Sermon Recap — October 8, 2023

I. Effective mission requires sacrificial, brotherly love

II. Effective mission requires us to seek first God’s kingdom

“this verse makes it clear that Jesus’ disciples are not simply to refrain from the pursuit of temporal things as their primary goal in order to differentiate themselves from pagans. Instead, they are to replace such pursuits with goals of far greater significance. To seek first the kingdom is to desire above all to enter into, submit to, and participate in spreading the news of the saving reign of God, the messianic kingdom already inaugurated by Jesus….” – D.A. Carson on Matt 6:33

Questions for Discussion/Application:

• Having listened to the sermon, what stands out to you the most about chapter 5 of the book of Nehemiah?
• In this story, how do we see a failure of love on the part of the rich?
• How can a failure to love others, in a church community, be detrimental to the mission?
• When God’s people do faithfully love one another, how does that foster gospel-mission going forward?
• How did the wealthy in our story place their pursuit of financial gain above seeking first God’s kingdom?
• In what ways do you personally want to grow in seeking first God’s kingdom?
• Consider taking time to pray, thanking God for the ways our church excels in loving one another. Also consider praying, asking God to increase our love for one another and to help us to continue to grow in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.