August 4, 2013

Above and Beyond

Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty. Matt 13:18-23 (ESV) Another of the disciples said to him, Lord, let me first go and bury my father. 22 And Jesus said to him, Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead. Matt 8:21-22 (ESV) Jesus does not come to rearrange the outside of our life the way we want. He comes to rearrange the inside of our life the way God wants. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matt 5:23-26 (ESV)

Life Group Questions 1. Read Matt 13:1-23. Which soil are you? Which one do you want to be? What must you do to become that soil? 2. Read Matt 8:21-22. Is there anything in your lifeeven something good, like your spouse or familythat has priority over following Jesus? 3. Read Matt 5:23-26. How do you normally handle conflict or being offended? Is there anyone that you need to take the initiative to approach and try to reconcile with (even if its their problem)? 4. How are your experiments with fasting, solitude, scripture memorization, and setting your mind on things above going?