2-15-2026: Practicing the Way of Jesus
Sermon Title: Practicing the Way of Jesus
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8:1-11; Matthew 7:24-29; Philippians
3:7-14; James 1:22
Sermon Focus: In his concluding words from the Sermon on the
Mount, Jesus says that we have a choice to make. We can build our lives on the
solid rock of his teachings or build our lives on sinking sand. While many
people hear his words, it’s only those who want to become more like
Jesus and practice his way that survive the storm. In the final message of
our series, Pastor David invites us to move beyond hearing the teachings of
Jesus to practicing the way of Jesus that leads to life in the Kingdom of God.
Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:
- Begin by reading Matthew 7:24-29 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few
minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage
aloud. How do the words of Jesus encourage you? Also, how do they
challenge you? - In the example of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus is inviting us to build
our lives upon him and his teaching. What are some of the “foundations” that
people commonly build their lives on today (success, security,
relationships, approval, comfort, etc.)? Which of these do you find most
tempting, and why? - Jesus says the wise builder not only hears his words but puts them into practice. What is one teaching of Jesus that you find easy to agree with but
difficult to live out consistently? Why is that? And what is God saying to
you about that? - Jesus indicates that storms will come. Pastor David pointed out that these
storms can range from personal, to national, global, and cosmic
(sin/death). What storms are you experiencing and/or see coming? How is
the Lord inviting you to put your trust in him through the storms of life? - John Mark Comer (author of Practicing the Way) draws from ancient Jewish
discipleship and summarizes following Jesus in three movements: (1)
Be with Jesus – develop a daily relational life with God; (2) Become like
Jesus – get to know him via spiritual disciplines; and (3) Do what Jesus
did – practice how Jesus taught us to live. This is to be a lifelong
routine and rhythm. Be honest with your group. Which movement do you feel
you need to give more attention to with God? You may want to say something
about each of these. - Take a moment to reflect on the entire Sermon on the Mount series. What would you say was the highlight for you? What is a major takeaway?
- LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: Is there something practical that you can do this week to implement what Jesus has said to us in Matthew 7:24-29? How is the Spirit inviting you to put Jesus’ words into practice in your current
situation so that friends, family, neighbors, and enemies can see what God
is doing in your life, and that they might experience the good news of
Jesus through you.