Against the Impulse of Ease
- pastortrevord
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
OUTLINE:
MAIN POINT: To follow Jesus, disciples must accept that the road to follow Jesus involves suffering.
I. Authority to Divulge Members v18-20
II. Acceptance of the Determined Messiah v21-23
III. Applying the Denial of Me v24-28
Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)
Weekly Reading:
Day 1 – The Rock That Confesses Christ
Scripture: Matthew 16:13–20
Who do I personally believe Jesus is, and how does that shape my daily life?
Is my confidence resting in Christ Himself or in human traditions and opinions?
How can I help strengthen Christ's church through faithful commitment this week?
Day 2 – Accepting Jesus on His Terms
Scripture: Matthew 16:21–23
Are there parts of Jesus' teaching that I resist because they are uncomfortable?
Have I created a version of Jesus that fits my preferences instead of Scripture?
What would it look like for me to submit my expectations completely to Christ?
Day 3 – Denying Myself Daily
Scripture: Matthew 16:24–28
What area of my life is Jesus calling me to surrender?
Am I pursuing comfort more than faithfulness?
How can I intentionally follow Christ, even when obedience is costly?
Day 4 – God's Strength Through Weakness
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
How has God used hardship to make me depend more on Him?
Where am I trying to rely on my own strength instead of Christ's?
How can I embrace weakness as an opportunity for God's power to be displayed?
Day 5 – The Joy Set Before Us
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–3
What distractions are keeping me from faithfully running the race God has given me?
How does Jesus' endurance encourage me in my present struggles?
What hardship can I face this week with my eyes fixed on Christ?
Day 6 – Living for Eternal Gain
Scripture: Philippians 3:7–14
What earthly achievements or possessions am I tempted to value above Christ?
How does remembering eternity change the way I view today's sacrifices?
What is one practical way I can pursue knowing Christ more deeply this week?
Day 7 – The Hope Beyond Suffering
Scripture: Romans 8:18–25
How does God's promise of future glory give me hope during present difficulties?
Am I viewing my trials through the lens of eternity or only through today's circumstances?
How can I encourage another believer who is suffering with the hope found in Christ?
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