January 24 Sermon Discussion
Knowing Jesus Personally
Discussion Guide:
Reflect:
Relate:
Read Luke 10:38-42.
Who are Martha and Mary? (cross-reference John 11:5 for a little more detail)
In your own words, re-tell the story?
Was Martha wrong? Why do you think this?
What made Mary’s choice better?
Pastor Jeremy said, “The most important thing you need to relate with God is humility!” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
How have you related with Jesus like Martha in your spiritual life?
How have you related with Jesus like Mary in your spiritual life?
Pastor Jeremy said that, “Pray and Scripture are gifts for building our friendship with God.” How does this statement line up with your faith experience in knowing God?
Respond:
What stands out to you about this prayer?
Three times this week, re-write this prayer to match your current situation.
Read 1st John 3:1-24 in three different renderings this week. I would suggest a modern
rendering (NIV or HCSB); a traditional rendering (KJV or ESV); and a functional rendering (NLT
or Message). You can use this link to access different renderings or translations:
https://bit.ly/3chJMyS
Did one translation have more impact on your thinking than another? Have you used that
rendering of Scripture before? Would you use it again? Why or why not?
How does reading Scripture in a way that best resonates with our understanding help us
better connect with God?
Discussion Guide:
Reflect:
- If you could have any famous person over to your home, whom would you like to host? Why?
Relate:
Read Luke 10:38-42.
Who are Martha and Mary? (cross-reference John 11:5 for a little more detail)
In your own words, re-tell the story?
Was Martha wrong? Why do you think this?
What made Mary’s choice better?
Pastor Jeremy said, “The most important thing you need to relate with God is humility!” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
How have you related with Jesus like Martha in your spiritual life?
How have you related with Jesus like Mary in your spiritual life?
Pastor Jeremy said that, “Pray and Scripture are gifts for building our friendship with God.” How does this statement line up with your faith experience in knowing God?
Respond:
- Assignment One: Experiencing the Gift of Pray
What stands out to you about this prayer?
Three times this week, re-write this prayer to match your current situation.
- Assignment Two: Encountering the Gift of Scripture
Read 1st John 3:1-24 in three different renderings this week. I would suggest a modern
rendering (NIV or HCSB); a traditional rendering (KJV or ESV); and a functional rendering (NLT
or Message). You can use this link to access different renderings or translations:
https://bit.ly/3chJMyS
Did one translation have more impact on your thinking than another? Have you used that
rendering of Scripture before? Would you use it again? Why or why not?
How does reading Scripture in a way that best resonates with our understanding help us
better connect with God?
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2 Comments
Martha was not wrong but sometimes we just need to slow down and listen like her sister Mary. Sometimes I get frustrated because I'm not a great cook and I don't own a house. The passage shows me that I don't need to worry so much and how important it is just to listen to God and others.
I agree that humility is important but I don't know what is MOST important to God. I can relate most to the NIV translation. In the Lord's prayer, "Thy Will be Done" stands out to me, and also for us to forgive others as God forgives us. I also like to use the KJV because it sounds so poetic. To relate with God, we need to both understand His nature and who he really is, a God who is all-powerful and a God of infinite love. Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and we can humbly approach His throne, listen, and ask for grace and mercy. It's amazing that we can be born again and accepted as daughters and sons!