It’s Not About Us

6/9/2024

Unlike any other organization or institution, the church does not exist primarily for the benefit of its members. The Church is not about us; it’s about Him. And because God has called us to make Him known to the ends of the earth, the church must also be about “them” – those who have yet to be reached with the message of the Gospel. Join us for the final message in This is Us, where we will learn that the church exists primarily for the benefit of its non-members.

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Passage

Luke 15

Principles

The Church exists for the ##glory## of ##God## and the ##benefit## of its ##non-members##

Practice

Ask not what your ##church## can do for ##you##. Ask what ##you## can do for your ##church##.

Small Group Questions

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

HANGOUT

What is the primary purpose of the United States Military? Who is the primary beneficiary of their efforts? What would happen if the military decided they no longer wanted to be subservient to civilian control? What would happen if individual members of the military decided that they needed to be the primary beneficiaries of the military’s efforts? How does this relate to the church?

HEAR

Read Matthew 20:1-16

Was the Master fair to all his workers? Why or why not?
Jesus said this parable describes the Kingdom of God. How so? Are you someone who was hired in the morning, at mid-day, or late in the afternoon?
How might this parable be applied to our church and its members?

Read Matthew 25:14-30

What criteria did the man use to determine how to distribute his resources among his servants? Was this fair? Why or why not?
Who owned the talents? What was the responsibility of the three managers? Who benefited from the managers’ decisions?
How might this parable be applied to our church and its members?

Read Matthew 25:31-46

What distinguished the sheep from the goats? What surprised the sheep? What surprised the goats? Why was this surprising?
Who were the sheep serving? Who were the goats ignoring?
How might this parable be applied to our church and its members?

HUDDLE

What is most convicting to you about these parables? What is most encouraging? What will you do this week to heed Jesus’ teachings in these parables? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Luke 15
Day 2: Colossians 1
Day 3: Mark 2
Day 4: Matthew 20
Day 5: Matthew 25
Day 6: Psalm 84
Day 7: Revelation 2 & 3