Fletcher Church

The Mature Embrace Christ-Centered Wisdom . . . I. They Recognize the Difference Between Worldly Wisdom and God’s! (6-9) II. They Base their Wisdom on God’s Revelation not Human Understanding or Eloquence! (10-13)

Practical Implications o What lens/wisdom most informs your daily life? o How often are you spending meaningful time in the word? o Prepare for Supper: (Warning, Welcome, Worship)

Knowing the crucified Christ humbles the wise, transforming the soul . . . I. Creating Meek Messengers Who Deliver an Unassuming Message! (1-3) II. By Rejecting the Persuasion of Gimmicks in Favor of Spirit-Filled Power! (4) III. Whose Faith Rests in the Power of God Rather than the Wisdom of Man! (5)

Practical Implications o In what ways have you died to yourself lately? Do you need to? o What has happened recently that made you love Jesus more than things? o Is your faith resting in the power of God or restless in the wisdom of men?

Christ-Centered Boasting is the Key to Unity . . . I. Consider Yourself: It’s Humbling! (26) II. Consider God’s Work: It Exalts Him! (27-28) III. Consider God’s Purpose: to Save for His Glory! (29-31)

Practical Implications o What worldly boasts/values most tempt you? o What 5 things can you “brag” on Jesus about? Who can you voice that to? o How can you move one step closer in your relationships?

Be Confident in the Scandalous Message of the Cross . . . I. Am I ok being thought Foolish because of my Confidence in the Cross? (18-20) II. Do I want to make God more Palatable vs being Confident in His Self-Revelation? (21) III. Do I chase Experiences or Evidence instead of Simple Certainty in Christ? (22-25) Practical Implications o Where am I tempted to be embarrassed of the cross and its values? o Where am I tempted to downplay parts of God or demands of God? o What five things about the cross stir my affections? o Continue Your 30-Day Speaking Challenge:

An Appeal for Christ-Centered Unity and Community . . I. A Christ-Centered Appeal! (10) II. A Man-Shaped Reason! (11-12) III. A Cross-Shaped Way Forward! (13-17) Practical Implications o How can you practically foster a deeper unity with others? o Where are the tears in your relationships? o Continue your 30-Day Speaking Challenge: o Prepare for the Supper:

Lots to Be Thankful for, God is Faithful . . .

I. We have a New Identity in Christ! (1-3)

II. We have been Given Grace to Wait Faithfully Together for Christ! (4-6)

III. We are Secured to Stand Guiltless before Him in Christ! (7-9)

Practical Implications

o What Old Identity most often defines you?

o What can you give thanks for in someone daily?

o How faithful are you with your gifts, passion and commitment in/through the local church?

The Gospel Speaks to the Everyday Stuff of Life . . .

I. Jesus-Centered Unity to Mend Division! (Ch 1-4)

Key Verses: 1:18, 23-24

II. Jesus’ Faithfulness Speaks to Marriage, Intimacy, Singleness & Calling! (Ch 5-7)

Key Verses: 5:7, 6:11,20

III. Gospel Love Governs Gospel Freedoms! (Ch 8-10)

Key Verses: 8:1, 10:31-33

IV. Jesus’ Sacrifice Gives Purpose and Direction to our Gatherings! (Ch 11-14)

Key Verses: 11:23-26

V. Jesus’ Resurrection is Central to our Faith! (Ch 15)

Key Verses: 15:13-14, 17-19; 54-57

Practical Implications

o Define 2-3 Problems:

o Write 3-5 Gospel Realities:

o List 3-5 practical biblical truths to apply:

Pray for an Ever-Deepening Intimate Knowing of God . . .

I. Who do we Pray to? (15-17a)

II. What do we pray for? (17b-18a)

III. Why do we need that? (18b-23)

Practical Implications

o What 5 names or qualities of God are most precious to you?

o How can you prioritize and pursue knowing God deeply?

o If you 100% believe this- what is one thing you would do different this week?

Prayer is Foundational to the Transformed Life.Becoming like Jesus means loving others, as Jesus did.As we are transformed into the image of Christ, our prayers can move mountains.

Pray God will use prayer to transform us into the image of Jesus and use our prayers to work his will and transform the world. 

Pray & Work for a Unity that Enhances Mission . . . Pray and Work . . . I. For a Unity with Content: The Gospel Word! (20) II. For a Unity that is Robust: Relational Richness of the Trinity! (21, 22) III. For the Purpose of Unity: Missions! (21, 23, 25) IV. With Heart of Missions: God’s Love (23,26) V. Looking to the Destination of Missions: Heaven (24)

Practical Implications o How much does the intimacy level of your marriage (or closest friendships) show reality of Jesus? Why? o What might the Spirit be pressing on you as next step in unity and community with others/church?