The Sky’s the Limit

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV)

CONTINUE GROWING

1. IN ACCEPTANCE.

“After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, for He taught as one who had real authority – quite unlike the teachers of religious law.” Matthew 7:28-29 (NLT)

“And we will never stop thanking God that when we preached His message to you, you didn’t think of the words we spoke as being just our own. You accepted what we said as the very word of God.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)

2. IN HEARING.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine….” Matthew 7:24a (NIV)

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

3. IN APPLICATION.

“…and puts them into practice….” Matthew 7:14 b (NIV)

“You know these things – now do them! That is the path of blessing.”

John 13:17 (NLT)

4. IN CONFIDENCE.

“… like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on the rock.”Matthew 7:24c-25 (NIV)

“But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26–27 (NIV)

5. IN CHRIST.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)

February 8, 2009

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

CONTINUE GROWING

Sermon’s, like clouds, come in all shapes and sizes. But if you look closely, you’ll see a picture. God’s picture provides an environment of growth and evelopment. For the next few weeks, we’ll discuss the catalysts that God used to grow a big life. In God’s plan for you, “The Sky’s the Limit” in growing spiritually.

Curriculum Guide

Introduction

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How many of the five things God uses to grow us up with a “The Sky’s the Limit” faith can you remember?

. Our relationships

. Our circumstances

. Our Disciplines

. Our Ministries

. Our Learning

Discuss the following?

1. Do you think it’s important for the church to emphasize application?

Read Hebrews 5:12 and Matthew 7:24-28

2. Matthew 7 contains a parable that follows Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Why do you think Jesus concluded his sermon with this parable?

3. What does this strong exhortation say about Jesus’ view of his own teaching?

4. What is the relationship between “…and puts them into practice” in verse 24 and “…had its foundation on the rock” in verse 25?

5. Have you ever applied a specific teaching of Scripture that, looking back, prepared you for an unexpected storm?

6. Can you think of a difficult time you have faced that could have been avoided if you had applied the principles of Scripture?

7. In verse 27, Jesus said that the foolish man’s house fell with a great crash. Chances are you know individuals or couples whose lives or marriages could be described in similar terms. Without giving names or too many specifics, describe a situation you know about where someone experienced a great crash that could have been avoided if he or she had consistently applied the teachings of

Jesus.

8. Has this year’s “Sky’s the Limit” stewardship campaign moved your forward in your faith and did your commitment card reflect that?

MOVING FORWARD

“Unapplied truth is like paint. It doesn’t do anybody any good until it’s applied.” We can be the most learned of believers, but if our knowledge doesn’t move us toward application, then our faith will wither. The Bible challenges us to respond to God’s truth in many different ways: love your enemies, show forgiveness, and practice generosity. What have been the most difficult truths from the Bible for you to apply?

Identify areas of your life where a bit more application would make a noticeable difference and then apply?

Did you turn in your “The Sky’s the Limit” commitment card, and does that commitment reflect a “The Sky’s the Limit” faith?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on a rock. But everyone who hears these words of mind and does not put them into practice it like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27