MAIN POINT:

Christianity is not a spectator sport; it is time to step out of the stands and “get in the game.”

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ICEBREAKER:

Share a winning moment in your life.

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INTRODUCTION:

This weekend, Pastor Chris kicked off our new series, Get In the Game, with a comparison of the commitment it takes to win in sports and the commitment it takes to have an eternal victory. We all enjoy winning. Winning takes effort and athletes must give it all. We want this for our sports teams, but most importantly, we want to win souls! We need to give 100% for the King of kings and Lord of lords. We need to give our all for the Kingdom of God! This level of commitment also applies to our marriage, ministry, business and other important areas in our life. Our faith is not a spectator sport. We need to step out of the stands and get in the game. We need to get into small group, give, and sign up to serve. The greatest coach ever was God-made-man in Jesus. He came to recruit us on to His Team. He paid our full scholarship so we can be with Him forever in Heaven. Athletes sign a letter of intent every February. It is essentially a useless document because it is not binding, just like many of the FP commitment cards that are filled out each week. We are called to do more than a “verbal commitment.” “Courage is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway,” said John Wayne. Recall our Scripture verse this year: “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus came and died for us, yet just a fraction of those who attend FP each weekend serve. Christ Followers must unite. Where is God calling you to step out in faith and serve Him at FP?

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ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read Matthew 16:18.

1. At this point in the gospel story, it was time for the disciples to realize the identity of Christ and to articulate it clearly. What was Peter’s confession?

2. Have you personally confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

3. Verse 18 can cause controversy because of different interpretations of Jesus’ words and to what the rock metaphor actually referred. What are the possible meanings of “the rock?”

4. If we are “living stones” that have been added to Christ’s church, in what way does your life and service reflect that you are an active member? Is God calling you to step out in faith to serve Him in a new way?

5. To what does the phrase “the gates of Hades” refer?

6. How can a person be freed from the power of death?

7. Pastor mentioned that there has been a decline in the way the US views the church, and he compared it to the way things looked for believers on Good Friday. Jesus’ death was eminent, and His body was going to be thrown on to a pile of garbage. The tide is shifting, and many Americans have thrown the church on to a garbage pile. The church is viewed as irrelevant, and the opposition is increasing. What hope does verse 18 give you as you face this opposition and even persecution? How have you experienced opposition because of your faith?

Read Matthew 27:57-60.

8. Who was Joseph of Arimathea? (see also Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-51)

9. What did he risk by asking for Jesus’ body for burial?

10. Joseph placed Jesus’ dead body into position for Resurrection, without fully understanding the victory that was about to occur. Is God placing someone on your heart with whom you need to share the gospel? What is holding you back from stepping out in faith, knowing eternal victory is at stake?

11. Many who fill the seats at churches today merely think of themselves as spiritual and have no commitment to Jesus. Are you in the stands, or are you on the field? In what way can your group pray for you as you step out in faith?

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LEADER NOTES:

1. See Matthew 16:16.

2. For those who unsure of their salvation, consider leading them in steps to receive Christ. (Admit you are a sinner. Repent. Believe that Jesus died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)

3. Some think the rock could refer to Peter himself and for the leadership role he would assume in the church. The rock may also refer to Jesus. We see many places in the Old Testament that God is referred to as the “Rock” by believers, Moses (Deut. 32:4, 15, 18), David (Psalm 18:2), and Isaiah (Is. 8:14). While Jesus is referred to the cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20-22, He actually presents Himself as the builder in this passage. It is generally believed that the confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God is the “rock.” Peter and the other disciples’ confession serve as the foundation of the church, with Jesus as the cornerstone. We as believers are all “living stones” that have been added to build up His church. (1 Peter 2:4-5).

4. Answers may vary. Expect church attendance, service, giving, small group involvement, etc.

5. It is a metaphor for the power of death.

6. Through faith in Jesus Christ, one receives eternal life. See John 11:25-26.

7. Jesus promises we will ultimately not be defeated or destroyed. Not even death will overcome us. We are called to willingly carry the disgrace He suffered for us.

8. He was a member of the Sanhedrin who had not consented to Jesus’ death.

9. He risked being thrown out of his Jewish community.

10. Answers may vary

11. Answers may vary.