BIG IDEA
Jesus made it clear to all of His followers that following Him would not make them popular or successful in the eyes of this world. He taught it would often be the exact opposite. Many times, following Jesus makes us stand out and look different than the rest of the world, often in an unpopular way. Following Jesus is costly. As He taught this, Jesus also explained that any trials we face on this earth and difficulties we will face pale in comparison to what is waiting for us in eternity if we have placed our faith in Him.
BREAK THE ICE
When was a time you felt like you “stuck out like a sore thumb”?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. How do Christians stand out as different from everyone else? What backlash might there be for their faith?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Malachi 3:14-18. Describe the frustration of the Israelites in these verses?
Malachi 3:14-18
“You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’ ”
Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.
“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
3. How did God respond to their frustration in verses 16-18?
4. Read Malachi 4:1-4. How does God’s teaching in these verses relate to the Israelites’ frustration in Malachi 3:14-18?
Malachi 4:1-4
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.
Application
1. Have you ever felt like the Israelites did in the verses you read in Malachi 3? When was this, and why did you feel that way?
2. What things have you found yourself turning to for fulfillment apart from Christ? How have these things let you down?
3. How does an eternal perspective, knowing that we will give an account and be judged for how we lived our lives, affect your view on being different from everyone else?
MOVING FORWARD
When living excellently, it comes down to whether or not we are taking God seriously. Answer this question honestly: Are you taking God seriously in your own life? If not, how can you begin to take God seriously in your life? If you would answer that you are taking your relationship with God seriously, there is always room for growth. What is one way you can take a step in taking God seriously? Maybe it means sharing your faith or inviting someone to church with you who is far from Christ. Maybe it means choosing obedience in an area where you have been living disobediently. Whatever the case, pray for your group right now. Ask God for courage and wisdom to take these steps towards God.
Going Deeper
We read throughout Scripture about people in the Old and New Testament who stood out from the rest of the world, even when “standing out” was dangerous and had a cost. So let’s spend a few minutes looking at a few of these incredible people’s stories and gain a deeper understanding of how and why they lived lives set apart from the rest of the world.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
· Read Daniel 3:14-28.
o How did these three men stand out from the rest of the people around them?
o What did these men risk by saying “no” to the king?
o Was their response based on something God would or would not do? How do you know?
o Read their response to Nebuchadnezzar in verses 17 and 18; what mattered most to these men? Why?
Daniel
· Read Daniel 6:6-22.
o How did Daniel stand out from the people around him?
o What did Daniel risk if he continued to pray?
o Based on Daniel’s response, what mattered most to him?
Paul and Silas
· Read Acts 16:16-30.
o How did Paul and Silas stand out in these verses?
o What did they risk by healing the girl in these verses?
o What stands out to you about their response to their persecution?
o What was the significance that these men convinced everyone to stay in prison?
o What do the actions of Paul and Silas in these verses show about what mattered most to them?
Now that we have looked at these different people in Scripture who stood out, have a conversation with your small group about what you learned from them and our call to follow Jesus.
o In three words or less, describe what mattered most to each of the men we looked at in Scripture today?
o How do the stories of these men challenge or encourage you in your faith?
o Based on these verses, how are our faith, obedience, and actions connected?
Is there a step of obedience to God that has been calling you to take that you have been hesitant to take? If so, take a few moments to share with your group. Then, after everyone has shared, pray together. Pray that God would give you boldness like these people we have studied in Scripture, even when life was difficult.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
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