Who Do You Say HE Is?

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read Matthew 16:13-17. We know who God is to Jesus based on this passage, but who is He to you? What has He done for you that has changed your life? Give a 2 minute testimony of who Christ is to you to the entire group.

2. Read Philippians 2:8-11, Romans 14:10b-12, & Matthew 16:18. God didn’t need people and still doesn’t; however, he uses us to accomplish His purpose. He loves people and everything He does is for and about them. How can you help serve God’s purpose by building His church? Discuss.

3. Read Matthew 16:19-20, Luke 11:13, & Matthew 28:19-21. We have the same authority that Jesus has. Knowing this and knowing that we are His identity, how does this change the way that we approach circumstances, especially difficult ones? How can we begin to really walk out the authority of Christ in our lives and in the lives of our family? Discuss as a group.

4. Read Matthew 16:21-23 & James 1:7-8. Even when we know who we are in Christ, it’s easy to get distracted and go after our own interests as Peter did here. He went from Peter “the Rock” to Peter “the stumbling block.” Discuss how this happens in your own personal life and what things you can do to stay focused on God’s purposes.

5. Read Matthew 16:24-28. God is requiring us to deny ourselves if we are really to be Christ followers. How do we “take up our cross?” What exactly does this passage mean for those who call themselves Christians? What is the benefit of losing our lives for His purposes? Discuss why this is difficult and how God can help us overcome.