Who's in Charge? The Politics of King Jesus: February 7, 2021
Welcome to St. Paul's Bloor Street! Our vision is a church made alive, a city made new, and a people made whole. Today we're continuing with our sermon series: "Who's in Charge? The Politics of King Jesus" and looking at Matthew 16:21-28 .
Matthew 16:21-28 NIVUK
Questions to Ponder:
1. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, once said that, in contrast to the other apostles, ‘Peter is a source of constant encouragement, for his weakness is so manifest’. Discuss the figure of Peter as he is described in Matthew 16.21-28. What in his example do you find encouraging? What lessons do you learn from him?
2. Scripture frequently talks about God’s ability to use what we regard as weakness and failure in noble and redemptive ways. In what respects is the cross both a sign of defeat and of victory? Is this relevant to the way we understand success and disappointment in our own lives?
3. What does self-denial look like in our contemporary culture? What does it look like in your own life? Do you think the Church is called to self-denial, and if so, what should this look like?
4. The sermon concludes that our ‘cross in life’ is preferring to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ to everything else in life. What are the major challenges facing you in ‘carrying your cross’? Where do you find grace to keep going?
Closing Prayer:
Loving God, open our ears to hear your word and draw us closer to you, that the whole world may be one with you as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.