How To Get The Most Out of Life!
September 4-8, 2006

Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and went with him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Matthew 4:19-22 (NLT)

Everyone wants to have a life well lived. No one wants to have a weak, irrelevant or obscure life. God has created us for something great. A life well lived in God's eyes is not a life measured by financial success, but is a life measured in significance. Jesus knew and preached that a life well lived is one of service, not sitting on the sidelines. To be able to be significant we must learn and live obedience to God's Word. Living a life well and in obedience to God can be scary because we have to forgo convenience and do what seems uncomfortable and even frightening. We have a great example of how to live in the lives of the disciples. While they were simple men, they changed the world. When we overcome our fear and follow the disciples' example, the world may see our lives as ruined but we will please and be rewarded by the One who matters.

Anatomy of a life well lived (the example of the disciples)

MONDAY

THEY FOLLOWED JESUS AND THEY LEARNED ALONG THE WAY...
[Your Objective: Review how the disciples responded when called by Jesus and learn from their example.]

According to Matthew 4:19-22, how quickly did the disciples respond when Jesus called them?

What does Matthew 4:23-25 tell us about how Jesus' ministry spread?

  • What keeps us from responding immediately when Jesus calls us?
  • Why is it helpful to know that even the disciples learned along the way, as they followed Jesus?
  • Why do we often think we need more knowledge to do what Jesus wants us to do?

THEY EXPERIENCED EXCITING TIMES AND THEY EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT TIMES...
[Your Objective: Realize that the disciples' lives had highs and lows in following Jesus similar to our experiences.]

What does Matthew 9:9-13 say about the world's reaction to Jesus eating with tax collectors?

When Jesus met a man possessed by demons in Matthew 8:28-32 what did He do?

How did Jesus calm the disciples' fears in Matthew 8:23-27? What was their reaction to what He did?

  • Tax collectors were hated in Jesus' time. Does His willingness to associate with them reassure you? Why?
  • How did seeing Jesus perform the miracles described in Matthew help the disciples not give up when times were difficult? When things are difficult for us how can the book of Matthew help?
  • Is it easier for us to follow Jesus when times are hard or when times are good? Why?

TUESDAY

THEY OBEYED HIS INSTRUCTIONS...
[Your Objective: Learn about being obedient to the directions that Jesus gives.]

What did Jesus call His followers to do in Matthew 10:5-8? What powers did He give them?

  • What are some of the common excuses that make it difficult to follow Jesus?
  • What are some of the obstacles that make us hesitate to obey a calling to go out and serve?

THEY WERE REWARDED...
[Your Objective: Discuss the ways God rewards a life well lived.]

In Matthew 10:41, 42 what rewards does Jesus promise to His followers?

  • How are the rewards Christians receive different than the world's rewards?
  • Why is it difficult to focus on eternal rewards in our society?

Pursuing a life well lived

WEDNESDAY

1. Replace convenience with obedience.
[Your Objective: Challenge the group to replace convenience with obedience.]

In Luke 11:28 and Romans 2:13 what does Jesus say is more important than hearing God's Word?

  • Convenience is often at odds with obedience. What conveniences keep us from obeying God's calling?
  • What reward would we gain if we replace convenience with obedience to God?

According to John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3, what must we do to show God that we love Him?

  • What convenient habits do we need to sacrifice to better reflect the love of God in our life?
  • How does obedience to God manifest our love for Him?

Worship (Magnification) - Obedience ruins a convenient life, but brings us closer to God. What can increase the quality of your worship time with God so He can magnify His love through you more deeply?

THURSDAY

2. PUT YOURSELF IN SCARY (UNCOMFORTABLE) SITUATIONS.
[Your Objective: Motivate each group member to step out in faith and get involved.]

In Matthew 10:7 what does Jesus say is near?

  • Why do you think Jesus stressed the nearness of this coming time?

Matthew 10:8 mentions four types of actions: what does Jesus want us to accomplish in the lives of others? What reason does Jesus give for our obedience?

  • What similar hands-on acts could we use in relating to people? i.e.: helping the sick, feeding the poor.
  • What scary situations do we face in carrying out God's will?

Evangelism (Mission) - By putting ourselves in new situations, we grow spiritually. We can spend time with others who need to know Christ. Who do you know that needs a friend to listen. Can you be that listener?

FRIDAY

3. BELIEVE YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
[Your Objective: Develop confidence in the ability to impact other people, equip each other with spiritual tools and encourage people's efforts.]

In Matthew 10 Jesus sends his disciples out to put into practice what He had taught them. What does Matthew 10:10 say they need to take with them to be effective?

  • The Message paraphrase says in Matthew 10:10: "You don't need a lot of equipment - you are the equipment" (Msg). How do you think the idea of you being the equipment needed to make a difference relates to the concept of the worker being worth support that is used in other translations?
  • The disciples started as ordinary people and grew into extraordinary people who changed the world. What do you think it takes for people today to develop the confidence that they can make a difference in another person's life or have an impact on the world?
  • How do you think a person's humanity can mix with the Divinity of Jesus to make a difference in the world?

Discipleship (Maturity) - God has a history of using imperfect people to accomplish His goals, just like He did with the disciples. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference, only be willing to obey and know God will give you what it takes to be successful. What small step will you commit to taking this week to help you believe you can make a difference in someone's life?