Find life by losing it

Finding life by losing it.

Monday, January 8               Matthew 16:21-26
Why do you think Peter reacted to Jesus like he did? What do you think were Peter's motivations? What does the content and harshness of Jesus' reaction to Peter tell you about Peter's motivations? How do you identify with Peter, in your life and motivations? How would you have received this rebuke from Jesus?

Restate Jesus' description of what it means to follow Him, in your own words. What do you think verse 25 means? Spend some time today asking for insight.

Tuesday, January 9                         1 Peter 1:18
The NLT puts this verse this way: "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited..." Its apparent that God saves us FOR something. Have you ever thought or asked God what He saved you for?

In what practical way can you lose your life today, finding that true (vs empty) life that Jesus promised?

Wednesday, January 10             John 13:12-17
What is the example that Jesus is setting here-in principle? How often do you consider serving the people around you in such humble and practical ways?

Read John 10:10. Here Jesus promises a full life for those who follow Him. How have you experienced the joy and fullness of life that come with serving and helping others? Have you ever connected the dots between these two parts of the Christian life? How can/does/should this influence your life?

Thursday, January 11                      2 Peter 1:3-8
Read verse 8-what is the trap that growing in the qualities listed will keep you from? What does it look like to be spiritually effective and productive? How have you been tempted into an "ineffective and unproductive" life spiritually?

The power for all of this comes from Jesus, very clearly in verse 1. Remember that Peter is writing this passage after receiving the rebuke from Jesus in Matthew. How do you think that rebuke changed Peter-to the point that he would write things like this later in life?

Friday, January 12                           Ephesians 4:16
This passage gives us a head's up on how we are to serve, and why. What does verse 14 say about why? According to Paul, what's the point of all of this (in verse 16) - what are we growing up in? How is this a challenge to you? An encouragement?