Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life:

1. How would you define the word religion? What thoughts or images come up for you when you hear the words religion or religious? Are they positive or negative? Why?

2. In the message we heard this definition of religion: “Religion is a tiresome system of manmade dos and don’ts, woulds and shoulds impotent to change human lives but tragically capable of devastating them.” Do you agree or disagree? What has your experience of ‘religion’ been?

3. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)

What feelings come up for you when you read or hear that? Do you feel like you have no chance of being on God’s good side because you don’t see yourself as being good enough or do you feel something else?

4. Read Philippians 3:5-9. In what ways does his story encourage you? In what ways do you see yourself in Paul’s story?

5. What else stood out for you from this message?

6. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG)

That’s Jesus’ invitation to you. What would it look like for you to take him up on it?