Momentum - Part 4: The Investment
MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
January 28, 2024
Sermon Page
YouVersion
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MyOneLife - A 4-Week Sunday Morning Small Group Experience
The first step for every OneLifer to get involved and get to know our church culture and mission is a 4-week small group experience called MyOneLife. It takes place on Sunday mornings in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses. You’ll learn about the vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission & spiritual gifts, and find out tons of ways to get involved. The next MyOneLife will start on February 4, so for more information or to sign up, mark the “MyOneLife” box on your Connection Card.
OneLife Membership for 2024
It’s a new year, which means it’s time to update our new membership roster for 2024. Each year, we start the roster fresh to make sure we have the most up-to-date and accurate list of active members of our church. And our goal is for EVERY OneLifer to be more than just an attender, visitor, or donor, but to be fully engaged as a member of our church! If you’d like to be considered for the 2024 membership roster, visit onelifeknox.com/membership to fill out the self-assessment form.
Night of Worship, February 28th
OneLifers, Wednesday night, February 28th at 6:30pm will be a Night of Worship! Both campuses will join together at our North campus for an extended time of music, prayer, communion, and a message from Pastor Rodney. Childcare will be available for 2nd Grade and younger. We can’t wait to see you then!
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Mark the baptism box on your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
__________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Matthew 25:29 NLT
29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
BOTTOM LINE: The greater the investment the greater the momentum.
Matthew 25:14 NLT
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.
When have you seen that the more you put in to something, the more momentum you experienced later? How long did it take for you to see the result of that early investment?
What do you have "momentum" in today in your life that as you look back is the result of some investment that was made early on? Maybe it is a hobby, a skill, or something you are good at.
START THINKING
Read Matthew 25:14-15. Why do you think it is important that the master gave each of the men an amount based on their abilities? What would have happened if he gave them more than they had an ability to manage? What is an example that you relate to where this makes sense?
Read Matthew 25:20-23. Why do you think Jesus intentionally used the exact same words when he was telling this story to quote how the man with five bags and the man with two bags responded? And then why do you think he intentionally used the exact same words to quote how the master responded to each of them? What point is Jesus driving home with this?
Read 1 Peter 4:10. How does this verse summarize the teachings of this parable in Matthew 25? What similar principles does it share?
What do you think Jesus is foreshadowing in telling this story about a master who goes on a "long trip" and leaves his servants entrusted to invest what the master has given them, which is then measured and accounted for when the master "returns"? Read Revelation 21:6-8 for a hint, and discuss what similarities you see in this passage about the end of times and the parable Jesus teaches in Matthew 25.
START SHARING
The one man who was not rewarded - in fact, he experienced negative momentum - is the one who was afraid to mess up. When have you found yourself paralyzed by fear or afraid to try something in the Kingdom? What were you afraid of? What was the missed opportunity that God could have done in and through you?
When have you invested something in the Kingdom that you felt at the time was small and inconsequential? Maybe it was time, influence, money, a talent or skill, or a relationship. How did you see that investment pay off in some kind of return? How did that create momentum to where now you are able to invest even more because of it?
What has come to mind for you in this discussion or during the sermon that, if you're honest, you are currently investing in the kingdom of this world but would return far more if it was invested in the Kingdom of Heaven?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit telling you to invest in the Kingdom? What is it that you have available to you now that He could use if you give it a chance? What are you going to do about it?
What relationships do you have that you could be investing the Gospel into but you may be afraid to do it or you may not have even tried? What might God use in your life to make a difference in these relationships? What do you already have, readily available to you now to use in these relationships to make a difference for the Kingdom?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the micro church and what they shared above. Pray that each of us are willing to give Jesus our best - whatever that best might be - and leave the results to Him!
___________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
January 28, 2024
Sermon Page
YouVersion
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MyOneLife - A 4-Week Sunday Morning Small Group Experience
The first step for every OneLifer to get involved and get to know our church culture and mission is a 4-week small group experience called MyOneLife. It takes place on Sunday mornings in the Meeting Room at each of our campuses. You’ll learn about the vision & values of our church, discover your personal mission & spiritual gifts, and find out tons of ways to get involved. The next MyOneLife will start on February 4, so for more information or to sign up, mark the “MyOneLife” box on your Connection Card.
OneLife Membership for 2024
It’s a new year, which means it’s time to update our new membership roster for 2024. Each year, we start the roster fresh to make sure we have the most up-to-date and accurate list of active members of our church. And our goal is for EVERY OneLifer to be more than just an attender, visitor, or donor, but to be fully engaged as a member of our church! If you’d like to be considered for the 2024 membership roster, visit onelifeknox.com/membership to fill out the self-assessment form.
Night of Worship, February 28th
OneLifers, Wednesday night, February 28th at 6:30pm will be a Night of Worship! Both campuses will join together at our North campus for an extended time of music, prayer, communion, and a message from Pastor Rodney. Childcare will be available for 2nd Grade and younger. We can’t wait to see you then!
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Mark the baptism box on your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
__________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Matthew 25:29 NLT
29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
BOTTOM LINE: The greater the investment the greater the momentum.
Matthew 25:14 NLT
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.
Where I invest matters most.
Matthew 25:15 NLT
15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
God only expects me to invest what is available.
Matthew 25:16-19 NLT
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. 19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.
God expects me to use what I have.
Matthew 25:20-23 NLT
20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ 22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ 21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ 22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ 23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
The result God measures is the return not the amount.
Matthew 25:24-28 NLT
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver.
Fear is the greatest hindrance to momentum.
Matthew 25:29 NLT
29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
START TALKING29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
When have you seen that the more you put in to something, the more momentum you experienced later? How long did it take for you to see the result of that early investment?
What do you have "momentum" in today in your life that as you look back is the result of some investment that was made early on? Maybe it is a hobby, a skill, or something you are good at.
START THINKING
Read Matthew 25:14-15. Why do you think it is important that the master gave each of the men an amount based on their abilities? What would have happened if he gave them more than they had an ability to manage? What is an example that you relate to where this makes sense?
Read Matthew 25:20-23. Why do you think Jesus intentionally used the exact same words when he was telling this story to quote how the man with five bags and the man with two bags responded? And then why do you think he intentionally used the exact same words to quote how the master responded to each of them? What point is Jesus driving home with this?
Read 1 Peter 4:10. How does this verse summarize the teachings of this parable in Matthew 25? What similar principles does it share?
What do you think Jesus is foreshadowing in telling this story about a master who goes on a "long trip" and leaves his servants entrusted to invest what the master has given them, which is then measured and accounted for when the master "returns"? Read Revelation 21:6-8 for a hint, and discuss what similarities you see in this passage about the end of times and the parable Jesus teaches in Matthew 25.
START SHARING
The one man who was not rewarded - in fact, he experienced negative momentum - is the one who was afraid to mess up. When have you found yourself paralyzed by fear or afraid to try something in the Kingdom? What were you afraid of? What was the missed opportunity that God could have done in and through you?
When have you invested something in the Kingdom that you felt at the time was small and inconsequential? Maybe it was time, influence, money, a talent or skill, or a relationship. How did you see that investment pay off in some kind of return? How did that create momentum to where now you are able to invest even more because of it?
What has come to mind for you in this discussion or during the sermon that, if you're honest, you are currently investing in the kingdom of this world but would return far more if it was invested in the Kingdom of Heaven?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit telling you to invest in the Kingdom? What is it that you have available to you now that He could use if you give it a chance? What are you going to do about it?
What relationships do you have that you could be investing the Gospel into but you may be afraid to do it or you may not have even tried? What might God use in your life to make a difference in these relationships? What do you already have, readily available to you now to use in these relationships to make a difference for the Kingdom?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the micro church and what they shared above. Pray that each of us are willing to give Jesus our best - whatever that best might be - and leave the results to Him!
___________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
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