Next Level
November 13, 2022
If we engage the world without an encounter of God, we live a life of busyness. Think about the busiest (not productive) people know–their life is chaotic and empty and meaningless–it’s surface level, not NEXT LEVEL!
Often we believe the “next level” is found in significance. Our need for significance comes from selfishness. How often are we chasing the “right connections” or relationships? How often are we concerned with growing cash flow? How often are we looking for comfort?
Life at the next level is found in selflessness not significance. Selfless people are bought in–BOUGHT IN IS BOLD!
Philipians 2:8 says,” And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Selflessness on a cross is how Jesus unleashed hope! Let’s unleash the hope of Jesus!
As you reflect on the message this week, use some of these questions to consider how God might be working within and around you.
Questions for Individuals/Connect Groups:
What is something that has struck you about the covenant? Spend some time rereading it throughout the week. We challenge you to write in on a note card and read these scriptures out loud each day. Notice the Deuteronomy scripture is talking about God’s great love and faithfulness to his people for a thousand generations. This means that God was claiming them as his people forever. He wanted them not because they were mighty and strong in number, but because he wanted to be in a permanent relationship with them. What does that reveal about God’s character?
Brad talks about the other part of the covenant: obedience. This is on “our side of the street” and what God asks us to do in relationship with him. Obedience is about living life to the next level. Think back over your life, when was a time when you were hesitant to obey because you didn’t want to give up something? So often we see God’s obedience as a sacrifice instead of living into a calling. How does it change your perspective when you sense this is not something he is asking you to do, but instead calling you to a better “next level” life than before? How does this change the word calling if we know it is for our own good?
If we know we have a beautiful covenant with a faithful God, what stops us from obeying him? What are some things that can keep us short sited? Think of people in your life that have been short sited. They have chosen an easy route instead of a hard road. Where did it leave them with relationships?
Here at Be Hope we talk about the ripple effect. We say the ripple is greater than the splash. What we mean by that is one event can lead to a greater combined effect. Brad uses Joyce as an example of this. Her one splash (of calling people on the phone) created a huge ripple in their lives. We all have these moments in our lives. Look over your time here at Be Hope, what is something you did once that offered a ripple effect? If you can’t think of anything, why not? What is something you know God is asking you to do?
Questions for Families:
Think about the Bible and the stories you’ve heard. What is one of your favorite stories you’ve heard about Jesus? Why is it your favorite? What made Jesus special in that story?
The scripture children’s church spoke about this week was found in 1 Tim 4: 12. Here is the scripture: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Why do you think people may look down on young people? What does this scripture say about how you are to behave?
Now think of some good examples of people in your life. Who are some people that you notice their behavior being good? Who is loving to you in your life? How do you think you can show love in your speech and conduct?
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LIFE IS NOT MEANT TO BE LIVED ALONE. YOU WERE CREATED TO EXPERIENCE LIFE WITH OTHER PEOPLE.