January 17, 2023
COMPASS: THE PROCESS OF A DISCIPLE
January 15, 2023
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Today, as we are into the new year by only two weeks, we begin a new series, “Compass.” As the world around us continues to press toward agendas that are unhealthy for believers, we may find the need for a spiritual compass to keep us on the right track. Serving and following our Lord Jesus Christ without wavering is a discipline that will have eternal rewards one day. Join with us as we study Matthew 5, 6, and 7 over the next few weeks, learning how best we can be all God wants us to be in a world full of compromise.
Focal Passage: Matthew 5:1-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
· What do you understand someone who is “poor in spirit” is like? Can you share how you felt when you realized you needed to be saved from your sins?
· Did you understand that a holy God who loved you would not accept you in your sinful condition? When you sin today, how are you affected?
· Read Psa. 51:17. Is this your heart? What does the promise mean to you?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
· What do you think of in the ordinary use of “mourn”? Why would your heart be in mourning because you desire forgiveness from your sins? Is this why Jesus died?
· Read Joel 2:2. What does God promise if you turn to Him with this heart attitude? What is the promise in Psa. 51:17 above, and in this verse? Can you trust God for your future?
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth
· What is the meaning of “meek”? How did Jesus illustrate this character quality? How can you show meekness? Why is it easier to lash out under pressure than be self-controlled?
· Read Psa. 37:11 and Col. 3:12. How is being meek the opposite of arrogance?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous, for they shall be filled
· How is it possible to have a desire for righteousness as great as your daily food? What do you think are some traits of a person who truly desires a heart like God’s?
· Read Job 23:12. How did Job feel he had loved God? If you are desperate for the things of God, can you stand firm on His promises? How do you think He will fill you?
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy
· Can anyone think of passages in Scripture where someone showed mercy? Read Mark 11:25. Is this forgiveness the same as showing mercy?
· What will you receive from God because you were merciful to others?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God
· Can someone give an example of what it means to be “pure in heart”? Read 1 Peter 1:2. What are three ways Peter illustrates a pure heart in this verse?
· As we seek to have the power and presence of God in our lives, growing in our knowledge of Him, how will that translate into “seeing” Him?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God
· Do you know someone who is a “peacemaker”? How do they act? What is their personality like? How do they promote peace?
· Read Isaiah 52:7. What is the greatest example of being a peacemaker that you can think of? What act of peace did you embrace when you became God’s child?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom
· Read Matt. 5:10-12. Why is one blessed when suffering for Jesus? Read Acts 9:6 and 5:41. God considers it a righteous thing for a believer to suffer for Christ’s sake; why does that bring fear? Do you believe God will give us grace if that is in our future?
· Read Rev. 2:10. This verse is coming alive for Christians all over the world today. Do we hold these believers up in prayer? Is there anything else we can do?
CHECKLIST TAKEAWAY:
1) Recognize our desperate need for Christ
2) Be broken over our sin
3) Walk in humility
4) Long for the presence of Christ
5) Show mercy because you’ve been shown mercy
6) Work to be like Him
7) Love others as much as God does
8) Don’t worry about the world’s response
Close:
These eight character qualities provide a great self-examination for us to begin with this year, searching our hearts to see how we measure up. Are you doing most of them? A few? None? Are you a true follower, or will you be denying Him when the going gets tough?
If you really have a heart that desires to know God more each year, see which of these you need to work on and get started. If you’re saved, you probably were broken over your sinful state, mourned your lost status and threw yourself on God’s grace! You’ve taken the first steps—now take more. It won’t be easy or quick—just keep on keeping on. Don’t quit. Ever!
By Sandy Day January 15, 2023