A sermon from Matthew 18:1-6

1. How do you get into the Kingdom?

"5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,... 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5, 8)

What will you do this week to humble yourself before Jesus and God?

Forgive me for my arrogance and pride.  Remind me daily to live humbly before you, my Savior and my God, in the same manner that Jesus humbled Himself before His Heavenly Father.

A sermon from Matthew 17:24-27

1. Person over place

"...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)

How does your behavior need to change this week so you can better represent Christ as His ambassador to the world?

My gracious, loving God, awaken my heart and mind to constantly and consistently seek treasure in heaven by living in obedience to Your Holy Word, imitating Jesus every day I live.

A sermon from Matthew 17:14-20

1. It's about trust

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

In which relationship, situation, or difficulty do you need to exhibit a greater faith in God to help you walk in and through it?  What will you do to rely on God for help in the relationship, situation, or difficulty?

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to grow in my faith.  Strengthen my belief in You.  Remind me to always pray about all things.

A sermon from Matthew 17: 9-13

1. Avoiding chaos

"For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself." (John 5:26).

With whom will you share what you  have learned about Jesus from this text?  When will you share it?

Dear God, give me courage and boldness to tell others Jesus is your Son and He is the only sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

A sermon from Matthew 17:1-8

1. More than a person

"...but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:5-6)

What will you do this week to give Jesus the glory He deserves?

A sermon from Matthew 16:24-28

1. Say farewell

Jesus has done everything He asks us to do: He denied Himself (Philippians 2:5-8), took up the cross (Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 2:13-18), and obediently followed God's plan (Matthew 26:36-46)

What needs to change in your daily life to live according to Jesus' command to follow Him by denying self and taking up your cross?

Lord, we praise You for who You are.  Thank You for revealing Yourself to us.  Grant us the strength to be obedient to our calling as Christians so that we can bear witness to Your faithfulness, even in the midst of life's trials. Amen.

A sermon from Matthew 16:21-23

1. What Jesus did

There is no forgiveness of sin without Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. He is the perfect sacrifice for man’s sin; there is no other way (1 John 2:2; John 14:6).

What will you intentionally and specifically do this week to keep your mind on God’s interests while at work? with your family? with friends?

A sermon from Matthew 16:13-20

1. Location

Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice for sin and, as such, the foundation of the church (Greek term: ecclesia or the assembly of those who believe in Him).

What will you do this week to help a friend overcome an erroneous idea about Jesus?

Thank You, God, for Jesus, the true and only foundation of the church.

A sermon from Matthew 16:5-12

1. Live aware

While physical food is vital to daily living, spiritual food determines our eternity. Jesus’ disciples were so focused on the need for physical sustenance, they missed Jesus’ teaching on the spiritual. The Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ doctrine concentrated on duty and dogmatic diligence in an effort to earn eternal life. Jesus’ teaching was God’s grace given in Himself, the Messiah (John 6:32-40).

What nonjudgmental and nonthreatening step can you take this week to warn a friend who is being led astray by unsound teaching?

My God and Savior, to you I call, asking that You grant me passion to follow You closely, a yearning to know Your Word, and discernment to differentiate Your truth from the enemy’s deception and lies.

A sermon from Matthew 16:1-4

1. A dangerous combination

Two signs of God’s love for all humanity have been revealed 2,000 years ago. The first is Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Divinity took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The second sign is Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Jesus is our advocate as the satisfaction for sins, once for all (1 John 2:1-2). Another sign will not make any difference in a person’s willingness to believe in Jesus.

• What has God done in your life that you can use as a sign to others?

You, eternal God, are worthy of my praise, adoration, and obedience because of who You are. I choose to follow You based on Your faithfulness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for giving me eternal life in Jesus, Your only Son.