Group Notes | September 10
Nothing Is Impossible With God
September 10, 2017
Dr. Ben Guttierez
Open:
Sometimes, in making a decision to take a certain action, we realize we have started something where the task becomes too big, and we want to give up. Can anyone give an example?
These past two weeks, we have come through catastrophes that have left millions destitute, and they no doubt wonder if they will survive the stress of these crises. At the same time, we have witnessed God showing His mighty and awesome power, bringing about miracles that man could not—under any imagination—have orchestrated. Nothing is impossible for Him to accomplish, and as His child, nothing is impossible to the believer whose life is rich in faith. We are promised that God will do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think!
Focal Passages: Matthew 9:1-13, 10:2-4; 16:26; Luke 3:12-13, 5:27, 7:34, 18:10-11, 13a.
Discuss:
Background:
- Matthew, the tax collector, was someone the Jews would have gone out of their way to avoid. In that day, tax collectors ranked with the lowest of the low in terms of character and integrity. Read Matthew 18:17, 21:32, and Luke 7:34 to see how they were lumped in Scripture with those whom no one would believe could be saved.
Who Can God Use:
- Read Matthew 9:9. What would make a wretched sinner, tax collector and outcast obey Jesus when He said, “Follow Me”?
- How do you know that Matthew’s new-found faith was real?
God—the Forgiver of Sins
- Read Matt. 9:1-6. What is Jesus saying in verse 6?
- Can you think of an acquaintance that you have felt, perhaps for years, they were too “bad” for God to save them?
No One is Too Wayward That God Cannot Use Them
- Read Matt. 9:10-13. Who was Jesus seeking as He went through the towns preaching, teaching and healing?
- Read Mark 12:37. Who embraced Jesus and His teaching?
- How does this compare with 1 Corinthians 1:21?
God Changes Hearts
- Read Luke 19:7-9. Zacchaeus was also a tax collector, like Matthew. What showed his humility when Jesus went to his house?
- Read 1 Sam. 15:22. How high does God place obedience to His word?
Can God Use YOU?
- Read Matt. 18:4. What does God desire from you?
Read Matt. 22:36-38. What else?
Can He use you?
Close:
Satan can so easily get any of us tied up in regret, doubt or lies, bringing up the past and reminding us of it. How many times have you thought, “God can’t use me, because I have ____________”? Or perhaps there is an acquaintance that you know who has made life a living torture for someone you love, and you feel they are so far beyond the possibility of salvation that God will never write their names in the book of Life (Rev. 20:15). The truth is, no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and grace, unless they choose to ignore the call of Jesus. It takes a repentant heart and an act of turning from sin to obeying the voice of God to become His child. “He is the forgiver of sins and the determiner of one’s mission in life. God will use any heart that is submissive to His will.” (Sermon). He does not desire anyone to perish, but all to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
With the number of catastrophes coming one after another, examine your heart closely to (2 Cor. 13:5) to see that you are His child, lest you be caught unprepared! Once you know that you are, without a doubt and with a faith that will not be shaken, tell your story as often as God gives you opportunity, as the time may be short. He can use you no matter what you’ve done, if you ask forgiveness and repent, just as He can use those whom you continue to lift to the throne, no matter how hopeless the outlook! Do so this week!
Memory Verse: Matthew 19:26: But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”