Fletcher Church

We have a Great Shepherd for Our Souls So, . . .

I. Reject Unworthy Leaders who Distort Scripture and Minimize Christ! (9-16, 18-19)

II. Pray that God may Equip us with all we Need to Do His Will and Live for His Glory! (20-25)

Practical Implications

o What are some of the default ways you are tempted to Minimize Christ in your life?

o What are some ways you want to please “self” most? What about ways seek to please God?

o What has God given you/done for you worthy of celebrating?

Be Careful about Who You Allow to Influence You . . .

I. Follow Worthy Leaders by Imitation and Submission! (7-8, 17)

II. Reject Unworthy Leaders who Distort Scripture and Minimize Christ! (9-16)

Practical Implications

o What evidence is in your life that money has an inordinate place in life/ thoughts?

o What are your strengths and challenges when it comes to following and submitting to leaders?

o How are you progressing along the growth, influence and leadership pathway?

Women who Fear the Lord are a Priceless Treasure . . .

I. Because they Display God’s Wisdom in Real Stuff of Life! (10-27)

II. Because they Invest their Lives in Blessing their Families and Communities! (28-31)

Practical Implications:

o How do you view work?

o What do you worry about? What can you do about your worry?

o What does faithfulness look where you are right now?

Endure by Staying Mindful of the Coming Kingdom . . .

I. It gives us a Warning about Rejecting God and His Word! (25-26)

II. It reminds us of Our Future Consolation and the World’s Future Condemnation! (27)

III. It challenges us to a Present Life of Gratitude and Worship! (28-29)

Practical Implications

o How have you responded to being confronted in past? How can honor God w/ response the next time?

o How have you responded to God/His word lately?

o What replaces a lifestyle of gratitude and worship for you?

Endure by Remembering we Enjoy a Better Covenant . . .

I. In the Old, God’s Holiness was Terrifying and Inaccessible to Sinful People! (18-21)

II. In the New, God’s Grace in Jesus Welcomes us to a Glorious Spiritual Reality! (22-24)

Practical Implications

o How do/can you represent God in the places of your life?

o What obstructs your sight of the spiritual reality?

o What can you list to invite a heart of worship/ celebration?

Community is Required for Endurance and Growth . . .

I. Straighten Up and Keep Running so Others can be Strengthened by your Faithfulness! (12-13)

II. Urgently Pursue Peace with Others and Holiness that Enhances your Fellowship with God! (14)

III. Watch Over others so they Live in Grace not Bitterness or Worldly Desires! (15-17)

Practical Implications

o What in your life is wearing you down?

o Where do you see something short of peace in your relationships?

o What signs do you see that worldly appetites are crowding out spiritual ones?

The Certainty of the Resurrection Requires us to Respond . . .

I. Truth 1: The Cross, Resurrection and Ascension were Necessary for our Forgiveness!

II. Truth 2: The Scriptures Illuminated by God are Necessary to Point us to Christ!

III. Responses: Faith, Missions, and Worship flow out of Genuine Saving Encounters w/ Jesus!

Practical Implications

o Have you repented and believed?

o What part can you play in God’s mission?

o How is your life in gathering and out affected by Jesus?

God’s Training Program Produces Endurance and Holiness . . .

I. Giving Ongoing Serious Thought to Jesus Keeps us from Wearing Out! (3-4)

II. Reframing our Perspective on Trials can Cement our Assurance of God’s Fatherly Love for us! (5-8)

III. Responding well to Trials Unlocks their Maximum Benefit in our Lives! (9-11)

Practical Implications

o What competes w/ Christ as the treasure of your life?

o What are some wrong views you have about God and yourself?

o How do you generally respond to challenges? How has that made it better? Worse?

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God Is Worthy Because He Is the Only One Able . . .

I. To Reveal God’s Decrees as Reigning King! (1-5)

II. To Restore Humanity to God by His Redeeming Blood! (6-10)

III. To Receive the Praise of All Creation Reserved for God! (11-14)

Application Questions

o What is your view of Jesus?

o Has the blood of Jesus redeemed you? What has Jesus saved you FROM? What has He saved you FOR?

o What would your life’s goals, aims, and ambitions say about who or what you worship? Are they WORTHY of it?

o Who is getting your honor, glory, and praise that is rightfully due Jesus?

Run your God Given Race by Faith and with Endurance . . .

I. Don’t be Slowed Down by Dead Weight or Sin! (1)

II. Keep the Pace until the End by Fixing your Gaze on Jesus! (2)

Practical Implications

o What are some neutral things in your life that sidetrack your walk w/ Christ?

o What sin clusters might God want to work through with you now?

o How has shame affected your life, self, God?

o How can you more intentionally turn from other things and fix eyes and mind on Christ?