Central Truth

Not only must we believe in the existence of God, we must also have faith in His power and authority in our lives. Without this submission to Him, the kingdom of God will not be ours.

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Reflections

Every day when I wake up, I have two choices: follow God or follow the world. I would like to say that I choose God all the time, but every day it's a struggle against my flesh to give up everything and run after Him.

We all struggle with putting our complete and total trust in Him. He has the ability to cast a mountain into the sea and heal the blind in the temple, yet we do not trust Him to take away our insecurities and pain. Just like those in the temple market, we are given opportunities to glorify Him, but we go against God, using those opportunities for the world. God gives us all gifts to use for His glory, but if we don't choose to use our gifts the right way and for His glory, they will be taken away from us (verse 43).

Matthew 21 is a great representation of our need to have more than just belief. We must have faith, too. The story of the fig tree in verses 18-22 illustrates faith and belief, which are two different things when it comes to Christianity: faith is complete trust or confidence in God; belief is an acceptance that God is true and exists. So we must believe in God and acknowledge that He exists, but we must also trust Him completely. Our lives would be empty if we just believed God existed and simply acknowledged His presence, but did not pursue a relationship with Him. Jesus explains this in the story of the fig tree. When we have real faith, we can cause mountains to throw themselves into the sea (verse 21). Or in elementary terms, all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Just like the tenants in the Parable of the Landowner, we have opportunities to grow and produce fruit. But if we do not use them wisely, these opportunities will be taken away from us.

Recently, I decided to believe James 1:27 (look it up) and pursue an opportunity to tutor second graders in West Dallas. They teach me a lot about loving in God's strength and being more thankful and less self-consumed. Mostly, I learn how much I am like them -- in need of mercy and grace. But in my unworthiness, God has chosen to bless me and use me. That is so humbling, and perhaps a taste of the treasure -- the reward of being part of something that truly matters.

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Discussion Questions

1. Do you follow God or the world more? What areas can you change to follow God more?

2. Do you simply believe in God, or do you also have complete faith in Him and His path for your life?

3. Do you use the opportunities you are given to glorify Him?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

MATTHEW 21-25 (JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 3)

Read Matthew 25:14-30.

* What did the master give to each of the servants?

* What did each of them do with the money they were given?

* How did the master respond to each of the servants and how they handled the money?

* What gifts and talents have you been entrusted with? (If someone in your family doesn't mention something that you think is a gift or talent they have, encourage them by telling them what you see.)

* How are you using these gifts and talents to bring glory to your master (God)?

Activity: Have each person cut out five coins from a piece of yellow or white paper. On each coin, write one talent or gift that you have. Each morning during the week, draw out a coin, and use that gift or talent during the day to glorify God. At dinner each night, take time for everyone to share how they used their gift/talent that day.

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