Fact Check – Part 1: Be True to Yourself
Matthew 16:21-28
Series Memory Verse: “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (p.809)
“Jesus turned to Peter and said, ‘Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.’” Matthew 16:23 (p.747)
- Give up my way and follow Jesus.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 (p.748)
- Trust God’s plans and purposes.
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it” Matthew 16:25 (p.748)
(Jesus) “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42 (p.805)
- Think eternity first.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16:26 (p.748)
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:2 (p.903)
- Treat each day as if it were my last.
“For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.” Matthew 16:27 (p.748)
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” James 4:14 (p.932)
My Next Step This Week: ____Today I am identifying one aspect of my life I can surrender to God, marking a step towards a deeper relationship with Him.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
One Thing: Give up my way and follow Jesus.
Memory Verse: John 1:1 (p.809)
Bible Background: Matthew 16:21-28
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Can you share a time when you had to drastically change plans? How did it affect you?
WEEKEND REVIEW
Give Up My Way And Follow Jesus.
- Trust God’s plans and purposes
- Think eternity first
- Treat each day as if it were my last.
// Was there anything that stood out to you or maybe confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Matthew 16:24-26 (p.748).
- What does ‘taking up your cross daily’ mean to you? Be specific.
- How does this verse challenge the societal norms of self-promotion and individualism?
// Would you rather serve a God whose plans always line up with your plans or who promises to be with you when you call on Him? Explain your answer.
// Read Romans 12:2 (p.866).
- How does this verse challenge the societal push to pursue our dreams and desires at any cost?
- How can applying this verse transform your life?
// What plans do you have for God that you need to swap with His plans for you?
// Read Proverbs 3:5-6 (p.482).
- How will you trust God over your own understanding, allowing Him to guide you this week?
- What areas of your life have you identified where you need to surrender to God?