Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: May 16, 2010
Sermon Title: Mary and Martha
Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:21-27
Small Group Text: Luke 10:38-42
Introduction
When is acting “responsibly” actually “irresponsible?” Our greatest responsibility is to pursue a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. When lesser responsibilities take precedence over things of greater importance, you begin practicing what Mark Batterson refers to as “irresponsible responsibility” (Wild Goose Chase). Jesus calls us to first know Him and follow Him. In this lesson, we’ll be taking a look at the importance of listening to Jesus even before we set out to accomplish responsible activities. We will learn that we live and serve best from spending time with Jesus in prayer – reflecting upon His word (the Scriptures).
Discussion
Read the following aloud: For the past two years, Barry has taken care of his father who was paralyzed after suffering a stroke. Barry’s usual practice was to set aside time every day for prayer and Bible reflection. But since taking on this new responsibility, he no longer finds time for prayer and Bible reflection. How do we know if Barry has made the right choice between fulfilling his practical responsibilities and setting aside quality time with God? Read Luke 10:38-42 1. In Luke 10:42, what is the one thing Jesus said was “needed” and “better?” The role of a disciple, listening to His words, was more important than the role of playing hostess.
2. If you were in the same situation as Mary and Martha, with which of the two sisters would you identify the most – and why? 3. Now read Romans 12:13 and 1 Peter 4:9-10. If hospitality is a virtue and is referred to as a spiritual gift, why would Jesus say Mary had chosen the “better thing” over Martha’s hospitality? At the end of Martha’s meal, the dinner scraps would end up in tomorrow’s trash. But Mary’s choice to consume spiritual truth from Jesus’ words would last forever.
4. Why do we find it easy to put off spending time with God in favor of prioritizing other responsibilities in our lives? 5. Mary seemed to be in touch with Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 6:33-34: Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own. a. When have you ever prioritized your passion for Christ and seen God fulfill this promise? b. When have you ever prioritized your passion for Christ and seen God fail to fulfill this promise?
Application
1. What responsibilities distract you in your relationship with Jesus? 2. How can you balance fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities you have without allowing them to distract you from the “better choice” of setting aside time just for listening to Jesus? 3. What are some steps you can take this week to reprioritize your schedule in order to spend time with Jesus in prayer – reflecting upon his word. Perhaps you might experiment with SOAP •
S for Scripture: Take time to read the Bible and allow Jesus to speak to you. Highlight, underline, or mark in the margins the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked; look for the one that particularly speaks to you, and jot it down in your journal.
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O for Observation: What is Jesus saying to you through this Scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a personal application. Then, write this Scripture down in your own words in your journal.
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A for Application: Personalize this passage by asking how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instructing, encouraging, reveling a new promise, or correcting an area of your life. Write this application down.
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P for Prayer: This can be as simple as asking Jesus to help you be consistent in the application of this Scripture, or you may request great insight and further relevance. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation – be sure to
listen to what Jesus has to say! Then, write it down.
Sermon-Based Curriculum