You Can’t Do This on Your Own | Pastor Greg Ford | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

What is your dream retirement job and why?

MESSAGE NOTES:

[Matthew 5:43-48]

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

[Matthew 5:43-48 MSG]

You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

[Matthew 5:27-28]

You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

[Titus 3:3-8]

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings

[John 1:16-17]

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

[Matthew 22:37-39]

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

My experience with the gospel is the pole vault that helps me do things I can’t do on my own.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1: How does the high jump / pole vault analogy resonate with you? Can you think of a situation when this proved true in your faith journey?

QUESTION 2: What is your biggest takeaway from this scripture and content?

QUESTION 3: What is one practical you can apply this scripture to your life this week?

GUIDED PRAYER:

God I thank you for your unconditional love - help me to do my part so that you can do your part. Guide me to the right places to do the right things at the right time. Today I lean on your understanding over my own. I love you, praise you, and worship you. AMEN.

One ChurchJune 21, 2023