Flashpoint

February 5, 2023

William Ernest Henley’s classic poem, Invictus, ends with the declaration, “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Frank Sinatra captures the same conviction in his popular song, “I Did It My Way.” Both texts celebrate human independence and self-determination. But the famous poet is dead, and the crooner is no more. Are we ultimately in control of our own lives and destinies, or are our attempts at self-determination evidence of rebellion against our true Master and Commander? Join us for part 4 of Tipping Point, where we will explore Jesus’ parable about the rebellious tenants.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Luke 20:1-20

The tenants’ relationship with the __________
The tenant’s relationship with the ________________
The tenants’ relationship with the ______

Principle

Jesus is the ______________________ on which you will either __________ your life or against which you will be ______________.

Tipping Point

Make Jesus the ______________________ of your life.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our Deacon Ordination and Annual Chili Cook-off will be on Sunday, February 26, at 5:00 p.m.

Discuss your group’s plan to host a “Jesus in the Passover” meal during Lent (Feb. 22 – April 8). A training session will be offered Wednesday, February 22, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., in the MFC for those who volunteer to host and/or lead the event for your group.

HANGOUT

What is an iconoclast? Do you know someone who fits that description? Does Jesus fit that description? Why or why not? Why do most religious people have difficulty seeing Jesus as an iconoclast?

HEAR

Read Luke 6:1-11

What do these two encounters with Jesus have in common?
What is the purpose of a signpost? If the Sabbath is a signpost, to what or whom is it pointing? What does the Sabbath tell us about Jesus?
How had religion confused the signpost of the Sabbath for the real thing? Do we still do this today? If so, how?

Read Luke 6:27-36

How does our culture respond to these words of Jesus? With what would they readily agree? With what would they disagree?
We aspire to love everyone, always. That’s simple to say but hard to do. It sounds great but may not be as popular as it might seem. Why?
Is there a person (or kind of person) you find particularly challenging to love? Is there a particular time or circumstance when you find it hard to love?

Read Luke 6:37-42

What do you find most convicting or compelling about these verses?
Would the person who knows you best say that you are judgmental? What makes you think so?
What will you do this week to be more loving and less judgmental?

HUDDLE

Confess any ways in which you are judging others or failing to love the way Jesus has commanded His disciples to love. Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

This week’s scripture readings describe our rebellion against God. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to convict you of your own rebellion and surrender yourself to Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

Day 1: Genesis 1
Day 2: Genesis 2
Day 3: Genesis 3
Day 4: Isaiah 5
Day 5: John 15
Day 6: Luke 20

Think Deeper

Who or what controls your life?
Some have said that Frank Sinatra’s song, “I Did It My Way,” could also be called hell’s national anthem. Why would they say this? Do you agree? Why or why not?
Have you ever been so angry with God that you’ve acted rebelliously toward Him? Have you ever taken your anger toward God out on other people?