AS YOU MEET WITH EACH OTHER THIS WEEK, CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:
In this week's sermon Evange first gave an overview of some distinctions of this present culture. It’s easy to see how so much of our world is focused on making life easier, more comfortable and on gaining more material possessions. Meanwhile, Jesus has told us that following him would mean "hating our life," "taking up our cross," and "renouncing our possessions" (Luke 14:25-35).
1. Read the passage from Luke cited above. Based on what Jesus is saying, why is it so important that you decide you are willing to give up everything and make Him first in your life before beginning to follow him? What will inevitably happen if you try to follow him without making Him first in your heart?
2. Based on these passages, do you think that the Christian life is a life of happiness and joy? Discuss this for a bit, and then read Matt 13:44. Discuss how this short parable relates.
3. What does this mean for you? How is God calling you to lay down your life, not prioritize your own worldly comfort, but finding a greater joy in his mission?