Peninsula Covenant Church
Message Title: Changing the Question
Date: May 24, 2020
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Big Idea: Our focus is not the future, our focus is a person.
Discovering God's plan for our lives
--Our God is a planner, not a reactor.
Jeremiah 1:4-5 NIV
1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Discuss: Do you believe there is a Divine plan for your life? Why or why not?
Colossians 3:1-3 NIV
Matthew 16:24-25 NIV
Colossians 3:4 NIV
4-Fold Leadings of Jesus
1. The Internal Leading of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13-14 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
2. The External Leading of Circumstances
Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
3. The Biblical Leading of the Word of God
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
4. The Communal Leading of your Faith Community
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise.
Discuss:
How could following this Four-Fold Leadings of Jesus benefit you? How has it benefited you?
Will you (for the next seven days) simply prioritize your relationship with God?
Will you shift your focus from the future to your Savior?
PCC BENEDICTION (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Beyond Sunday
Discovering God's plan for our lives can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. As your Father, God wants you to know His will for your life. This week, we continue our Imagine series by learning how focusing on Jesus and His leadings helps us discover His future for us.
1. What frustrates you most about trying to figure out God’s will for your life?
2. What do you think of this statement from Gary’s message? Does this make it easier or harder to believe that God can and will clarify His plans for your life?
The One who spoke the world into existence is the same One speaking to you. And if He can set the sun, moon, stars, in their places, He can certainly communicate His desires to you. The One who saves you is able to lead you.
3. Reflect on Colossians 3:1-4. Take each line and rewrite a simple paraphrase of each verse. Next, what does each line say about Christ and you? Now, try to summarize the four verses into less than 10 words. Finally, what is the core message this passage is conveying?
4. Read this statement from Gary’s message. Then ponder and share how you have experienced this or not.
The focus of our lives is not the future. The focus of our lives is a person: Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, He’ll lead us to the future He has for us. That’s how you find God’s plan for your life.
5. The 4-Fold Leadings of Jesus that guide us into God’s will come to us internally, externally, biblically, and communally (see below for more detail). When making decisions in the past, which ones have been most obvious to you?
6. In what area of your life (resource, relationship, health, career/education) do you need to determine God’s will? What if each day you begin by asking the question, “God, what should I do with Your life that is within me?” How might this change your perspective and ability to see His leadings?
RESOURCES
4-Fold Leadings of Jesus
1. The Internal Leading of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13-14 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.
2. The External Leading of Circumstances
Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
3. The Biblical Leading of the Word of God
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
4. The Communal Leading of your Faith Community
Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise.
For PCC's Fiscal Year:
June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020:
Giving Update
Goal: $3,705,000
Giving to Date: $3,820,827
Surplus: $115,827