Your Invitation July 29-30rd, 2017

SERIES: The Cost of Discipleship

SPEAKER: John Williamson (Timberlake/Downtown), Stephen Rabon (Altavista) STUDY GUIDE: Christopher Shafer

CONNECT (5-10 min)

Leaders Note:The purpose of this time is to help the members of the group grow in relationships with one another so all people in the group know they matter. Spend some time discovering what is happening in the lives of your group members.

GROW – Review the Message Summary (30-45 min)

Leaders Note:The goal of this section is to apply the truth of the message (not teach) so each participant is familiar with the message from Sunday morning. Good facilitators “share the leadership”. If your group has been meeting at least 8-12 weeks you should have an “apprentice”. This would be a good section for your apprentice to facilitate.

Read: Luke 14: 15-24

15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

Notes…

The Awkward Silence is Broken (vv. 15-17)

  • A guest makes a POLITICALLYCORRECT comment (v. 15).
  • Jesus responded with a story about a great banquet that is FREE and MORE than ENOUGH (v. 16).
  • The GUESTS who said they would attend are NOTIFIED the feast is ready (v. 17)

Three Insulting Guests (vv.18-21)

  • I need to check on a recent PROPERTY purchase (v. 18)
  • I need to check on a recent INVESTMENT (v. 19)
  • I have a FAMILY situation that came up (v. 20).

The Host invites the Unexpected (vv. 21-23)

  • He sent his servants to where the PEOPLE are (v.21).
  • He sent his servants to the “UNDERSERVING” (v.21).
  • Those who might have a LEGITIMATE excuse came (v.21).

The invitation EXPANDS (v.23)

  • You can’t afford to be CASUAL in this mission (v.23).

Jesus’ story had a bottom line…(v.24)

Bottom Line: It’s not how you START, but how you FINISH that matters!

For those not yet living a Jesus-centered life

  • You have received an invitation from God: RSVP required!

For those living a Jesus-centered life

•Take time for PERSONALEXAMINATION.

•Thank God for INVITING you to His banquet that is MORE than ENOUGH

•Use whatever MEANS are NECESSARY to invite others.

Discussion Questions

1.What was the most convicting part of this sermon and passage of scripture this week?

2.What fruit would you say has been produced in your life since this Sunday? If none comes to mind, what fruit do you wish would have grown?

3.Have you viewed Jesus’ banquet as more than enough this week? If not, what have you allowed to be more important than the Kingdom of God the last few days?

4.What do you need to do to remove those obstacles that are in the way of the invitation to Jesus’ banquet? Do you need any accountability to do this? Any follow up or encouragement?

5.Who can the group as a whole, “invite to the banquet”, together? Is there anyone that the Spirit is leading the group to intentionally serve or love for the Kingdom? What do you all need to do about it?

Small Group Homework: This week we are going to read a number of Psalms about the rule and reign of God our King. When we truly reflect on what it means for God to be our King, it means that He is the one seated on the throne of our lives. This is why we are not our own, but rather are under the headship and kingship of God. He is who we submit to, who we follow, and who we obey! But, God is also our Father so He loves us and shepherds over us! He does not use is reign in a selfish manner but is just in being in control because He is God (duh). Enjoy these psalms and think about if Jesus is truly on the throne of your life when it comes to every decision that you make this week!

Throughout The Week: (Optional)

MONDAY: The King who blesses man

Read: Psalms 103

What is exciting about God’s character in light of this text? What is humbling? What is good news to you this morning?

TUESDAY: His dominion over the whole earth

Read: Psalm 47

What does King David say about the supremacy of our King in this song? What is true on your behalf because of our King? What did you not know about God before reading this song?

WEDNESDAY: The Character of the King

Read:Psalm 9

What does David say about God in this song? What character traits are you glad God has? Which ones scare you? Which one means the most to you? Talk to your King about how great He is!

THURSDAY: The Lord’s Throne

Read: Psalms 45

Think about this throne. Think about the banquet invite recorded in Luke 14. Think about your God who is rich in steadfast mercy. Thank God for how awesome He is this morning.

FRIDAY: Psalm 93 Everlasting King

What does this text reveal to be true? What characteristics of God were comforting to hear this morning? Who do you need to share the good news of your King with today?