What Does God Want From Me?
Upside Down Living
August 30 - September 3, 2004

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

Jesus called a small child over to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck."

Matthew 18:1-6 (NLT)

In Matthew 18:1-6 the disciples posture for a place of prominence, and Jesus responds with another statement turning the lives of many of His followers upside down. What Jesus said seems simple enough on the surface, but actually presents a picture of the entire spiritual journey each of faces as believers. Why did Jesus use a little child as the basis of His story? This is part of what we will discuss, because their simple trusting honesty helps children avoid many hurdles adults create for themselves on their spiritual journey. The Bible describes a kingdom of this world where we are born, a kingdom of heaven we seek as Christians, and a door between them we must pass through. In this discussion we will consider the characteristics little children have that we can learn from as we take the three steps along our spiritual journey through the door to the kingdom of heaven.

3 STEPS IN MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

MONDAY

1. TURNING AND BELIEVING.

Kids know how to trust.

[Your Objective: Bring awareness that the first step toward pleasing God is to turn to Him and believe in Him.]

What benefit did Jesus say is available to us and how do we get it according to John 20:29?

  • In the Matthew 18:1-6 passages above we see Jesus expects us to be like little children. What are some childlike virtues that please God?
  • Why are we sometimes childlike in these ways? Why is it often difficult to demonstrate these childlike qualities? What hurdles or obstacles keep us from simple trust?
  • What does our ability to trust prove about us and our faith? Why is this important if we are to please God?
  • In the Matthew 18:1-6 passages above we see Jesus expects us to be like little children. How does this make us more valuable to God while we are here on this earth?

TUESDAY

Read Ephesians 2:8-10. How does Paul say we are saved? What prevents us from taking credit for salvation?

  • How can we believe in someone we cannot see? Why is it often easier to doubt than to believe?
  • How can humility, trust, and faith prove our commitment to Christ more than self-confidence, physical evidence, and pride in accomplishment?

Worship (Magnification) - The first and most important act of worship is trusting Jesus and believing in Him for salvation. How can this group help you grow in the area of faith and trust in Jesus so your life more fully demonstrates your love and worship of Him? What is one thing you will begin to focus on this week to trust and worship the Lord more completely?

WEDNESDAY

2. WELCOMING AND RECEIVING.

Kids know how to party.

[Your Objective: Acquire a welcoming attitude toward the people who come to our groups and to our church.]

According to Luke 15:10, what do those in heaven do when somebody enters the kingdom, when a lost soul turns to God?

  • Discuss the ways churches in general welcome people who come.
  • List the ways the church is not a welcoming and a joyous place.

What does Romans 15:7 tell us to do to make the church a welcoming place?

  • According to the example in Luke 15:10 above, how are we to reach out and welcome newcomers?
  • What should be the attitudes in our hearts about newcomers and why?

Fellowship (Membership) - Fellowship is found when the church is a welcoming and a joyous place of acceptance. Take the list the group made about the ways in which the church is not a welcoming and joyous place and substitute it with a list of alternative ways that will turn the situation around with God’s blessing. Encourage each other to apply those changes at a personal level and as an example to others.

THURSDAY

3. LEADING AND MODELING.

Kids are easily influenced.

[Your Objective: Recognize our responsibility to lead and model a life pleasing to Jesus to those around you.]

In Romans 14:13 what does Paul tell us we should not do and what should we do instead?

  • How can a habit of being judgmental be a stumbling block to others?
  • What other kinds of activities or behaviors could cause someone around us to stumble?
  • What does judging convey to others when we profess to be a Christian? How might this affect those who do not know Christ yet? Why should we be concerned about how a judgmental attitude looks to non-believers?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1. Who is Paul concerned about and why?

  • When Paul says to follow Christ's example does he mean we should wear the kind of clothes and eat the kind of food that Jesus ate? What do you think he was talking about here?
  • How can following Jesus' example make an impact on someone else?

FRIDAY

From 1 Timothy 4:12 in what ways did Paul tell Timothy to set an example for those he was serving?

  • What is our responsibility to others after we receive Christ as our savior?
  • What are some practical ways we can model Christ as an example to those we live with, work with, or serve?
  • Is it more effective to tell someone what you believe or to model it? Why do you think this is?
  • Who around us is most influenced by our example?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Living a life that models Christ's example is our responsibility after we have believed in Him for eternal life. Who is watching the way you live to see if your lifestyle matches your talk about Christ? Does your life example adequately represents Christ? Ask those closest to you if they see inconsistencies in your Christian walk.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Make a commitment to at least one next step along your spiritual journey.]

Jesus gives us a powerful example through little children's ability to believe with innocence and trust. In Matthew 19:14 (NCV), Jesus said "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children." Discuss with your group which of the following steps based on childlike trust and innocence you will take along your spiritual journey beginning this week:

  • Turning and Believing: With childlike faith, choose to receive Christ today.
  • Welcoming and Receiving: Invite someone to join my 40 Days of Community group.
  • Leading and Modeling: Do a self-assessment and remove anything that might cause someone else to stumble.