Gather Sermon
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Gather
Matt Stout [College Grove Campus Pastor]
Scripture References & Sermon Points
Sermon Takeaway = Gather
Sermon Point 1: Love What Jesus Loves
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 5:22–27
Sermon Point 2: Do What Jesus Did
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 5:30
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:27
Scripture Reference: Colossians 1:18
Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:28
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:16
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 10:23–25
Sermon Discussion Questions
Get to know me
The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.
Think of a time when you were challenged by a situation, whether at work or elsewhere, and no one would offer their help or couldn't give any help. What happened? How did you feel in that situation? How did that impact your view of those that didn't help?
Note: This week's questions have a personal tone to them, confessional even. As followers of Jesus we wrestle at times with what He commended because we still have a sin-nature. But we are to do battle against sin, not alone but with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Take the opportunity to reflect deeply on these questions and share your answers.
Into the Bible
The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.
Read John 1:9-18. We worship a God and Savior who stepped out of heaven, put on flesh, and chose to be with His creation. He'd be with people who would love Him; He'd also be surrounded by many who would reject Him. What does this say to you about our God's desire to gather with people? What does this say about His desire for us to be gathered in His name?
Read Matthew 18:15-20. Jesus wants His followers to take care of one another, even in challenging circumstances. We aren't to run to the world to solve our issues but to unite and work through the hard stuff together. He even promises that He will be with us to help unite us. How have you seen the church miss the mark when it comes to fulfilling its mission internally, taking care of one another? In what ways can you be helpful, being someone who regularly exhibits one another-ness?
Application
The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.
Read Ephesians 5:22-27,31-32. Sermon Point: Love What Jesus Loves. When true believers understand the unconditional, sacrificial, steadfast love of Christ, we should have no problem submitting to His headship. This is why Paul calls the church the Bride of Christ. Where do you struggle currently in submitting to Jesus? Where have you struggled previously submitting but ultimately surrendered to Him?
Read Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:30. Sermon Point: Do What Jesus Did. God calls us the Bride of Christ to show that we should love what Jesus loves. He calls us the Body to tell us we should do what Jesus did. How does being connected with other believers impact your walk, your growth in sanctification? What does “He is the head of the body”, referring to Jesus, say to you what you should be doing?
Read Hebrews 10:23-25. This passage is the whipped cream on top of the sundae, with sprinkles. The writer is pushing us, encouraging us, to not be stagnant in our faith but for our faith to be active and at work. How have you been encouraged by a brother or sister in Christ recently? How have you shown your thankfulness to a brother or sister in Christ recently? What are ways you can be a better encourager for your fellow followers?
