The Defining Choice - Foundation Series 06.22.2025
Key Takeaways:
1. As Christians, we are called to be "in the world but not of it."
2. We often struggle with an infatuation with prestige and avoiding mistreatment.
3. True faith involves choosing to associate with Christ, even if it means facing disgrace or hardship.
4. Moses chose to identify with the enslaved Hebrews rather than enjoy the privileges of Egypt.
5. Following Christ means picking up our cross daily and surrendering everything to God.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentions that Christians are "in the world but not of it." What does this mean to you practically? How do you struggle with balancing this in your own life?
2. Discuss the concept of "infatuation with prestige and avoidance of mistreatment." How do you see this manifesting in modern Christianity? In your own walk with God?
3. The sermon talks about Moses choosing to identify with the enslaved Hebrews rather than enjoy his privileged position in Egypt. What are some modern-day equivalents of this choice for Christians?
4. How does the description of Christ's crucifixion impact your understanding of what it means to "take up your cross" and follow Him?
5. The pastor mentions a "defining choice" that Christians face. What do you think this choice looks like in your own life? What areas are you struggling to fully surrender to God?
6. Discuss the statement: "We want the benefit package without the whippings." How does this relate to your expectations of the Christian life?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one area of your life where you're holding back from fully surrendering to God. Take a concrete step towards giving that area to Him.
2. Reflect on your priorities. Are there any activities or commitments that you've placed above your relationship with God or involvement in church? Consider how you might reorder your priorities.
3. Practice the "missionary mindset" this week by viewing your daily environments (work, school, neighborhood) as mission fields where God has placed you for a purpose.
4. Set aside time for extended prayer, focusing on surrendering your will to God's and asking Him to show you areas where you've been seeking worldly prestige over godly character.
5. Look for an opportunity to embrace "disgrace for the sake of Christ" this week - perhaps by standing up for your faith in a difficult situation or serving others in a humble way.
Key Takeaways:
1. As Christians, we are called to be "in the world but not of it."
2. We often struggle with an infatuation with prestige and avoiding mistreatment.
3. True faith involves choosing to associate with Christ, even if it means facing disgrace or hardship.
4. Moses chose to identify with the enslaved Hebrews rather than enjoy the privileges of Egypt.
5. Following Christ means picking up our cross daily and surrendering everything to God.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentions that Christians are "in the world but not of it." What does this mean to you practically? How do you struggle with balancing this in your own life?
2. Discuss the concept of "infatuation with prestige and avoidance of mistreatment." How do you see this manifesting in modern Christianity? In your own walk with God?
3. The sermon talks about Moses choosing to identify with the enslaved Hebrews rather than enjoy his privileged position in Egypt. What are some modern-day equivalents of this choice for Christians?
4. How does the description of Christ's crucifixion impact your understanding of what it means to "take up your cross" and follow Him?
5. The pastor mentions a "defining choice" that Christians face. What do you think this choice looks like in your own life? What areas are you struggling to fully surrender to God?
6. Discuss the statement: "We want the benefit package without the whippings." How does this relate to your expectations of the Christian life?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one area of your life where you're holding back from fully surrendering to God. Take a concrete step towards giving that area to Him.
2. Reflect on your priorities. Are there any activities or commitments that you've placed above your relationship with God or involvement in church? Consider how you might reorder your priorities.
3. Practice the "missionary mindset" this week by viewing your daily environments (work, school, neighborhood) as mission fields where God has placed you for a purpose.
4. Set aside time for extended prayer, focusing on surrendering your will to God's and asking Him to show you areas where you've been seeking worldly prestige over godly character.
5. Look for an opportunity to embrace "disgrace for the sake of Christ" this week - perhaps by standing up for your faith in a difficult situation or serving others in a humble way.