January 26, 2019

Say Yes : First and Foremost – LOVE!
January 26, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

In our humanity, we find it so easy to dislike those who are different from us! They may have a different stand politically, or antagonize us in ways that push every button we have. We also have a tendency to stereotype people, whether they be homeless, dirty, or needy in another way. What are some lessons you’ve learned about being quick to judge what you see, rather than finding out the truth?

Last week we began a series on following Christ, and the steps necessary to do life His way, not ours. Today we will again use the short verse in John 14:15, learning additional ways in which our life will reflect His desire for our walk, and giving us the opportunity to tell others of the amazing transformation in our lives as we do His will.

Key verse: John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” (NKJV)

 

Discuss:

Accept others…no matter what:

  • Read Matthew 22:34-40. What two groups had aligned themselves with each other in order to try to trick Jesus? These men traditionally taught more than 600 “laws.” What was Jesus’ answer to them and how do you think they reacted?
  • Read Matt. 22:43-44a. Jesus corrected some of their traditions with “love.” What was the first example He used that flew in the face of their teaching? What did He say would be the result of someone who loves their enemies?
  • Read Matt. 7:1,2. Why is it so easy to zero in on someone’s fault? Has it occurred to you that possibly you recognize it well because you, too, have that fault? Condemning someone for a problem is the opposite of what Jesus did/would do. What are some practical ways you can be intentional about loving your enemies?

Pray for others…always

  • Read Matt. 5:44b. Who are we told to pray for in this partial verse? Think of those who think differently from you, or take stands on social media that infuriates you. How can you pray for them? What are some requests you can make to God as you pray?
  • When Jesus was on the earth, going throughout Israel and surrounding towns, how did He treat those who hurt Him, persecuted Him, and eventually crucified Him? How does Matt. 5:45 end? What does that tell us?

Focus on you own journey as a way to help others on theirs

  • Read Matt. 7:3-5. What are different areas of our own Christian walk that we should concentrating on, so our time is not spent judging others? Why is it easier to see the issues, challenges, or problems that someone else has, other than our own?
  • Read Gal. 6:1-2. How does Jesus tell us to help others when we see a problem? How does this go against our human nature?

Forgive them

  • Read Matt. 18:21-22. What kind of impact will we have on someone who discerns that we do not like them? Why is it important that we love our enemies?
  • What happens to our hearts as we begin to forgive those who are our enemies? How is it possible to be more like Christ, than when we are forgiving those who hate us?

Tell them

  • Why is it important to live a life so that others can find nothing to gossip about you? What impact will you have on people when you tell them your own story? We often say—but it bears repeating time and again—the easiest way to witness to someone is to tell them of your life before Christ, and how He saved you and made you a new person!

 

Close:

A close study on the life of Christ will show you many things: how He answered people who hated Him, how He taught those who did not know Him but saw the type of person He was (and is), how He prayed through every situation—there are so many different aspects that we can model for ourselves, but do we take the time to do it? As you read your Bible this year, keep a notebook handy and write down the way Jesus reacted to people. He always put them first, even when He was hungry and exhausted. Do we do that? If we truly want to follow Him, we have to intimately know His lifestyle. What He said, how He forgave, how He loved, how He prayed—and most of all, what He desires from us. Would your life be transformed if you lived as He did? What if you went to the people this week who have hurt you, and said, “I forgive you, and I’m praying for you.” Would that change you or them? The greatest way to show others what Jesus has done for you is to go out into the world, and live your life in the same manner as Jesus lived His. Can you do that? That living could change where someone spends eternity.