MISSIONAL COMMUNITY QUESTIONS

1. Pray and re-read Matthew 16:1-23.(If possible listen to the sermon again)

2. In looking over your notes from Sunday, what was the most important truth from God's Word? Was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

3. We may not have Pharisees and Sadducees in our culture but it is fair to say we have plenty of ‘leaven’ to beware of. What leaven in today’s culture might Jesus warn us about? Think about less obvious things that may creep into the church unnoticed. How can we drift so far from truth that fiction becomes fact?

4. Re-read Jesus response to Peter. What truth is revealed? Find two other scriptures that reflect this same truth and share them with your MC. What comfort do you find in this revelation?

5. It is important to constantly remind ourselves that scriptures primary focus is to reveal God's character. What does Matthew 16:1-23 reveal about Jesus' character.

6. Read Psalm 50:16-21. In what ways are you tempted to make Jesus like yourself (human)? What are some misconceptions you have had/are still working through about Jesus and who he is? How does scripture speak specifically to your misconceptions?

Do not mistake your random thoughts as God’s Word
-Mark Dever

7. Do you know of Jesus only by hearsay or do you have an intimate relationship with Jesus? How do you engage this relationship? Think of your own conversion story. Share with the group how it has become evident that the Holy Spirit was the one drawing you, dragging you, leading you to salvation. Let us rejoice in these stories together.

8. How do you follow Jesus? How do you make disciples? We are called to 'make disciples', not converts. We are even called to share the gospel but in what context?

Watch this video. https://youtu.be/ayj2cYxGnWQ

How does this reframe our view of discipleship and when it really should begin?

Who you say Jesus is will determine everything about how you follow Him. If you think Jesus was a good teacher, you will follow Him like you would a good teacher. If you think Jesus merely had some good ideas, then you will listen to what He says every once in a while. If you think Jesus was a good example, then you will try to follow His example. However, if you believe that Jesus was and is the promised Messiah who came to the earth to save us from our sins, to conquer sin and death, and to reign and rule over all as Lord, then that changes everything about how you live. The church is made up of people who believe in that Jesus and know Him intimately. Do you know Jesus intimately?

-David Platt