Message Notes
Look Back
How did you reflect on whether God is enough for you this week?
Look Up
Read Matthew 6:9-13
- Why does Jesus teach us to start our prayers by addressing “our Father in Heaven”? What does this mean to you personally?
- What is required for a person to say “your will be done” to God? How easy is it for you to live this statement out in your daily life?
- Why does Jesus close this prayer by asking God’s help in avoiding temptation and the “evil one”? How does this relate to “God’s will” being done?
Read Philippians 3:18-21
- Paul wrote this letter to a group of Jesus followers who were being drawn in different directions. Why does Paul specifically mention the “cross” of Jesus? What is he referring to and why is it important to stay focused on Jesus?
- What specific things does Paul mention in verse 19 that make someone an “enemy of the cross of Jesus”? How does this apply to people today?
- Try to put verse 20 into your own words. How might focusing on this help you, or someone you know preserve in a difficult situation?
- Describe at least 2 promises of God that Paul shares in verse 2 How easy is it for you to share these truths with others who are facing tragedy or loss in their lives? What helps you or holds you back from sharing these truths?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Is Jesus your King? In what way is your identity consistent with the Kingdom of God? In what way do you still need to surrender to Jesus as Lord?
Notes
In many ways, our world today is very similar to the one faced by the first followers of Jesus. Political pressure to submit to other ideologies is not new, and Paul clearly warned the Philippians of the dangers of being led by “earthly” powers and temptations. Jesus taught us to place our focus on God in heaven who is the only one who is holy and perfect. Jesus also promised to eventually bring everything under His control and transform us spiritually and physically. The challenge is to live each day as a citizen of heaven, submitting to Jesus our King and his teaching
