Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Seek Seven"

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This Sunday
February 28, 2016



Sermon Title:
"Live to Serve"



Scripture:
Matthew 15:29-38  




Picture of Pastor Tim
February 25, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
As we make our way through Lent to Holy Week, we continue to listen 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 as you journey to the cross and the resurrection.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 18:15-35
  • In vv 15-17, Jesus gives important instructions about how to respond to a fellow Christian who sins. What are these instructions? How should you apply them? How do you think the church should apply them?
  • We know that by His Spirit, Jesus is always with us (see Matthew 28:20). In 18:20, Jesus makes special mention of His Presence when Christians gather together. How have you powerfully sensed Him present when with other believers?
  • In 18:35, Jesus speaks a strong word about forgiveness. How is it powerfully illustrated in vv 21-34? Is there anyone who you need to forgive? Anyone whose forgiveness you need?
  • Prayer--Ask God for wisdom concerning those who have sinned against you and hurt you. Ask for humility to make things right with those who you've hurt.
Tuesday--Read Matthew 19:1-15
  • In vv 2-9, how high is Jesus' view of marriage? How does it compare to our culture's view? Which view do you think the church consistently upholds, if either?
  • Jesus cites sexual immorality as the exception that fractures a marriage. What does this indicate concerning Jesus' understanding of sex? Again, how does this view compare to how popular culture treats sex?
  • In vv 10-12, Jesus indicates that there is a place for those who are single. How can we affirm those who remain single for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven?
  • Prayer--Pray for Christian marriages to be faithful and strong. Pray for God's blessings on single believers.
Wednesday--Read Matthew 19:16-30
  • In Matthew 19:16-22, what prevents the man from following? What are you tempted to hold onto, instead of fully letting go in order to follow Christ?
  • In v 27, Peter notes that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. What have you left behind for His sake?
  • Jesus then openly states (vv 28-29) that there will be great blessings for all who leave behind the world for His sake. What blessings? How does this encourage us to trust Jesus?
  • Prayer--Matthew 19:26 reads, "With God all things are possible." Pray with faith today to our God of the possible!
Thursday--Read Matthew 20:1-16
  • Based on this parable, will God be fair to everyone "at the end of the day"?
  • Will God be both fair to all and also generous to some?
  • Does God have the perfect right to decide to whom He will be fair and to whom He will be generous? Do you accept this? Or does it honestly bother you?
  • Prayer--To love God for both His fairness and justice, as well as for His generosity and mercy.
Friday--Read Matthew 20:17-34
  • In Matthew, Jesus three times announces what His purpose is for journeying to Jerusalem at Passover. Read 20:17-19 and then reread 16:21-23 and 17:22-23. What is His purpose? Why did He willingly pursue that purpose?
  • In vv 20-23, how twisted a view of Jesus' purpose is held by James, John, and their mother? What are they after, in contrast to what Jesus indicates in vv 17-19?
  • Note that the reaction of the other disciples is no nobler than the request by the Zebedee family (v 24). In response to all of them, what alternative way does Jesus call them--and you--to pursue?
  • Prayer--Pray for a servant's heart, like that of Jesus
    (v 28).
Saturday--Read Matthew 21:1-22
  • Read 21:1-11, the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. How strong does support for Jesus appear to be? What will it be like just five days later? Does this indicate something about the nature of public opinion in Jesus' day and our day?
  • Jesus in vv 12-17 appears almost to provoke a showdown. Why do you think He does so? What's His point?
  • In vv 18-22, Jesus continues to teach His disciples. What is His lesson for them and for you?
  • Prayer--For faith that overcomes doubts and then sees God at work!
Sunday: Sermon Passage--Matthew 19:1-9
 
Pastor Tim

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