Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Title: Anything Less is Just Playing Games
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.
John 19:23-24
1. How does it make you feel, when you read of the soldiers playing games at the foot of the cross?
2. Do people still play games with the sacrifice Jesus made for us? How?
3. In Matthew 5:3-10, Jesus gives us a plan for life. Which ones have you achieved and which ones are you still struggling to obtain?
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 4:9-11
4. What are some characteristics of a person who is hungering after righteousness?
5. According to 1 Peter 4:9-11, how should we treat others? How should use our talents?
6. How does Ephesians 4:11-16, tell us the church will grow? What talents do you have that could be used to grow this group?
7. How do you think Jesus would approach some of the younger or weaker members of this group? How can you help get them more involved?
“…the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4:16
Anytime you choose to follow God’s way, others will be encouraged. The opposite is also true. You can make a difference in the life of others by seeking God’s way first. Anything else is just playing games.
