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Living Out My Christian Faith in the Real World

TO LIVE OUT MY FAITH, I MUST:

DEVELOP A MORAL CLARITY THAT GUIDES MY LIFE

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. MATTHEW 10:16-18 ESV

Moral clarity must guide my:

LEARN TO RECOGNIZE AND LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. MATTHEW 10:19-20 ESV

NOT EXPECT EVERYONE TO APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND MY FAITH

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. MATTHEW 10:21-22 ESV

WORK TO REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND AGILE THROUGHOUT MY LIFE

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. MATTHEW 10:23 ESV

GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. HABAKKUK 3:19 ESV

Remaining flexible means:

STAY RESILIENT

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. MATTHEW 10:24-25 ESV

NOT GIVE IN TO FEAR, BUT SURRENDER TO JESUS

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. MATTHEW 10:26-33 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to reflect, taking a few deep breaths and inviting God to guide you. Living out the Christian faith is not just knowing what to do, but doing it. Are you most motivated to do things based on your feelings or your moral convictions? What are your most important values? How do your values align with what God values? As you consider your values, are there any you struggle with or consistently find difficult to live out? Be honest with God about your feelings and struggles, then ask Him to give you the moral conviction to prioritize obedience as you seek His good and perfect will. Re-read this week’s passage, particularly Jesus’ warnings and wisdom to His disciples. Jesus was very clear that the mission would be difficult. As you’ve lived out or shared your faith, what response have you experienced from others, whether positive or negative? Have you experienced resistance or rejection, and how have you handled that? As a disciple, in what ways have you grown? Ask God to help you see where you need to take courage or receive correction, confessing any pride or fear that you need to surrender to Him. As you look ahead, remember the mission stays the same, but our methods must be adaptable. How difficult is it for you to be agile and resilient as you live out God’s mission? Where could you grow and adapt, and what would help you do that? Invite God to give you vision and help you develop endurance so that you can live on mission.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 10:16-33 (ESV) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the points and the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What from the passage might God be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What’s something you’ve learned, but find you’ve yet to put into practice?
  2. START HERE: What are some ways you can tell what a person most values?
  3. START HERE: Think about your strongest moral values – what are those, where did they come from and how do they influence your life and faith?
  4. KEEP GOING: What’s one area of life where your beliefs have been tested lately? Consider work/school, your relationships and conversations.
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:16-18 (ESV). Why did Jesus share these warnings with his disciples when he sent them out?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:19-20 (ESV). Do you find it difficult to speak to others about God? Why or why not? What helps or hinders you when it comes to sharing your faith?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:21-22 (ESV). What is the ultimate outcome of endurance in our faith?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:23-25 (ESV). What would it look like for you to become more flexible, agile and resilient as you live on mission?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Read Matthew 10:26-33 (ESV). What is one situation, person or habit that you want to surrender to Jesus? How will you do that?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: When you are fearful, what helps you trust and rely on Jesus?
  11. LIVE IT OUT: As you reflect on this weekend’s sermon, what is one thing you want to put into practice this week?