MESSAGE NOTES
Passage – John 15:13-15, 27
Memory Verse:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
The first thing we learn her is that:
- Jesus _______________ Friendship (John 15:13)
- Jesus defined friendship as sacrificial love.
- We are called to live a life of sacrificial love.
- Is your motivation for your friendships sacrificial love or self-interest?
Then:
- Jesus _____________ Friendship (John 15:14-15)
- Friendship with Jesus requires obedience (Col. 1:16).
- Friendship with Jesus provides revelation.
- Do you understand the privileged position we have as friends of Jesus?
We have a:
- Friendship to _____________ (John 15:27)
- Jesus’ friends “must testify” because of the relationship they have with Him!
- Our friendship with Jesus should compel us to “testify” about Him as well.
- Are you watching for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with those in your invitation circle?
Conclusion:
Jesus calls His friends to love-motivated obedience. To live this kind of life, our friendship with Him means aligning our life purpose with His, to share the good news of His love for humanity and the salvation he provides.
We must intentionally make room in our lives for people who do not yet know Jesus and spend time with them.
Maybe it’s a co-worker who has no one in their life or is struggling to make their marriage or family work. Or maybe their job is the only thing that gives them purpose.
Maybe it’s a neighbor who seems to spend a lot of time at home by themselves, or a lonely single mom or dad.
Maybe it’s a classmate at school that everyone else ignores or picks on that needs someone to stand up and be their friend.
These are the kinds of people who are in our invitation circle. All we have to do is open our eyes to see them and be intentionally with reaching out to them. To show them the love of Jesus and, when they’re ready to listen, tell them how much He loves them and wants them.
Are you being a good steward of your invitation circle? Have you spotted the people that God has put in your path for you to reach out to?
What step do you need to take today?
Would you like to pray with someone today?
Share your prayer need on a Next Step card or click the prayer button during our livestream.
NEXT WEEK: Guest Speakers, Johnny and Heidi Wade
Answer Key:
Defines
Describes
Declare
You can share what God is saying to you today by telling Pastor Blake about it on your Next Step form. Click this link to share your spiritual step with Pastor Blake.
Watch our Livestream each week HERE
Passage – Mark 11:18; 12:28-31; Luke 14:25-27; 15:15
Memory Verse:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
Jesus shows us that our influence circle is:
- _______________ Than We Realize (Luke 5:15)
- There was a hunger for an authentic Savior in Jesus.
- There’s a hunger for Him today.
- Do you realize that your influence on other people goes beyond what you might think (John 12:32)?
Our influence circle must be:
- _____________ to Jesus (Luke 14:25-27)
- Jesus requires His followers to love Him more than anyone or anything else (1 Cor. 2:14)!
- The cross we carry is the consequence of rejecting our old life and this world system.
- Is your influence circle committed to Jesus?
Because our influence circle is:
- A ________-_________ Street (Mark 11:18)
- Jesus attracted seekers AND those who opposed Him.
- Jesus ALSO had those in His influence circle who did not understand His mission (Matt. 16, 26; Mark 8, 14; Luke 9, 22; John 18).
- Who is influencing whom in your influence circle (Mark 12:28-31)?
We must keep our love for Jesus at the center of our lives!
Conclusion:
Your influence circle is so much bigger than you imagine, and how you follow Jesus is the most important thing you do with your life. Your friends are watching you, your siblings, your parents, and your children. The little kids and teenagers here in our church family are watching you. Your co-workers are watching you and your supervisor at work. Your friends, teachers, and administrators are watching you at school.
Most importantly, Jesus is watching you! You are influencing people and being influenced by others. Are you carrying your cross to exalt Jesus?
Who is the primary influencer in your influence circle? Is it you, or are you letting others compromise your commitment to Jesus?
Do you need to confess your sin of compromise and recommit yourself to Jesus today?
Would you like to pray with someone today?
Share your prayer need on a Next Step card or click the prayer button during our livestream.
NEXT WEEK: Part 3 of Circles, The Invite Circle
Answer Key:
Bigger
Committed
Two-Way
You can share what God is saying to you today by telling Pastor Blake about it on your Next Step form. Click this link to share your spiritual step with Pastor Blake.
Watch our Livestream each week HERE
Passage – Luke 5:1-11
Memory Verse:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV)
Jesus shows us that our inner circle needs to be:
- A Circle of ________________ (Luke 5:1-3)
- Jesus intentionally chose Peter’s boat.
- We must receive Jesus into our everyday lives.
- Do your friends share your desire to have Christ in your inner circle?
Our inner circle must also be:
- A Circle of ______________ (Luke 5:4-7)
- Peter questioned Jesus’ command based on his own fishing experience but trusted His word.
- Inner circle friends need to be trusted to challenge us to trust Jesus more, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Are your inner circle friends encouraging and challenging you to trust Jesus more despite your comfort level?
Our inner circle should be:
- A Circle of ___________________ (Luke 5:8-10)
- Peter’s transformation began when he realized who Jesus really is (theophany).
- Our inner circle is for friends who will point us to the reality of who Jesus is to help us humbly transform into the person we were created to be.
- Are your inner circle friends encouraging you to live a life of grace and holiness for Jesus?
Our inner circle must be:
- A Circle of ___________________ (Luke 5:11)
- Peter and his friends chose to be “all in” with Jesus.
- Not only was Jesus in their inner circle, but they were part of a like-minded inner circle of friends.
- Do your inner circle friends demonstrate a commitment to a shared spiritual journey that fulfills God’s purpose for our lives?
Conclusion:
Our inner circle needs to be filled with friends who are surrendered to Christ, encouraging trust as they trust in Jesus, intentionally seeking to live a transformed life, and walking with whole-hearted faith.
What kind of friends do you have in your inner circle? Have they committed their lives to Jesus? Do they encourage and strengthen your spiritual walk or discourage and distract you from your commitment to Christ?
Let’s evaluate our closest friendships today and embrace wisdom in choosing inner circle friends who encourage us in our walk with Christ and support our spiritual growth.
As you think through your friends, do you need to make some adjustments? Do you need to spend less time with someone? Or maybe spend more time with someone?
Maybe you have some inner circle friends you need to move to your influence circle (we’ll talk more about that next week).
Will you commit to evaluating who is in your inner circle today?
Have you invited Jesus into your inner circle? Would you like to do that today?
Would you like to pray with someone today?
Share your prayer need on a Next Step card or click the prayer button during our livestream.
NEXT WEEK: Part 2 of Circles, The Influence Circle
Answer Key:
Surrender
Trust
Transformation
Faith
You can share what God is saying to you today by telling Pastor Blake about it on your Next Step form. Click this link to share your spiritual step with Pastor Blake.
Watch our Livestream each week HERE
