40 Days 2023 - Discussion Questions - Week 2
In Mark 8:34, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves. Many of us struggle with that thought because it feels impossible. We are afraid that denying ourselves might keep us from something good or that it would be the same as punishing ourselves. But what if that is not what Jesus meant when He gave this command to follow Him? What if the greatest blessing awaits those who deny themselves? This week we are going to discuss how our purpose is connected to a commitment to deny ourselves.
This week’s memory verse: Romans 12:1-2. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
T,IUY,BAS,IVOGM,TOYBAALS,HAPTG—TIYTAPW. DNCTTPOTW, BBTBTROYM. TYWBATTAAWGWI—HG,PAPW. Romans 12:1-2
(No, a cat didn’t walk across my keyboard… it’s a memorization technique)
1. Last week’s memory verse was Mark 8:34; who can recite it?
2. What stood out to you in Pastor James’ message this week?
3. As you read through the 40 Days devotional, what encouraged or challenged you this week?
4. Read Mark 10:17-22. What does it say about the man’s heart when he asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
5. The rich young ruler would know that only God is good because of his religious training. What can we say he believes about Jesus when he calls Jesus “good”?
6. In verse 20, we see that the young ruler has worked hard to be good. He is also incredibly wealthy, so he has everything that anyone would want. What is he still missing in his life?
7. Technically, the young man could have given away all of his wealth. What does it say about his heart when he refuses to give his wealth away? If you were in his shoes, how much would you struggle with giving it all away to follow Jesus?
8. Verse 21 says Jesus looked at him and loved him. What does this verse say about Jesus’ heart for this person? Why do you think Jesus felt that way?
9. Pastor James said, “You’ll never live fully until you give yourself fully to following Jesus.” The question is, who is asking you to surrender? Surrender always requires trust. Your response is dictated by the confidence you have in that person. Is there an area of your life where you feel you cannot trust the situation to Jesus? If you said yes, what are you holding back?
10. We want God’s plan for us that is good, pleasing, and perfect, but to live in that, we have to surrender to Him. It means trusting Jesus even when you don’t like the plan. Can you share a time when you trusted Jesus’ plan even though you didn’t like it? How did it work out for you?
11. Read Mark 10:27. Pastor James said, “You have permission to let go.“ Jesus is actually giving the rich young man permission to walk away from what is controlling him and limiting him from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants to give him. According to verse 27, where do we get the strength to walk away from that which is controlling us?
12. In verse 27, Jesus’ words imply it is impossible in your own power! You can’t save yourself from the sin that is killing you. You can’t free yourself from the power of sin. But when He calls you to follow Him, He is not just inviting you to follow Him; He is giving you the power to do it. What has God given you the power to step away from? Why could you not do it on your own?
13. Jesus was actually calling this man to be his 13th disciple. Think about all the amazing miracles and experiences that he missed out on! Instead of going on through eternity being known as a disciple, he is known as the man who walked away sad because he could not let go. How can focusing on what you gain, instead of what you are giving up, help you to completely surrender?
14. The greatest struggle in surrendering isn’t in what I have to do, it’s trusting in the one who I follow. The one who is asking you to trust Him still holds the enemy under his feet. What is there in your life that is worth holding on to if it costs you your relationship with Jesus?
15. What is just one thing in your life that you have struggled with and have now permitted yourself to let go of? Are you trusting in the power of what Jesus has done for you?
Pastor James’ Sermon Notes
What does it mean to follow Christ?
Mark 10:17-22 (NIV) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone." You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’ "Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
You’ll never live fully until you surrender yourself fully to following Jesus.
Realize who is asking.
Romans 12:1–2 "I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
You have permission to let go.
Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Focus on what you gain instead of what you give up.
There is nothing worth keeping if it keeps you from Jesus.