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The Only War Worth Fighting

JESUS BELIEVES SOULS ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. MATTHEW 10:34-36 ESV

Fight the good fight of the faith… 1 TIMOTHY 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. EPHESIANS 6:12 ESV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 ESV

JESUS IS INVITING ME TO JOIN HIM IN THIS FIGHT

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. MATTHEW 10:37-39 ESV

…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. MATTHEW 16:18 ESV

Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 1 TIMOTHY 1:18 NLT

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. JUDE 1:3 NIV

JESUS CHALLENGES ME TO SUPPORT MY SPIRITUAL LEADERS IN THIS FIGHT

Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” MATTHEW 10:40-42 ESV

WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT MY PASTORAL LEADERSHIP?

RESPECT THE POSITION THEY HOLD AND THE WORK THEY DO

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work… 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13 NLT 

GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 1 TIMOTHY 5:19 NLT

FIND A WAY TO SUPPORT THEM IN MINISTRY

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 1 TIMOTHY 5:17 ESV

PRAY FOR THEM REGULARLY

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. HEBREWS 13:17-18 NLT

Pray for their:

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to be with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite Him to meet you here. Consider what battles you are giving your time and energy to right now. Some are not worth it, such as grudges, comparisons, or arguments that only drain your soul. But there is one battle that is always worth it: holding fast to Jesus and following Him wherever He leads. Think about the people God has placed in your life to help you follow Him. Pastors, leaders, mentors, and friends often carry a weight you may not see. Thank God for them, then consider one way you could show your gratitude this week. It could be a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a simple act of support. Now remember the moment you first began to follow Jesus. What did His voice sound like to you then? How has His presence carried you since? Let that memory remind you why He is worth following even when it costs you something. Finally, who in your life needs the love of Jesus right now? Pray for them by name. Ask God to give you courage to be present and to offer the hope of the gospel. The same Spirit who strengthened the first disciples is with you today.

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 10:34-42 (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 the dumbest thing you’ve ever had an argument about?
  2. START HERE: How has your family been for or against your faith in Jesus?
  3. START HERE: Why do we waste so much energy fighting the wrong battles?
  4. KEEP GOING: Where have you sensed the enemy trying to choke your faith?
  5. KEEP GOING: According to Matthew 10, how does Jesus actually expect us to follow Him?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 10:37-39 (NLT). What cost are you willing to pay in following Jesus?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT). What can you do to honor and support our pastoral leadership?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Whose soul can you be fighting for and what would that look like?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Read Hebrews 13:17-18 (NLT). Spend time now in prayer over your pastors: for their personal fire, families, and protection.