Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 10:26-33

October 17, 2013 by Bret Capranica Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 10:26-33.
Sum up the main theme of this passage in one sentence.
How does this passage fit with the previous verses (primarily 10:24-25 and the theme of persecution for disciple-making)?
Make a list of reasons why disciples of Jesus should not be fearful of persecution.
What is it (based on this context - look primarily at vv 32-33 for help) that is hidden and secret that will be revealed and known?
What does 10:28 say about the pain of persecution versus the pain of hell?
How does 10:29-31 balance the right kind of fear of God mentioned in 10:28?
What is at stake if fear continually keeps us from publicly demonstrating our loyalty to Christ (10:32-33)?

When was the last time you found yourself holding back making public comments about your commitment to Christ because of fear? What is it that you feared the most?
When fear of others changes the way you speak or live for Christ, what does it reveal about how much you fear and trust God?
How could you confront your fear of people with a much larger vision of God? What characteristics of God should you dwell on more frequently to assit you in being more publicly open about your commitment to Christ?
How deep is God's personal knowledge and affection for his people (10:30)? How should this affect your confidence in being a disciple-maker?
How could being controlled by fear of others affect other Christians around you?

Pray specifically for people in your life that you find yourself most likely to shy away from being more overt in your devotion to Christ. Pray that you will gain a greater affection for God than for the affirmation of others and that your confidence in Christ will be a penetrating testimony to those who do not know Christ in your life.
Who, in our congregation, do you need to pray for, or perhaps give encouragement to, who is often times negatively driven by a fear of others. How could you talk through this passage with them? Find a time this week to pray with them.
Make a list of reasons why you shy away from a more public Christian witness. Use that list throughout the next week to pray for God's grace to overcome. What passages of Scripture would assist you in thinking through a more biblical response in light of the reasons you have listed?
Pray for non-Christians who will be present Sunday; that they will see their need for Christ and be convinced of their need to follow Him.
Pray for our congregation to be lovingly, penetratingly bold in our witness in our spheres of influence throughout the next week.
Pray for those who will be leading the service; that they will do so in the most edifying manner: Dawson Bryant, music; Rob Stouffer, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs we will sing together on Sunday, preparing your heart to sing them together as a church. Meditate on the lyrics.