Embracing Secrecy | March 20, 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 6

● A quirky question for thought: Where did the expression “toot your own horn”
come from?
● “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people to be noticed by
them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
○ Can you think of a time when this would have described you?
○ When the accolades were done, were you longing for more, or did they
actually feel hollow because you were aware your motivation was not
pure?

● Are you undergoing a real-life transition, from seeking the recognition of others,
to seeking affirmation from God?
○ What does that feel like?
○ How does God’s affirmation change our behavior?
○ How do we hold onto the change in our hearts?
● Read Mark 1: 40-45.
○ Why did Jesus admonish the leper to say nothing?
● Read Matthew 6: 5

○ At Prov, it is our heart to be a praying church. When we pray as a group,
do you ever feel pressure to pray just the right thing so everyone in our
group will “know” you have it all together?

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.