CROSSFIT “The Way of the Cross” 3.25.2018 Matthew 4:1-11
ICEBREAKER In the video of three women getting “mani/pedis,” one comments “It’s not lazy if I needed it.” Another asks the question, “Did that make your soul feel better?” Tell about a time when you felt free to do something to make you “feel better.” Does “doing it for me” always lead to happiness and satisfaction? Explain your answer.
QUESTIONS
- Read Matthew 18:21-35; and Ephesians 4:32. How does God expect us to respond to the “Law of Reciprocity”? Why do we often put conditions on who and when we forgive? What part does Satan play in it? (Genesis 3:1; Matthew 4:1-11)
- IfChrist dying on the Cross represents total surrender to God, what does it mean when Jesus says we must “take up our cross?” Contrast this with a common understanding of carrying a cross of trial. How does our surrender and obedience glorify God?
- Describe the meaning of “our inside world.” Discusswhy sin can be so insidious and crafty when we haven’t surrendered our hearts to God. What does it mean to “lose (our) soul” if we don’t deny ourselves? (Matthew 16:24-26)
- Read Galatians 2:19-21. Discuss what it means to be “crucified with Christ.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German pastorand anti-Nazi dissident, said, “When Christ calls a person, he bids him come and die.” What changes are evident in our lives when we “Come,” as Jesus invited and then “die,” as he said we must?
- Read John 12:23-28 and Romans 10:14. Explain how the process of planting seeds equates with leading others to Jesus.
THIS WEEK Since “The Way of the Cross” includes giving up our right to ourselves, what can you do to assist First Wesleyan Church to become the best that God has planned it to be? Pray for God to speak to you individually. Be specific and write your ideas down so that you can return to them later, watching for spiritual and leadership growth.