Reading
LUKE 6:46-49
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
1 CORINTHIANS 4:14-21
14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me.
17 That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.
18 Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. 19But I will come—and soon—if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. 20 For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 21 Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?
Reflection
- Jesus compares building a house the right way, in a way that will last, with doing what he’s called us to do in obedience. John pulls from this same idea in 1 John 3 as he describes his joy when he sees “his children” living obedient lives.
- When we hear teaching, or receive guidance or direction, how do we instinctively tend to respond?
- “Countless teachers” vs. “spiritual father”
- What are the differences between these two things?
- What does a father do for us that a teacher doesn’t?
- What do these relationships look like for us? Small group leaders are in a position of authority to guide and direct. What does your relationship with your small group leaders look like?