THURSDAY ROOTS PARTNERS
OPENING QUESTION: Describe the change in a person – including their priorities – when they start a relationship where they feel loved and accepted.
Radical love transforms
Read Matthew 13:44-45:
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
How could God and His kingdom be enough?
In the 10 Commandments, God tells us to keep Him first and to not worship idols.
“An idol is whatever takes the place of God in our lives. An idol is whatever we feel like we could not live without; it is what we think is an absolute necessity for life and happiness. Idols are the things that we give the most “weight” (glory) to. An idol is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s usually a good thing that we’ve made into a god-thing that then becomes a bad thing to us.” (JD Greer-Gospel)
What are your idols? Below are some questions that might detect your idols.
- “What one thing do you most hope is in your future?
- What is the one thing you most worry about losing?
- If you could change one thing about yourself right now, what would it be?
- What thing have you sacrificed the most for?
- Who is there in your life that you feel like you can’t forgive and why?
- When do you feel the most significant?
- What triggers depression in you?
- Where do you turn for comfort when things are not going well?”
(JD Greer-Gospel)
Why does God care about what we give the most glory (weight) to?
In Hebrews 13:5-6, what do you think is God’s part and what do you think is our part?
5 Keep your life free from love of money (insert idols), and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
Read John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Who do you believe, the thief or Jesus?
Our actions will show if God’s presence and acceptance are all we need for life.
Based on today’s reading what is God saying to you?
Pray for your Roots partner