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Power for the Life You Were Meant to Live

JESUS GIVES REAL POWER TO PEOPLE WHO TAKE ON HIS MISSION

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. MATTHEW 10:1-4 ESV

THE POWER OF JESUS CAN BRING HEALING TO THOSE CLOSEST TO ME

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons… MATTHEW 10:5-8 ESV

Who do you need to be praying for?

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers… 1 PETER 2:17 NLT

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! MATTHEW 5:44 NLT

THE POWER OF JESUS WILL LEAD ME TO HELP PEOPLE I DON’T EVEN KNOW

…You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. MATTHEW 10:8-15 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to be with God as you reflect on His power and His mission. Think about this statement: There’s no greater adventure than following Jesus. What about your life with Jesus would you describe as an adventure? How have you lived out Jesus’ mission in and through your life? If you haven’t, what’s kept you from stepping into the life you’re meant to live as a disciple? Reflect on where you were when Jesus found and called you to follow Him. In what ways has He changed your life? How does remembering what Jesus has done in your life equip you to embrace His power and begin to live on mission? Who in your life do you know that needs healing - whether physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional? Think about family, friends, church members, even people you might have strained or difficult relationships with. As each person comes to mind, pray for their healing. If you have the opportunity this week, let them know you’re praying for them or offer to go and pray with them. Jesus sent his disciples out on mission. What would it look like for you to “go out” and meet new people – to ask curious questions, invite them into friendship and learn about their lives, struggles, and needs. Remember, the same power to bring life and healing that was in Jesus’ disciples, is in you. Ask God for the courage to live on mission this week sharing the Good News about what Jesus has done for you!

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 10:1-15 (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 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: How have you seen God at work in the past week?
  2. START HERE: What do you turn to when life gets difficult or feels out of control?
  3. START HERE: Describe the life you believe you’re meant to live.
  4. KEEP GOING: How would you share Jesus’ mission with a new believer?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:1-4 (ESV). What did your life look like when Jesus found you and called you to follow Him?
  6. KEEP GOING: Share a time you experienced God’s power at work – whether firsthand or in the life of someone around you.
  7. LIVE IT OUT: Read Matthew 10:5-8 (ESV). Who do you know that needs prayer for physical, spiritual, mental, or emotional healing? What would it take for you to go and pray with them? Will you?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Read Matthew 10:8-15 (ESV). Where could you go to meet new people, learn about their life, and offer to pray for them?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your group about the opportunity to attend “Live on Mission: The Experience” on August 22 at Sandals Church Hunter Park. Visit sandalschurch.com/liveonmission to register.