The Difference between Religion and Relationship

The Difference between Religion and Relationship

October 24, 2010
Luke 5:27-32

The Difference between Religion and Relationship

Luke 5:27-32

Matthew 6:5    Page #962

I.       Performance is more important than heart change & motives.

Matthew 7:1-5     

II.      Fault finding & prideful judging take precedence over relationship and healing.

Matthew 15:1-20 

III.     Personal preferences & self righteous expectations are pushed over God’s truth and freedom in Christ.

Matthew 23:1-4, 23-24

IV.     Legalism and image are more important than justice, mercy & faithfulness.

Luke 5:27-32

V.   True joy is lacking & the focus of life becomes being decent instead of closeness to God & reaching the lost.

Questions for this week:

I.  For Starters:

1. What jobs or careers do you think would be difficult on a true follower of Christ?

2. When is the last time you intentionally invited some “sinners” to a dinner & what   happened?

3. What is the biggest “about face” that has happened to you since you became a believer?

II. Overview of Scripture

  1. Read Luke 5:27-32 out loud as a group. What is the main point of the passage?
  2. What was Levi's occupation and why is that important to the story? (27)
  3. What simple command did Jesus give to Levi and how does that sum up the Christian life? (27)
  4. What steps in verse 28 reveal that Levi is truly a changed person?
  5. What does left everything behind mean for a wealthy tax collector?
  6. What was Levi's next step as a follower of Christ and what does this say about hisnew passion (29)
  7. What type of people would have been at the party knowing what you know abouttax collectors, prostitutes and sinners (29)
  8. Why do you think many new believers do not have the same passion or intentionality  to reach those who do not know Christ?
  9. By accepting Levi's invitation, how was Jesus viewed by the “religious” people? (30)
  10.  Why do ‘religious” people grumble and find fault with others so often?
  11.  How did Jesus describe His ministry & what does He want the religious leadersto know? (31-32)

III. Growing Deeper 

  1. Review Sunday’s message with someone.
  2. How do you believe you can best demonstrate in your daily life that you are a follower of Christ?
  3. What does it take to be willing to be in a situation that is filled with people whodisagree with you and have their eternal best in mind?

Series Information

Other sermons in the series

Nov 22, 2009

The Value of a Baby

Pastor Todd Cyphers and Mrs. Brynn Fries discusses the value of a baby.

Dec 06, 2009

An Incarnate God

Pastor Todd spoke on the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

Apr 04, 2010

A Perfect Savior

Resurrection Sunday, April 4, 2010 Pastor Todd spoke from Exodus...

Oct 10, 2010

Encountering God

Pastor Todd Cyphers continued his series in Luke with scripture from...

Oct 31, 2010

The Unique Gospel

Pastor Todd Cyphers continues the series in Luke from Luke 5:33-39...

Oct 02, 2011

He Still Calms Storms

Pastor Todd Cyphers discusses fear and worry and God's perspective on...

Mar 25, 2012

The Sign of Jonah

Pastor Todd Cyphers discusses "The Sign of Jonah" from Luke 11:20-36.

May 20, 2012

Refusing to Worry

Pastor Todd Cyphers discusses "Refusing to Worry" from Luke 12:22-34...

Jun 10, 2012

The Expectant Steward

Pastor Todd Cyphers discusses "The Expectant Steward" from Luke 12:35-48.

Jul 29, 2012

The Narrow Door

Pastor Todd Cyphers discusses "The Narrow Door" from Luke 13: 22-35

Sep 02, 2012

Discipleship

Pastor Brad Wingler discusses Discipleship from Luke 14:25-33.

Sep 02, 2012

Discipleship

Pastor Brad Wingler discusses "Discipleship" from Luke 14:25-33.