BBCC Bible Study Notes

RESOLUTIONS

December 29, 2024

1. How to be a follower of Jesus (Matthew 16:24-26)
   1. Being a disciple starts with “losing” your life
      1. Rick Warren, “It’s not about you”
      2. Jesus uses counter-intuitive principles
   2. Self-denial is not suppressing your inner self
      1. Have to get out of your own head
      2. Change your focus
   3. The way to refocus (Matthew 22:34-40)
      1. Loving God – Jesus defines it
         1. Loving God requires effort
      2. Loving others – Maybe a little easier?
         1. If you love yourself then you know how to love other people
      3. Resolve to love by:
         1. Serving Jesus by obedience to his teachings (John 14:15)
            1. Logical first step
            2. Requires getting to know God better
         2. Serving Jesus by using your talents in ministry (Matthew 25:14-15)
            1. Your duty while the master is away?
            2. The master expects fruitfulness
         3. Serving Jesus by helping the hurting (Matthew 25:34-40)
            1. A core component of following Jesus is helping those who have needs
            2. Jesus is honored through these actions

Summary. Any self-improvement plan in the life of the Christ follower includes spiritual growth components. Start simple. Restart as often as it takes to build good habits.

Verse of the week: Matthew 16:24 (ESV) Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

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