Life Group Guide: "In Tune with Jesus"

Opening Prayer:

Begin by asking God to open your hearts and minds to His Word and to help you apply the lessons from this sermon to your lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Being on the same page with Jesus is essential for authentic Christian faith.

2. The church's role is to prepare the way for Jesus' return, just as John the Baptist prepared for His first coming.

3. Our approach to ministry should align with Jesus' methods, not worldly tactics.

4. We must know Jesus through Scripture, love others, and be doers of the Word.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to be "in tune" with Jesus? How can we assess if we're truly on the same page with Him?

2. PJ mentions that the church now inherits the role of John the Baptist. How can we, as individuals and as a community, prepare the way for Jesus' return?

3. Reflect on the story of James and John wanting to call down fire on the Samaritans in Luke 9:51-56. Have you ever reacted to rejection or opposition in ways that don't align with Jesus' teachings? How can we respond more like Christ?

4. How does knowing Jesus through Scripture impact our ability to love others, especially those different from us or those who oppose us?

5. PJ’s sermon states, "Knowledge does not save you. Theology does not save you. Only Jesus can save you." How does this challenge our approach to faith and discipleship? How does this challenge our relationships with others?

6. Discuss the three ways to prepare for Jesus mentioned in the sermon:

   a. Get to know Jesus through Scripture

   b. Get to know people

   c. Be His disciples

How can we practically implement these in our daily lives? Identify the challenges that are preventing you from following these three ways. What can you do proactively to overcome these obstacles to obey? What must be changed? Can we pray for you the strength you need to comply with the Word of God?

Practical Applications:

1. Scripture Reading Challenge: Commit to reading a portion of the Gospels each day this week to better know Jesus.

2. Love in Action: Identify someone in your life who is different from you or challenging to love. Take a step to get to know them better this week.

3. Discipleship Reflection: Write down one area where you struggle to follow Jesus' teachings. Share with the group and pray for each other to grow in discipleship.

4. Community Outreach: Discuss how your small group can engage with and serve the marginalized in your community, following Jesus' example.

Closing Prayer:

Thank God for His Word and ask for His help in tuning your lives to Jesus' teachings and example. Pray for strength and wisdom to be effective witnesses and to prepare the way for His return.

5-day Bible reading plan and devotional:

Day 1: Being in Tune with Jesus

Reading: Matthew 9:27-38

Devotional: Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion and purpose. As we read about His healing of the blind men and His call for workers in the harvest, we’re reminded of our own calling to be in tune with Christ’s mission. Reflect on how you can align your heart with Jesus’ compassion for the lost and hurting. Are there areas in your life where you’ve become out of tune with God's purposes? Ask the Holy Spirit to realign your priorities and goals with those of Christ. Consider practical ways you can show Christ's compassion to others this week.

Day 2: Preparing the Way of the Lord

Reading: Luke 9:51-56

Devotional: Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem, knowing the cross awaited Him. His determination to fulfill God's plan of salvation is a powerful reminder of His love for us. As modern-day disciples, we're called to prepare the way for Christ's return. How can you participate in this mission? Reflect on areas where you might be misrepresenting, like James and John who wanted to call down fire. Ask God to soften your heart and align your responses with His love and grace. Consider one way you can actively "prepare the way" in your sphere of influence today.

Day 3: The Power of God's Word

Reading: John 1:1-14

Devotional: PJ’s sermon emphasized the importance of knowing Jesus through Scripture. As we read about Jesus as the Word made flesh, we're reminded that He is the ultimate revelation of God. How has God's Word shaped your understanding of Jesus? Take time to meditate on a characteristic of Christ revealed in this passage. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your love for Scripture and your desire to know Jesus more intimately through it. Consider establishing a new habit or practice to engage more deeply with God's Word.

Day 4: Loving the Unlovable

Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Devotional: The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges our preconceptions about who deserves our love and care. Jesus shows us that true neighborliness extends beyond our comfort zones. Reflect on people or groups you find difficult to love. How might Jesus be calling you to extend compassion to them? Ask God to reveal any prejudices or biases in your heart and to fill you with His love for all people. Consider one concrete action you can take to show love to someone you've previously overlooked or avoided.

Day 5: True Discipleship

Reading: James 2:14-26

Devotional: Knowledge alone doesn't constitute true faith. As James reminds us, even demons believe in God. True discipleship is marked by a faith that produces action. Reflect on areas where your faith might be passive or merely intellectual. How can you put your faith into practice more intentionally? Ask God to reveal opportunities for active obedience and service. Consider one way you can be a "doer of the word" today, not just a hearer. Remember, it's through living out our faith that we truly prepare the way for Christ's return and demonstrate His love to the world.

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