Extravagant Faith | April 3, 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:See Below

● Galatians 2:20 (NIV): I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me.
○ How does Christ living within you manifest itself in your everyday life?
● Matthew 26: 6-13 (NIV): While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the
Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume,
which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the
disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This
perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has
done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will
not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to
prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached
throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
○ As you read this account, how many perspectives of the event do you
see?
○ We heard various words to describe the woman’s view of her actions.
From your perspective, what words would you use?

○ How does it make you feel to realize it is not just Judas who has a
negative view of the woman’s action?
○ How would you describe the disciples’ attitudes?
○ Hadn’t some of them already declared Jesus was The Messiah? What
kind of life change happened to the disciples after they had witnessed
Christ crucified and resurrected, and what was the end result?
○ If you were able to put yourself into this passage, and be totally honest,
where would you have stood?

● Have you ever been overcome by the desire to extend extravagant love, and
found yourself squashing the desire because of fear of criticism from those
around you?
● Have you ever judged a friend (either out loud or secretly) who has shown
extravagant love to someone?
● 1 Peter 1:22 (revised): Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the
truth so that you have extravagant, sincere love for each other, love one another
deeply and extravagantly, from the heart.

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.