Discussion Questions

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FOLLOW

Following Has Benefits, Bob Merritt May 10/11, 2014

Introduction

A true follower makes the decision to choose Jesus over money, career goals, and family—even though it may cost a lot. But why would anyone do this willingly? Because the benefits of inclusion in heaven, in God’s everyday blessings, and in God’s family far outweigh the benefits of anything else we could experience here on earth.

Discussion Questions

1. Following Jesus means making him the first priority in our lives—everything else comes second. Where in your life do you need to bring your relationship with Jesus up to that number one spot? 2. Many who are first on earth will be last in heaven, and many who are last will be first. Where do you feel last in line, last to be picked, last to be invited? Compare that to a time when you felt inside the ropes. This week, how can you remember that the ropes that really matter have been cut—giving you full access to God and heaven? 3. Share one thing you struggled to sell, give away, or reprioritize, but when you did, an increase of God’s blessings overflowed into your life. 4. By following Jesus, you are included, accepted and loved as a member of God’s family, and through other believers, you’ll experience Jesus’ love, healing, support, and courage. Like Pastor Bob said, “The time to build these friendships is right now.” How can you dive in and make this church community a higher priority in your life?

Join the Conversation

(Tweet your answer using #followseries.) Bob said, “There’s a benefit that you can’t get by playing golf, having a lot of money or owning a lot of nice things. It only comes from following Jesus.” What benefit have you experienced from following Jesus that multiplied 100 times over?

Commit to Memory But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matthew 19:30

KEY SCRIPTURE Matthew 19:21-22 “Go sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” The rich ruler went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Matthew 19:27-30 “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property to follow me will receive a hundred times as much in return . . . Many who were first will be last, and many who were last will be first.”

Ephesians 2:11-13 (paraphrase) Don’t forget that you Gentiles were once outsiders and excluded from God’s family. You lived in this world without God and without hope, but now that you belong to Jesus, you are members of God’s family, the church.