Sacrificial Living – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: In one brief sentence, define what “sacrificial living” means to you.

Sermon Title: Life in the Red Letters – “Sacrificial Living” – Matthew 16:21-26

Group Discussion:

Read Matthew 16:21-23 & Romans 12:1-2 – Allow God to change your perspective (i.e., worldview).
Allowing Jesus to change our worldview means shifting from human concerns and seeking His will.
Discuss how we can recognize when our worldview is being shaped more by cultural trends or selfish
preferences than by Jesus. How can we actively cooperate with Jesus to transform the way we think
to rise above our old way of viewing the world to align with His view of the world?
Read Mark 8:34-38 – Allow God to change your plans. When a Jesus-centered worldview becomes
the priority, our role in serving Him and living sacrificially is more distinct. Discuss ways our own
plans can subtly pull us toward “world-gaining” rather than “soul-shaping?” When have you sensed
Jesus redirecting your plans, and what did that reveal about your attachments and expectations?
Now, take time to explore the multiple ways we might respond to verses like these that express
the idea of “denying yourself” (e.g., denial, defensive, regret, inspiration, enthusiasm).
Read John 10:10 & Mark 10:29-30 – God wants you to change your portion. When Jesus says He
came to give us “life to the full,” how should this influence the way we think about heaven as a future
destination but also as a present reality we can experience daily? Discuss how this truth should
influence the way we live sacrificially today to answer Jesus’ call and advance His kingdom.
Spiritual Disciplines & Action Steps: Review resources for this series on our Church Center app:
Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, like Biblical Worldview: Definitions, Dilemmas, Dangers
In your devotions this week read Philippians 4:4-7 & Philippians 2:13 – Becoming someone who fully
embraces a sacrificial life comes with perks: (1) You can experience the Lord working in you and
through you in ways you would have never imagined and (2) When the storms of life come, you will
feel it, but you can endure it through His solid foundation (Luke 6:46-49).
Living sacrificially is simply this: I belong to God and everything I have is His. Through prayer,
meditation, and fasting, consider what the Lord is calling you to lay down so he can do more through
you. Commit to living more sacrificially; and share your convictions with a friend, mentor, or family
member and pursue them through to fruition.
11-30-2025