing

Scripture: Genesis 50:19-21.

Reiterates his forgiveness, grace, and commitment to providing for his brothers.

Call to Action

Do everything in your power to pursue reconciliation (repent, forgive, etc.), regardless of the other person’s response.
Don’t just treat others the way you want to be treated; treat others the way Christ has treated you.

Study and Reflection:

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” –Lewis Smedes

Read: Matthew 18:10-20

This passage contains two sections: One about a lost sheep, and one about resolving conflict. Can you think of anything that these stories have in common?
Today’s sermon emphasizes the fact that we can forgive others because Jesus forgave us. How does the story of the lost sheep connect with that message?
Jesus instructs us to try to resolve our conflicts with other people privately and directly. Why is that the best approach? Why is it hard to practice this approach?
Jesus says that wherever two or more are gathered, he is there with them. This is said in the context of finding lost sheep and resolving conflict. How can Jesus be present with us in our conflicts? How would that change our actions or attitudes?

Now Read: Matthew 18:21-35

What is Jesus’ main point in this parable, and how does it connect to the two previous passages (sheep, conflict)?
What is holding you back from being a more forgiving person? Are there any lies or half-truths from the Devil that are clouding your attitude about forgiveness?
In your own words, what is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Is there anyone that God has placed on your heart today that you think you might need to forgive, ask forgiveness from, or reconcile with? Pray about how you can begin that process.
What was one thing you will take with you after hearing this sermon and reading these passages?