Find a teacher worth following

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.” Mark 10:17-18 NLT
The current culture is experimenting with your one and only life. Jesus Christ came to offer you eternal life.
(Jesus said) I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 MSG
Follow my example,as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

Don’t be afraid to be a beginner

“But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” Mark 10:17-20 NLT
Beginners:
● Don’t have to know everything
● Aren’t afraid to ask questions
● Have a heart to help people who are also learning
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Hebrews 10:32 NLT

Accept that real change is hard to do

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:21-22 NLT
If I want to change something, I have to be willing to change everything.
What is the one thing Jesus wants to change about my life in 2018?

Be ready to leave what you know

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Mark 10:23-25 NLT
Yesterday’s success can be tomorrow’s barrier.

Trust the process

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10:26-27 NLT
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

Remind yourself daily of the rewards

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life. But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” Mark 10:28-31

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. What is it that makes real change so difficult and rare for people?
2. What are some of the specific things that make change difficult for you?
3. As you have looked back over 2017, what is one thing that you need to change in 2018? What does it look like to allow Jesus into that process?
4. Read Mark 10:26. How do you react to the fact that real changes that are impossible and cause discouragement in us are possible with God?
5. What practical things can you do to connect more deeply with God in 2018 as you work on tapping into His power to change?
6. Read Mark 10:28-31. How are you encouraged to know that your struggle to live a good life and follow the teachings of Jesus will be rewarded.

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Open yourself to the idea that there is something in your life that God might desire to change this year. Sit with that for a few moments. What reactions do you notice in yourself? Are you afraid of what he might ask of you? Are you discouraged thinking about the things that didn’t change last year? Do you feel like nothing needs to change? Now ask yourself if you are willing to change despite these feelings. If you are willing, then ask God to start removing these barriers so that you can begin to move closer to him and his plan for your year. As you move through your week, ask God to begin to reveal to you what he desires to change.