Jesus 120

Trials and troubles come into our lives for different reasons, and it is tempting to blame God or turn from Him during those difficulties, but God wants to use those times to deepen our relationship with Him. Jesus was tempted by all the same types of things that still tempt us, but the foundation of scripture and his relationship with his father carried him through, as it still can for us.

Key verses: Matthew 4:1-10, Deuteronomy 8:2-5; 6:16-19, 1 John 4:18, John 8:31-32, Exodus 32:19-20, 2 Timothy 1:7

Discussion questions:

1. Why was it important that Jesus be tempted? Why do you think he fasted?

2. What are some ways that God is trying to shape your character that you are resistant to (or have been in the past)? What are some practical things you can do to embrace the change that God wants to make in your life?

3. Satan chose to tempt Jesus first with food; why do you think he did that? How does that translate into our lives? (easy temptations?) What are some places that you have in your life that could be easy ways for the devil to tempt you?

4. Let’s expand the food analogy a little more…What are some of the wrong spiritual foods or “eating habits” that you/people take in that can harm them? What are some ways to correct those bad habits?

5. What do you see as the difference between reputation and character? Why is it dangerous to be consumed by our reputation? Can you think of someone in your life (no names) who is consumed by reputation or someone who has good character, what are some obvious differences?

6. In Exodus 32:19-20, Moses helps the Israelites learn from their mistakes by having the people physically consume the idol they created. How does this story translate into our day to day life? How can you experience growth by destroying an idol in your own life?

Today we had guest speaker, Jarrod Justice, speaking on Psalm 62:8.

Today we had guest speaker, Jereme Jeane, with us and share a reflection on the life of Moses.

In week 4 of the Linchpin series, the backstory of the Good Samaritan parable gives us some understanding into how God views us, and why it is so important for us to intentionally love others. God’s love for us is not a passive emotion, it is active and living and so should our love be for all others around us, no matter how busy we make our lives.

Key verses: Luke 10:25-37, Leviticus 19:9-18, 1 John 3:16-18

1. Who is “testing” Jesus in this story? Why does his profession matter? What does it seem like the lawyer’s motivation was? Have you been guilty of judging others or looking for other ways to “justify” yourself?

2. In Leviticus 19:9-18, we see that there are some specific ways that God expects His people to love each other. What are some of those ways? What are the ones that you struggle with the most?

3. The parable of the Good Samaritan is often discussed in the church. Did you get any new information about the story that you didn’t know before or that was surprising to you?

4. Jake talked about the four things that love requires in this story: time, compassion, action, and expense. Discuss how each of those things are shown in the story. Again, which of these are most difficult for you and why?

5. What is the difference between compassion and the agape love of God? What are some real life examples of the action that show real love to those around you? Think about in your home, neighborhood, church, city, and globally.

6. Chris Jerger said, “Our act of charity is stewardship of His love moment by moment.” What does that mean to you or how would you say it in your own words?

7. Discuss a time in your life that love has cost you something, or that someone loving you has cost them. Was the cost worth it to you, or do you think it was worth it to them?

8. What are some ways that you can “go and do likewise” this week? How can you put this into real action in the foreseeable future?

In week 3 of “Linchpin” our study through Deuteronomy, we discuss how the love of God is on display through his law! Often the Law can feel controlling, restrictive, and outdate, yet as Moses taught and Jesus affirmed God’s Law is a reflection of His love towards us. Let’s give God’s Law a second look, and see how it may serve to benefit us and glorify Him.

Key verses: Deuteronomy chapters 4-6, Matthew 5:17-20 & 19:16-20, Mark 10:21-23 & 12:28-30

Read the key verses and discuss the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of God’s Law? Do you see God’s love in his law? How so?

2. Can you think of an example of a rule your parents had for you when you were a child that you didn’t like or understand, but that your parents had in order to protect or guide you? How do you see it differently now?

3. How did Jesus use God’s Law in a conversation with the Rich Young Ruler? What was he trying to help him to see? How can God use His Law to help you see your need and His love?

4. Jesus said he came to fulfill the law – what does “fulfill” mean (see page 1 of the teaching notes)? How does Jesus fulfill the law in our lives?

5. Moses taught that it was important not to “add” to the law or “remove” anything from it. Why is this so important? How do you see people “add” or “remove” thing from God’s law today? Have you ever done that?

6. How can we see God’s Law as good and a reflection of His love towards us? (see the Sabbath Law as an example – read: Deut. 5:12-15). In this passage God’s people responded to the Law with Awe, Gratitude, and Humility. How do these responses help us to see God’s Love, and love Him back?

7. What is one take away from this discussion that you can apply this week?

In week 2 of Linchpin: “Grab the Baton” we look at the importance of learning from the past. At the age of twelve Jesus was already asking important questions from the leaders of his parents generation. If we are to grow into the people God has called us to be, we have to be willing to learn from those who have gone before us. An honest look at history, with an attitude of humility will give us a firm foundation to run our race well.

This week we started a new series on the Book of Deuteronomy called “Linchpin.” In this series we will be taking a look at Moses' parting exhortation through the eyes of Jesus. In week one we discussed the importance of legacy, as our lives fit into a larger story of what God is doing across human history. To run our leg of the race well, we have to know what anchors our lives, and live accordingly. As we embark on this journey, may the words of John Maxwell be true of us, "Deuteronomy brings the power of the past to bear on the present, with an eye to the future. When this happens, Deuteronomy should come alive and breathe spiritual renewal into the personal histories of its readers."

In week 12 of “Startled by Grace”, Pastor Jake wraps up the series. This week we hear that God’s grace is for everyone, the outsider and the insider. We look at two examples from King David’s life. We all are in need of God’s grace and he openly invites us all to partake.

In week 11 of the series “Startled by Grace” we hear a message from our good friend and local pastor of The Calling, Jereme Jeane. In this sermon Pastor Jereme teaches about the House of Grace we are all invited to live in. As the forgiven and loved children of God, we are now called to pass along this grace by practicing radical forgiveness, because that’s exactly what we have received.

Key verses:

2 Corinthians 12:8-9, John 1:14, 16, Romans 5:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22, Romans 7:18-25, Matthew 6:9-15, Mark 11:25

Read the key verses and discuss the following questions:

1. What does it mean to live in a House of Grace? (Read Lord’s Prayer for context: Matt 6:9-15)

2. What did you think about the picture of God that Jereme gave us, where God isn’t an angry judge waiting to smite you for your sins, but a loving God, longing to forgive you? (Read Romans 7:18-25 for context) How would our lives look different if we viewed God like this? How would the people around us view God different if this was the picture of God that Christians gave the world?

3. On Sunday Jereme said: “Ephesians 4 says that we are all given Grace according to the “Measure” of Christ’s gift to us. The Greek word used in that verse is “Metron” and it literally describes a measuring stick… So the picture is that Jesus has literally “measured out” Grace as a gift to us. That means that before you ever even missed the target, before you ever messed up…Jesus measured out sufficient Grace for you!” - How does that “Measure of Grace” for each of our lives affect our ability to face the circumstances, struggles, and our own failures that come along regularly? What might look different in your life if you considered this truth when problems arise?

4. Looking at the prodigal son story, when the son was returning home, he was hoping for just enough forgiveness to be a servant in his father’s house. Was that how the Father was viewing his return? How much more grace did his father want to give? Do you ever settle for a little forgiveness, instead of the full grace of being a son or daughter of God? How can we receive and live in that full grace?

5. Once we are living in a house of grace, we are called to be people who forgive (see: Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25). Why is it so important to practice forgiving others? Why is it necessary for us personally? How does it impact the world around us if we do this? What happens if we refuse to forgive?

This week in our series “Startled by Grace” we hear a powerful testimony from our friends David & Katie Kelley of hope, victory and practicing gratitude while in a hard season and waiting on God to fulfill his promise. We pray you are encouraged and blessed through their powerful story and journey.