Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Week Two"

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This Sunday
January 24, 2016



Sermon Title:
"Asking for Identification"



Scripture:
Matthew 3:13-17  
Picture of Pastor Tim
January 21, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
We turn to our second week of listening to Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Our goal is to hear from Christ as we read and reflect upon the first gospel between now and Easter Sunday (March 27). I encourage us to take time each day this week to read the passage indicated, to reflect, and then to pray as directed. By the power and presence of the Spirit, may you sense Christ at work in your life this week.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 4:1-11
  • In v. 1, the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. Why did Jesus need to dual against the devil before even beginning His public ministry?
  • What sort of temptations does Satan throw at Jesus? Which of them might be most tempting for you?
  • What is Christ's primary tool for fending off temptation? How does this tool apply to our fight against temptation? How well equipped are you to use this tool?
  • V. 11 comments, "The devil left Him (Jesus)." How do you see temptation come and then go in your walk with Christ?
  • Pray--"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Tuesday--Read Matthew 4:12-25
  • As Jesus goes public, how is Galilee a place of both the Jews and the Gentiles (v. 15)? Why is this significant?
  • Verse 16 includes the image of light piercing darkness. How has Christ pierced your darkness with His light?
  • Compare Jesus' key theme (4:17) to that of John (3:2). What do you find?
  • Jesus calls people to discipleship ("Follow me") and to evangelism ("I will make you fishers of men"). Have you responded to both of these calls from Christ in life?
  • Pray--to follow Jesus and to share Jesus with others today.
Wednesday--Read Matthew 5:1-20
  • In vv. 1-12, we find the record of the famous Beatitudes right on the heels of Jesus' call to "follow me" (4:19). What are the character traits of someone who is following Jesus?
  • Jesus was persecuted by Herod shortly after His birth (2:16-18). How does Jesus reveal that His followers can expect the same treatment (vv. 10-12)?
  • Vv. 13-16 move us from discipleship to evangelism ("fishers of men"). How are you living as salt and light in daily life?
  • Jesus says that you must be more righteous than the scribes and Pharisees (v. 20). How does He (not you) make you righteous?
  • Prayer--Thank God for your righteousness in Christ alone.
Thursday--Read Matthew 5:21-48
  • Six times Jesus says, "You have heard it said, but I say" (21, 27, 31, 33, 38, 43). What does this imply about His authority in comparison to the authority of Jewish tradition? What might this say about His authority over Church tradition, as well?
  • Do you think you ever can fulfill the moral standards Jesus pronounces in vv. 21-48? Or do you think Jesus is driving you toward mercy and forgiveness?
  • Jesus nevertheless tells us to "be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect" (v. 48). What sort of energy and passion should you put toward living toward the goodness of God?
  • Prayer--Spend time asking God's Spirit to help you live according to the lifestyle Jesus raises up in this passage.
Friday--Read Matthew 6:1-18
  • In verses 1-4, Jesus speaks of the danger of the sin of public recognition, of being lauded by others for religious accomplishments. In contrast, He calls for humble service. How can you apply this teaching to your life?
  • How much and how deeply do you pray in private (v 6)? How can you grow in this area?
  • What role, if any, does fasting play in your spirituality? Is it time to think about trying it?
  • Prayer--Pray the Lord's Prayer, phrase by phrase.
Saturday--Read Matthew 6:19-34
  • Vv. 19-24--Jesus teaches that you must be clear about what motivates you. Is it God or is it the world? Who is the real Master? What tempts you to elevate it above Christ as Lord?
  • Vv. 25-34--Are you a worrywart? Does Jesus think it okay to "help God worry about things"? If not, how does Christ convict you, comfort you, and encourage you not to worry?
  • V. 34--What is the difference between being anxious for tomorrow and being prepared for tomorrow?
  • Prayer--Memorize Matthew 6:33 and then pray it through.
Sunday--Sermon Passage: Matthew 4:1-11
 
Pastor Tim
 
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