Message Notes
Look Back
What steps did you take to understand what is driving you right now? What did you learn about “why” you have been doing things?
Look Up
Read Matthew 6:1-18
- Why do you think Jesus repeatedly tells His audience what “not” to do? What do these warnings have in common?
- How do the 3 different “when you” activities represent ways of exercising our faith? Which one of these is easy or challenging for you? Why?
- What did Jesus say should be our motivation for doing good deeds in Matthew 5:16? How does this relate to His teaching about giving, praying and fasting?
- What do these verses say about people? About God?
Read Matthew 6:5-18 in different translations
- Who is this primary focus of the prayer that Jesus gives us in this passage? What is this prayer focused on? How is this prayer different from others? Why?
- How easy is it for you to personalize this prayer? Which parts are challenging for you to understand or pray? Why do you think you feel this way?
- What does it mean for someone to pray that God’s kingdom will come and His will be done in my life and in this moment? What role do we play in helping make this happen?
- How is Jesus’ “if you” statement different from the “when you” statements? Why do you think Jesus said “if” you forgive instead of “when”?
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
What is currently motivating (or limiting) your acts of worship - good deeds, giving, praying and fasting? How will you better maximize these powerful tools of faith?
