Life Group Study - May 4, 2025

Read: Luke 9:23-27  
Brief Context: Jesus spells out what following Him actually costs: deny yourself, pick up your cross daily, and follow. This is not a cultural Christianity call—it’s a call to die to self and live by faith.  
Say: Jesus didn’t say “feel inspired.” He said, “Follow Me.” And following means direction, not perfection.  
Ask: What do you think makes self-denial so difficult in our culture? What’s one thing you feel Jesus is asking you to lay down right now? Why do you think Jesus connects losing your life with saving it?  

Read: Luke 9:57-62  
Brief Context: Three people say they want to follow Jesus, but each reveals a divided heart—clinging to comfort, convenience, or control.  
Say: These aren’t bad people. They just weren’t ready for a costly Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t lower the standard—He raises clarity.  
Ask: Which of the three people in this passage feels most like you right now? Where in your life are you delaying obedience and calling it wisdom? What do you think it practically means to “not look back” once you’ve committed to follow?  

Read: Matthew 7:21-23  
Brief Context: Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom—only those who actually do the will of the Father.  
Say: This is Jesus speaking—not as a scare tactic, but as a wake-up call. Church activity and Christian language mean nothing without surrendered obedience.  
Ask: What do you think it means to truly “do the will of the Father”? Have you ever mistaken Christian habits for spiritual direction? What’s one area of your life that’s out of alignment with God’s will—and what needs to change?

Reflective Passages: Psalm 119:59-60, Galatians 5:24-25, Isaiah 30:21, 2 Corinthians 13:5,   Hebrews 12:1-2, John 15:5-8, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 10:36-39, James 1:22-25

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