Title: Arrange Your Life
Speaker: Chris Carter
Scripture: Matthew 7:13-23 (New International Version)

SBQ: How did you see Jesus moving in your life this week?

SBQ: What is Jesus saying to you from today’s sermon? 

Country Dogs VS City Dogs

Three illustrations of how “arranging your life around Jesus is the only way to a good life” 

Illustration #1
2 Paths: Wide and Narrow

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Illustration #2
2 Prophets: True and False

Matthew 7:15-20 (NIV)

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Illustration #3
2 Disciples: Legit and Not-So-Much

Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

These 3 illustrations flip the script on what people think about ‘religion’.

Religion is NOT:

• Any way I want it, any time I need it

• I follow whoever make me feel good

• I’m doing the right stuff, I’m fine

Religion is: Abiding with Jesus.  Living life in the light of who I am in Christ.

SBQ: Which illustration of arranging your life around Jesus resonated the most with you?

SBQ: Why do we so easily fall into the trap of thinking religion is about our wants, our needs, and our desires, instead of abiding with Jesus?

SBQ: What steps is God asking you to take so that your life is arranged around Jesus?