You Aren't What You Eat

OUTLINE:

MAIN POINT: Authentic change can only happen by Jesus working internally, resulting in us being changed by the Word of God

I. Authority Not in Tradition, But in the Word v1-4

II. Devotion Not Rooted in Selfishness, But in Service 5-9

1. Weaponizing Tough Love for an excuse not to help others.

2. Truth to Excuse Harshness

3. My own calling instead of my calling to serve others.

4. Deferring to Competence

5. Self-care instead of One-Anothoring-Care

6. Mental Health Days

7. Authenticity at the Expense of Kindness

8. Personality to Dismiss Obligation

III. Purity Not From Ritual, But from the Heart v10-20

Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)

Weekly Reading:

Day 1: God's Word Above Human Tradition

Scripture: Matthew 15:1–9

• Are there traditions, opinions, or habits that I have allowed to carry more weight than God's Word?

• When I am faced with a difficult decision, do I instinctively turn to Scripture or to other voices first?

• What is one practical way I can make God's Word the highest authority in my life this week?

Day 2: The Authority of Scripture

Scripture: Colossians 2:8

• What voices most influence the way I think and live each day?

• How can I intentionally spend more time in God's Word than in consuming other sources of information?

• In what area of my life is God calling me to submit more fully to His truth?

Day 3: Loving God by Loving Others

Scripture: Matthew 15:5–9

• Have I ever used a good reason as an excuse to avoid serving someone?

• Who in my life needs tangible love, encouragement, or care from me this week?

• Does my devotion to Christ produce compassion for people, or only religious activity?

Day 4: Heart Worship

Scripture: Isaiah 29:13

• Is my worship of God flowing from my heart or merely from habit?

• Are there areas where my words about God are stronger than my obedience to Him?

• What would wholehearted worship look like in my daily life today?

Day 5: Serving Instead of Self

Scripture: Galatians 5:13

• How have I used my freedom primarily for myself instead of serving others?

• What opportunities has God given me to serve that I have overlooked?

• How can I reflect Christ's humility in my relationships this week?

Day 6: The Heart Is the Real Issue

Scripture: Matthew 15:10–20

• What do my words reveal about the condition of my heart?

• Am I more concerned with appearing spiritually mature than becoming spiritually mature?

• What sinful attitudes or thoughts do I need to confess before the Lord today?

Day 7: A New Heart Through Christ

Scripture: Matthew 11:28–30

• Am I trying to earn God's acceptance through religious activity instead of resting in Christ?

• How has Jesus already done what I could never do for myself?

• How can I live this week with gratitude for the clean heart Christ has given me?