Priorities
Make an Impact – Part 1
November 5-6, 2022
Series Memory Verse: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (p.915)
- When Jesus’ Priorities Are My Priorities, I Make An Impact.
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (p.738)
- Welcome Jesus into your life.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” Luke 10:38 (p.793)
- Give Jesus your full attention.
“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” Luke 10:39 (p.793)
- Remove what distracts you from Jesus.
“But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’” Luke 10:40 (p.793)
- Repeat as necessary.
“But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:41-42 (p.793)
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (p.738)
My Next Step This Week:
__ I will intentionally focus on Jesus by setting aside one activity.
Discussion/Groups Guide Make an Impact – Part 1: Priorities
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion and study of the Weekend Talk. Use this also as a discussion guide with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- When you hear the word impact what do you think of? Is it typically something passive or active?
- Have you ever used an impact screwdriver and for what purpose? Was it easy to use and did it achieve the purpose you needed it for?
- What are some key moments that have made an impact on your life?
- How about people? Who has impacted your life?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
Our One Thing: When Jesus’ Priorities Are My Priorities, I Make An Impact.
- Jesus speaks to priorities in Matthew 6:33 (p.738).
Series Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:5 (p.915).
- What does it mean to keep a clear mind in every situation?
- What does Paul tell Timothy should be his priorities?
One Voice Bible Story Background: Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 (p.793)
- Who do you most relate to, Martha or Mary? Can you think of any examples of this?
- Was there anything wrong with what Martha was doing? What seemed to be her priority?
Application: Priorities are easy to state but hard to live by. Focus on your priorities to make an impact.
1. Welcome Jesus into your life. (Luke 10:38 (p.793))
- Martha welcomed Jesus. A good start! When have you begun addressing an issue or challenge by welcoming Jesus, only to lose focus and be distracted by something else?
- If you are a Follower of Jesus, would you consider your current relationship with Him to be as strong as when you first surrendered your life to Him?
2. Give Jesus your full attention. (Luke 10:39 (p.793))
- When have you just stopped everything to “sit at Jesus’ feet” in worship? How does that happen?
- How do you express worship? What is your favorite manner of worship?
3. Remove what distracts you from Jesus. (Luke 10:40 (p.793); Hebrews 12:14-15 (p.928))
- What was bugging Martha? What was distracting her?
- Hebrews 12:14-15 begin with an imperative command to “work” at living in peace…. Why must we work at it?
- If you find yourself getting distracted in your relationship with Jesus, what can you do to deal with that?
4. Repeat as necessary. (Luke 10:41-42 (p.793); Matthew 6:33 (p.738))
- Jesus gently encouraged Martha. When have you experienced a gentle nudge from God? How about a more forceful “wake-up call” from God?
- In day-to-day life, how do you seek God’s Kingdom first?
Digging Deeper
- In the New Testament there are four people, apart from the disciples (John 13:1 (p.822)), of whom it is recorded that Jesus is said to have loved: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:5 (p.820)), as well as a rich young man (Mark 10:21 (p.771)). We know what happened to Judas and the disciples and we know that Mary, Martha’s sister, was at the cross, at the burial of Jesus, and at the empty tomb: (Matthew 27:55-56; 59-61 and Matthew 28:1 (p.760)).
- But where was Martha at the death and resurrection of Jesus? And what happened to the rich young man after we read about him in Mark? He disappears. Both Martha and the rich young man had other priorities than Jesus (so it seems).
- Consider the interactions with Jesus, Mary, and Martha and the transformation of Mary’s life compared to Martha’s. Re-read the passage from Luke 10:38–42, John 11:1-44, John 12:1-7 and Matthew 27:55-28:61. What is the biggest takeaway from these interactions? And are there any changes you are going to make in your priorities?
My Next Step This Week
____ I will intentionally focus on Jesus by setting aside one activity.