Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, 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 wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”– Matthew 19:27-30
What is something you purchased because you wanted it that did not live up to the hype?
Renewal
In the sermon, we heard that Jesus speaks here in Matthew 19 of the renewal or palingenesia of all things, and that this promise is described in the quote from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky:
“I believe like a child that suffering will be healed and made up for, that all the humiliating absurdity of human contradictions will vanish like a pitiful mirage, like the despicable fabrication of the impotent and infinitely small Euclidean mind of man, that in the world’s finale, at the moment of eternal harmony, something so precious will come to pass that it will suffice for all hearts, for the comforting of all resentments, for the atonement of all the crimes of humanity, for all the blood that they’ve shed; that it will make it not only possible to forgive but to justify all that has happened.”
What part of this quote stands out most to you?
What do you imagine the renewal of all things will be like when Jesus returns?
How does trusting that God will renew everything one day shape your thoughts, feelings, and actions now?
Reward
In the sermon, we heard that if we will “leave” (release, let go of, unclench the hand) what we value and treasure in this life, Jesus promises us a reward in this life, and it is one another.
What practices help you “leave” or release/let go of what you treasure in this life?
Who in your life feels like a reward God has blessed you with?
How does seeking to be God’s reward for one another impact your daily life now? How does it shape your view of eternity?
Reversal of Reversals
Jesus, the very Word of God who spoke all things into being, who is the first and only begotten Son of God, became the last and lowest, giving his life on the cross to reverse the curse of sin in our lives.
What does your soul want most of all from God?
Is there anything you have that God is asking you to release or give up?
Who could you bless with a greater measure of love and care in their current season?
Closing Thought
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
– Hebrews 11:6
In your final moments together, spend some time thanking Jesus for giving his life for you and asking him to increase your faith. Then pray for any needs those present may have, entrusting your wants and needs to the God who rewards those who diligently seek him.