January 3, 2021

Matthew 10:21-23

1. Pastor Nate began by looking at Matthew 10:21 & making a few observations.

-Many of the observations dealt with the primary allegiance of the Christian...what competes for our primary allegiance in life?

-What does it look like to value our natural family relationships, but not to make them the primary allegiance of our lives?

-Do we understand that what's said in this verse actually takes place today? How can we become more informed about what's taking place in the persecution of believers around the world?

2. We then moved to Matthew 10:22 to see why persecution happens & how it's endured.

-Looking at the first part of v. 22, we heard that, "hatred of Christians flows from the world's hatred of Christ." What are examples of people trying to maintain a claim to following Christ all the while wanting to be accepted by the surrounding culture?

-What are the places where we see Biblical standards colliding with the culture around us?

-Looking at Romans 8:35-39, we see that the love of Christ enables believers to endure. What are ways that can we be quick to think on the love of Christ when difficulties arrive?

-We also heard that God uses persecution for the good of His church: to purify, strengthen, focus, encourage, & expand the church. How have you seen these things take place among God's people?

3. We ended with Matthew 10:23 & a question in light of a promise.

-The promise at the end of v. 23 is debated, but the point is that Jesus is assuring HIs followers that everything will be made right...READ Revelation 21:5-7. How does this promise compel us to endure & be faithful to the cause of Christ?

-What does it look like for you to demonstrate endurance for the sake of Christ right now?

-We ended with a question: "How can we be as prepared as possible for persecution so that we would suffer well for the sake of Christ?" Pastor Nate called us to saturate our hearts, minds, & souls with the gospel...how do you plan to do this in 2021? How can the community group spur one another on towards this in 2021?