Pause to Prepare
- Let’s begin this morning with an intrusive question because… why not? We’re here to grow.
- How do you deal with set-back or disappointment? When life doesn’t go your way, or at least the way you planned it, what is your response? For many of us, this assessment is close to home as a great number of us are experiencing some sort of letdown; whether in our career, in our finances, in our marriage, or even in our relationship with God.
- If we are being honest, often times, our impulsive response to letdown is in the flesh and the flesh is motivated by pride. Pride says, “this is my kingdom” and its response to threats (like set-backs, letdowns or disappointments) is fear.
- Fear is completely antithetical or opposed to the Spirit because the Spirit is God’s presence indwelling us and His perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). When our kingdom is threatened or even overtaken, we have two options: to respond in the flesh by taking back our kingdom, or to respond in the Spirit, by picking up our cross and living a life surrendered to God’s kingdom.
- This morning, whatever letdowns or setbacks you are experiencing in your life, are probably too big for you, but they are absolutely no problem for God. God is a faithful King and Father and His kingdom is victorious! His success record is flawless, He moves mountains, and he will do it again, and again, and again in your life if you will let Him.
- Spend some time with God in prayer, surrendering your cares and worries to Him, and ask for a fresh vision to see Him do miraculous things in your life.
Worship at Home
To Ponder for the Pulpit
Read Psalm 110. How have we seen this language in Hebrews so far?
What are some of the ways we have learned Jesus is the better high priest?
Process what you heard from the Pulpit
Do you remember the two sentences we used to summarize Hebrews 8?
Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. Which promise of the New Covenant do you find most impactful?
Why does the role of Jesus in this New Covenant matter? What does that tell you about him?
How can you grow in knowing that Jesus is better than anything else we might follow or find hope in or trust in or to live for?
This Week at the Dinner Table
