Pastor Matt reminded us that Jesus told us to embrace a new way of relating to others. A new covenant. A new model of living. Stop making your spiritual journey primarily about how well you are performing for God, and start paying attention to how you are loving the people God has placed around you. Love isn’t just something we feel. Love is something we do.
MY STORY
What are the love languages of the people who are closest to you? (The Five Love Languages: Acts of Service, Gift-Giving, Quality Time, Touch, or Words of Affirmation)
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35)
What is new about the commandment Jesus is giving to his disciples?
What model are we to follow in loving others?
What is supposed to be the distinguishing feature of those who follow Jesus?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, “Here’s the problem with rules: Rules can tell you what is right. But rules cannot make you want what is right. Rules can tell you what to do, but they don't give you the power to do it.”
What are some rules for you that are easy to follow? Which ones are more challenging?
How can the health of our relationships impact the way we follow God’s guidelines for living?
How can asking how a choice or action might impact others help us to make godly decisions?
What does God want us to do? Flowing from our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s nudging us toward?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, “Jesus is essentially saying: Do you need a verse for every single thing? I mean, do you really have to do a Bible study to understand what it means that you don't do anything that creates a regret in someone else? Do you really need me to speak directly to the very specific thing you're thinking about doing when you know what's good for you and you know what's good for another person? Do you need a verse for that?”
What’s something you can do in a current relationship to make it more satisfying and healthy? An affirmation? An apology? A thoughtful gift? A listening ear?
What’s something you’re doing in one of your relationships that is clearly unhealthy and serving no useful purpose, other than, perhaps, posturing?
Stop doing that thing.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?
Message Notes
You can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.