What stands out to you most as you read Hebrews 12:1-3? How did the message on Sunday encourage you to keep persevering in your walk with Jesus?
SENT to Represent 2 Corinthians 5:20
SENT to Represent Notes:
Jesus told his early followers that if they wanted to follow Him, they must deny themselves and die to their selfish ways. Read Luke 9:21-26. How are you regularly invited by Jesus to deny yourself?
When are you most tempted to be ashamed of Jesus?
The Christian life involves regularly dying to yourself so that you might live in Christ. As you think of the shortcuts and temptation you face regularly, remember Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Recommended Resources
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn For more information about Growth Groups, the At Home Study Guide, and a podcast of sermons with study guide, visit www.bethelfc.com.
At Home Study Guide For the week of March 8, 2015 2 Corinthians 5:20
Growing Deeper
Quick Review In a world that tempts us to worship everything but God, it is good to remember that our salvation is found only in Jesus. All around us are men and women who have been duped into believing that chasing the American dream will bring them happiness. All around us are people who are hurting because their hope for joy is placed in temporary pleasures. If you have received the good news that God sent His Son to rescue you from the darkness of this world and provided an escape through the grace of God in Jesus, you are now His ambassador. In trusting Christ, you are identified with Him in His mission. Just as He was sent to rescue you, so now you are being sent to participate in the rescue of others. You carry with you a message of hope, forgiveness, grace, love, and joy in Jesus. While the world races head on toward destruction, Jesus invites you to join Him in the rescue of others. Kent Hannestad reminds us that our SENT to represent Jesus.
We are SENT to represent (2 Corinthians 5:20). Stop and Think (Isaiah 44:18-19a)
Every Decision Creates a Future (Galatians 6:7)
No Short Cuts (Hebrews 12:1)
Take it One Day at a Time (Luke 9:23)
Pay special attention to the “therefore” statements in 2 Corinthians 5:12-21. The argument builds to a crescendo in vv. 20-21. “To implore,” is to appropriately beg someone. For yourself, outline or summarize the two paragraphs in your own words.
Isaiah observes in 44:18-19 that the idols are providing no benefit to those who worship them. What idols tempt you to worship them instead of God?
Reaping what you sow is an image many will find easy to understand. What do each of these verses say about your efforts to sow and reap: Proverbs 22:8
My Story
What idea or illustration from Sunday’s message most stands out to you?
When have you tried to take a shortcut to only find that the shortcut created more work for you?
Think of a time when you committed to a long-term goal, and then completed the task. How did you feel at the end? Was it worth it?
Hosea 10:12-13
2 Corinthians 9:6
SENT to Represent
His Son to rescue you from the darkness of this world and provided an escape through the grace of God in Jesus, you are now His ambassador. In trusting Christ ...
