What are you becoming?
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Supporting Scripture: Matthew 23:25-26 (ESV)
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Is there anything on the inside that you would like to change about yourself?
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Have you been honest with Jesus about it?
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Supporting Scripture: Genesis 3:8-10 (ESV)
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Nothing hidden ever gets changed
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Supporting Scripture: John 1:40-42 (ESV)
Supporting Scripture: Luke 5:1-8 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Luke 5:10 (ESV)
What can happen in our inner lives that will truly bring change?
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There are two transformational invitations that Jesus gave to His early disciples that He gives to us as well. The first transformational invitation Jesus gives His disciples is simply .
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Supporting Scripture: Mark 3:13-16 (ESV)
If we want to be transformed on the inside, we have to spend more time with Jesus than . We need to walk with Jesus, talk with Jesus, listen to Jesus, eat with Jesus, and be with Jesus every moment and aspect of life.
The second transformational invitation Jesus gives His disciples is .
Supporting Scripture: Matthew 4:18-19 (ESV)
I will make you.
“Faith, alive in our weakness, looks like a war. Faith is a lack of contentment with what I am, but a sense of satisfaction with what God has given me of himself in Jesus. The mark of saving faith is not just resting passively in the promises of the gospel, but it’s an ongoing war with the reality of my condition. What does this fight look like? It’s a bloody mess. There is a lot of failure in it. I fall down. I get up…and believe. Over and over again. The life of faith is warfare. I fight. Jesus will finish the work.” – Michael Spencer
Matthew 4:18-25 describes the calling of the first disciples and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Reflecting on this passage can help you explore various aspects of your own life and spiritual journey. Here are some personal reflection questions to consider:
- Call to Follow: How do you respond to the sense of calling or purpose in your life? Are there ways in which you feel you’re being invited to step into a new role or direction, similar to how Simon Peter and Andrew were called to follow Jesus?
- Sacrifices Made: What are you willing to leave behind in order to pursue a deeper sense of purpose or commitment? The disciples left their fishing nets to follow Jesus—what might you need to let go of in your own life to fully embrace your calling?
- Transformation in Progress: How have your relationships or daily routines changed as a result of your spiritual journey? Just as the disciples’ lives were transformed by following Jesus, how are you being changed by your faith and your pursuit of spiritual growth?
- Influence of Community: Reflect on the role of community in your spiritual life. How does being part of a community of faith, or having a network of supportive individuals, influence your journey and growth?
- Impact of Ministry: In what ways are you serving or contributing to the well-being of others? Jesus’ ministry was marked by teaching and healing; how do your actions reflect a commitment to service and making a positive impact in the lives of those around you?
- Personal Growth: How do you see yourself growing and evolving spiritually? Consider the ways you’ve matured in your understanding of faith and how you’re becoming more aligned with the values and teachings that are important to you.
- Obstacles and Challenges: What challenges or obstacles are you currently facing in your pursuit of growth or following your calling? How do you handle these difficulties, and what do they teach you about your own resilience and faith?
- Joy and Fulfillment: What brings you joy and fulfillment in your spiritual journey? Reflect on moments when you felt deeply connected to your purpose and consider how you can cultivate more of those experiences in your life.
These questions are designed to help you explore how the themes of calling, transformation, and community in Matthew 4:18-25 resonate with your own life and spiritual journey.