Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 10:34-39

October 31, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 10:34-39.
Sum up the main idea of this passage in one sentence.
How does this passage relate to the what has come before it in 10:1-33?
What kind of "peace" is Jesus speaking about in this context? How do you know?
List the relationships affected by Jesus' coming. Why would he mention these relationships?
What is it about relating to Jesus that would cause this kind of division between these relationships?
Where verses 34-37 focus on relationships around us, verese 38-39 focus on us individually? How would our taking up our cross relate to Jesus' division of our closest relationships?

What disharmony exists within any of your closest relationships? To what degree is that disharmony related to your love for Christ? To what degree is that disharmony related to your love for your own interests?
Have you ever experienced a relationship division because of your loyalty to Christ? Do you have relationships with anyone now that are maintained purely because you downplay your relationship to Christ?
Is there any area of your life that you know should express more overt loyalty to Christ, but is kept hidden because of your fear of its impact on those relationships?
What are practical senarios that you can think of that would be a way to love Christ supremely that would separate your closest relationships?
Which relationships in your life would be most threatened by a greater expression of loyalty to Christ and why?

Make a list of the relationships in your life that would be most negatively impacted by a deeper loyalty to Christ. What about your loyalty to Christ is being hidden in an attempt not to lose those relationships? Use this as a prayer list each day next week, asking God for confidence and a clear witness to Christ.
How could you pray for other Christians around you this week who are struggling with the possible or actual loss of close relationships because of their connection to Christ?
Pray for non-Christians who will be attending this Sunday to be impacted with God's word.
Pray for believers to be convicted where needed, encouraged where most helpful, and equipped where most useful.
Pray that those leading this week's service will do so in the most edifying way: Dawson Bryant, music; Brandon Ferguson, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.