Week 16
Bible Reading
Daily readings from the last week:
Matthew 12-18
Reflect
What stood out to you from your daily readings over the last week? Any questions?
How did you go with what you said you’d do last week?
Discuss
Have someone read the passage and use the SOAP method to explore the text:
S - Scripture (read scripture together)
O - Observe (what do we see? What does it make us think?)
A - Apply (what does this mean for my life?)
P - Pray (pray together)
Don’t miss
The Heart
The word for heart can mean a physical heart but also refers to our spiritual life - the deepest source of what animates our lives. For Jesus, the thoughts in our minds, the words that come out of our mouths, our actions and reactions are all things that reveal what is going on in the deepest part of who we are. It means that following Jesus cannot be about rules or religion. It’s not about whether you do the ‘right thing’ so much as the motivation behind it. What does your life currently reveal about the condition of your heart?
Learn
A New Heart: Have a look at Ezekiel 36:25-27. Ezekiel was a prophet who spoke of a time when God would send the Spirit (this is the age of the church that we are in).
What do you notice about what the Spirit does?
What is the impact on someone’s heart?
This leads to a way of life that is radically different. Now have a look at Galatians 5:16-26.
What do you notice about the contrast between verses 19-21 and 22-25?
What is encouraging and challenging about what you notice in your own life?
Where do you notice a change that God may want to bring?
Pray
Why not pray together about that right now?
Next Steps
What is a key takeaway from today?
Who are you going to tell about what you’ve been learning?
Read Matthew 19-25 before you come back next time