January 28, 2024 • Cody Wilbanks • Matthew 5:38–48
Sermon Discussion Questions: 1: In Matthew 8:28-34, how does this display of authority contribute to our understanding of who Jesus is and His mission on earth? 2: The demons immediately recognize Jesus as the "Son of God" and express fear of being tormented before their time. What does this recognition and fear tell us about the spiritual realm's awareness of Jesus's authority? How should this influence our perception of spiritual warfare and our confidence in Christ's power? 3:While Christians cannot be possessed by demons, we have to remain vigilant against giving the devil a foothold in our lives. What are some subtle ways the devil can gain influence over us? How can we resist these temptations and remain steadfast in our faith? 4: Why do you think the people in the Gadarenes responded the way they did to the exorcism? What does this reaction reveal about their values and priorities? How can we apply this to our own lives when considering the costs of following Jesus? 5: How is the Lord’s Supper a reminder of where our true allegiance should lie?
SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What storm(s) are you facing right now? 2. What would it look like to be overcome by a greater fear of God than the fears of our storms? 3. How does God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness encourage you in the midst of trials? 4. Looking back on previous trials in your life, can you now identify any ways that God used them for your good and his glory? 5. How can the gospel, with its future promises, calm our hearts in the midst of our current storms?
Sermon Discussion Questions: 1:What reasons might we be tempted to follow Jesus other than a genuine commitment to Him? How do we know our motives are right? 2: How does Jesus’s grouping of the teaching that He is the Son of Man with the teaching that He has no place to lay His head challenge our notions of success? 3: How do Christians navigate the tension between an ultimate commitment to Christ and duties to our families? 4: How do we prepare for adversity so we don’t feel ripped off when the Christian life doesn’t “go well?”
