Mission Hills Church
It’s been a long year and we’re all tired of a lot of things. Weary, even. But, sometimes, it can help to remember that most of what we’re facing has been faced by people in the past, too. In fact, in the historical accounts of Jesus’ birth, we find joy breaking into a world much like ours, weary from political unrest, social injustice and even disease. Join us as we find fresh insight, hope and joy this Christmas!
Matthew 2:1-2 NIV
To worship is to submit to someone’s control over you.
Matthew 2:3 NIV
The more we strive for control, the more we’re disturbed by change.
The more we strive for control, the more we produce chaos.
Matthew 2:4 NIV
The more we strive for control, the more we make our problems everyone’s problems.
Matthew 2:5-6 NIV
Matthew 9:36 NIV
The more we’re driven by compassion for others, the less we’re driven to control them.
Matthew 2:7-15 NIV
Romans 8:28 NIV
We can trust God's control because even the attempts to work against Him end up working for him.
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious... (Matthew 2:16a)
The need for control is often rooted in insecurity.
What's driving my striving?
Matthew 2:16-18 NIV
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Mat 2:10)
Striving for control limits joy, but trusting God’s control multiplies it.
1. Remember what's at stake.
2. Reframe "letting go" as "opening up."
3. Identify and ignore your insecurity.
4. Start small and work your way up.
1. Is there a consistent insecurity I can identify behind my need to be in control?
2. What’s one thing I can do to practice trusting God’s control this week?