Before the Beginning | Feb 6, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 16:18-21

● In the first 10 verses of Matthew 4 we see Jesus resisting the devil using his
mastery of scripture. Then we come to verse 11:
○ What is Jesus’ physical, spiritual and emotional state after 40 days in the
desert battling temptation?

● We believe that the incarnate Jesus is fully God and fully man at the same time.
In your relationship with Him, do you tend to view Him more on one side than the
other?
● Here Jesus demonstrates his humanity and vulnerability by allowing angels to
minister to Him. Why do we prefer to be vulnerable after the fact (“...but
everything is OK now.”) as opposed to in our moment of need (“I am hurting now
and need help.”)?
● Read 1 Kings 19: 1-8. Discuss the parallels seen in this passage about Elijah
with verse 11 of our text
● In Matthew 17 we read about the transfiguration of Jesus and who was present.
How do these parallels along with the first disciples called in Matthew 4: 18-22
factor in?
● Read Matthew 4: 12-17. Here Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9: 1-7 (read for
context) – looking at the map we see that Jesus’ move from Nazareth to
Capernaum put him closer to the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned

by Herod Antipas. What do you see in verse 17 that indicates a significant
turning point in Matthew’s narrative?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.