Welcome to Sunday Fuel! This series of questions is designed to assist your personal reflection and fellowship with others about the sermon from this past Sunday.
1. How is being a Christian a burden and not a blessing for you? What Christian expectations weigh you down? What makes you feel guilty or ashamed because you fail to do them?
2. While God does call us to a life of holiness and love, He never intended them to be the means to earn our salvation. We serve a King who is different—one who is humble, modest, and generous. Whether you’re struggling with suffering or sin, take some time to remember who our God is. Choose one (or more) of the following to reflect on, in light of the burden you carry:
- The Son who fulfills all righteousness: Our holy and humble King went through the waters of baptism, numbered among the transgressors (Is. 53:12), even though He is sinless. He has lifted the weight of our sin onto Himself and credited us with his righteousness instead. Because of Him, God looks at you and is pleased. What would it mean for you to rest in His forgiveness? To turn to Him in faith, even as you fight your sin? To trust Him who bears the weight of your struggles with you?
- The Spirit who serves and strengthens us: What are things you struggle to do, like generosity, prayer, evangelism, love, or service? Remember that the Spirit that rested on Christ is the same one that rests on you too. What might it look like to trust in the Spirit’s kind and powerful work in our lives, empowering us to do what He calls us to do?
- The Father who speaks truth to sustain us: At his baptism, Jesus heard the Father’s voice, which prepared him to face Satan’s voice of temptation to follow. Like Jesus, our hope for victory lies in holding on to the truth God speaks to us through His Word. What promise from His Word do you need to cling to today when you feel discouraged by your lack of growth or change? How might the promise of His steadfast mercies that are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) help you daily face your trials and suffering, one day and one step at a time?
3. As you reflected on these truths, are there things you need to confess and repent before the Lord, any ways you have believed you need to be good enough or do enough good to earn your salvation? Christ has come to lift this burden from you (Matt. 11:28-30). Take time to thank our loving King for His faithful care.