Encouragement & Hope in Jesus

A simple structure for Bible study: C.H.I.P.

CURIOUS - What makes me curious?
HOPEFUL - Where do I find hope?
IMPORTANT - What is important to remember?
PERSONAL - Where does it get personal for me?

1st Story: Jesus’ encounter with a powerful Gentile
Matthew 8:5-13

CURIOUS: WHO is this man?
IMPORTANT: What is of highest value to Jesus? GREAT FAITH
HOPEFUL: No one will be excluded from the kingdom of heaven because of their social status.
HOPEFUL: God’s power (to heal or to save) can reach ANYWHERE.
PERSONAL: This story can encourage my PRAYER LIFE.
PERSONAL: Do I have FAITH or RELIGION?

RELIGION places your faith in yourself and what you’re doing FOR God.

FAITH places your confidence in what God has done for you, not what you are doing for Him.

2nd Story: 5 Desperate Men

It would have been better for this man to be a forgiven paralytic than an unforgiven, yet physically healthy man.

HOPE: Jesus is able to both FORGIVE and to HEAL.
GET PERSONAL: Have I received Jesus’ forgiveness?
GET PERSONAL: Do my prayers reflect what Jesus thinks is most important?

3rd Story: Matthew’s Story
Matthew 9:9-13

IMPORTANT: Jesus chose Matthew, knowing exactly who he was.
IMPORTANT: Jesus came to heal the broken, not to applaud the righteous.
IMPORTANT: Jesus is looking for His followers to take up the same mission. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
HOPE: Jesus chooses the unlikely.
PERSONAL: Jesus wants me too.

NEXT STEPS:

- Take the next leg of the journey, savoring the goodness of God as I read Matthew 11-15 this week.

- Other: ________________________