Surrendering
Breath Prayer:
Into your hands (inhale) | I commend my spirit (exhale
Big Idea: God’s way of bringing grace and goodness into the world always involves sacrifice and surrender
Reflect
Exodus 40:29,34
Moses set the altar of burnt offering near the entrance to the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings, as the Lord commanded him.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Psalm 51:16-17
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
Journal your reflections on this week’s message
Jesus, I feel _____
About _____
Because _____
Respond
QR Code top right corner – Watch today’s testimony video
How did your perspective change in response to today’s video testimony?
Can you relate to the Old Testament concept of a burnt offering? Why did God instruct his people to build this spiritual habit into their lives?
What causes or people have you sacrificed for? Was it worth it?
Are there causes or purposes today that you are instinctively willing to surrender for?
How is God inviting you to surrender some portion of your life to him today?
Talk about it – Small Group Discussion Questions
Review your sermon notes and personal reflections – what was most impactful to you?
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul highlights the generous example of the Macedonian church. What things stand out about their behavior?
Is Elmhurst CRC a church that shares any of these “Macedonian” behaviors or characteristics?
The Apostle routinely shared stories about himself and the churches he served. Is there some part of your story of how you’ve surrendered and sacrificed in response to God’s leading that you’d be willing to share with others? Could your story be an inspiration to help others on their journey?
The Macedonian church also had trials and struggles. How might God use both my strengths and my struggles in this area for his glory?
Close in prayer
Repeat this week’s Breath Prayer:
Into your hands (inhale) | I commend my spirit (exhale