Bgroup Lesson Aug 25
Big Idea: The world teaches us to keep our options open; not to commit to anything too soon in case something better comes along. But this mindset goes against the very words of Jesus in Matthew 6. Jesus wants us to choose Him and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to Him!
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34 (NLT) “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Have you ever held two jobs at the same time? It can be challenging. It requires you pay close attention to your work schedules and navigate conflicts that arise when both employers need you at the same time. In those moments, you have to figure out who gets priority? What employer do you “make happy” by showing up to work, and which do you neglect? It’s the same with us, we weren’t created to serve multiple masters!
There are many “masters” who try to entice us to serve them. Some examples are:
We must choose God as our master every morning! Pray, "God I choose you today over everything and everyone else. What do you want from me today? I give myself to you wholeheartedly!"
Discussion Question: What are the other masters that try to steal your focus from Jesus?
We live each day with a certain perspective or outlook. We can live with a perspective of fear or faith. The good news is, we get to choose what our outlook will be each day! We can allow our worries and concerns to overwhelm us and cause us to question if God really cares for us, consequently choosing fear. Or we can trust the Word that assures us we are valuable to God and He will care for us, and our life be filled with faith!
Discussion Question: Are you living each day with the perspective of fear or faith? Can you identify one “symptom” or result you’re currently experiencing based on your perspective?
Kingdoms have rulers, territories, rules and values. The Kingdom of God is no different! Our ruler, King Jesus, is in charge. When we submit ourselves under His charge, that’s when His character begins to grow and be expressed in us to the world around us. Then we become passionate to develop disciples of the Kingdom we belong to. We’re part of a Kingdom that was, is, and is coming! This Kingdom is eternal and always produces growth.
When we take our focus off of Christ and place our trust in political leaders, employers, or other individuals, we’re choosing to live under the rule of the kingdom of this world rather than the Kingdom of God.
Discussion Questions: Have you fully submitted to King Jesus and His authority in your life? Is He truly in charge? Have you been consumed with the upcoming election, fearful the future of our nation depends on a specific candidate? If so, repent and shift your focus back to Jesus & His Kingdom.
God has given you the gift of free will. You have the opportunity to choose your master, your outlook, and the Kingdom in which you want to belong. Choose wisely and enjoy the promise of Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously (obeying the rules of the Kingdom), and He (the Father) will give you everything you need!"