The Defining Mark of a Jesus Follower

“The Defining Mark of a Jesus Follower”

Matthew 7:21-23 (page 901)

Question #1: What makes me a genuine follower of Jesus?

• It’s not defined by my profession of faith. (Matthew 7:21a; 15:8-9a, James 2:19, John 2:23-25)
  
  
  
• It’s not defined by my telling of truth. (Matthew 7:22a)
  
  
  
• It’s not defined by my opposition towards evil. (Matthew 7:22b)
  
  
  
• It’s not defined by my performance of doing good. (Matthew 7:22c, Luke 18:9-14, 1 Samuel 16:7, Isaiah 64:6)
  
  
  
• It’s defined by a personal relationship with Jesus. (Matthew 5:20, 48; 7:21-23, Psalm 51:5, John 6:40)

      What is the will of the Father? 

Response:

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? (John 14:6, Titus 3:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9-10a)

DISCUSSION POINTS for STUDENTS and ADULTS

1. Who in your life has been an example of a humble, meek Christian?

2. Why can’t you depend on being a good person to get you into heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:10-12, 19, 20.)

3. How does someone know if he/she is a follower of Jesus? Matthew 7:21, John 6:40)

4. How do you know the Father’s will? (John 14:6, Titus 3:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9-10a)

5. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?  If so, share your story about when you trusted Jesus, as your Savior.

6. How does heart change show a relationship with God? (Ezekiel 11:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Don’t forget to check out our CB students LifeGroup resource page, too!

DISCUSSION for KIDS (infant – 5th grade)

VIEW THIS VIDEO, then complete the questions / activity below.

Key Points:

• Our problem is sin.
• Our solution is Jesus.
• Our response is faith.
• We start by trusting Jesus.

Memory Verse:

Galatians 1:4 Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.

Discussion:

1. What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
2. What is sin? Why is sin a problem? 
3. What did Jesus do to fix our sin problem? 
4. Make a list of the stuff you got for your last birthday. How much of it did you pay for with your own money? Who gave you your presents?
5. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus is God’s gift to us. What do we have to do to get that gift? How much do we have to “pay” God for it?
6. Have you put your faith in Jesus? If not, are you ready today? Pray the prayer with your parents or teacher.
7. How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?

Don’t forget to check out the CB kids LifeGroup resource page.

PODCAST