A Warning, a Plan, and a Path

February 2 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DG, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DG share their story.

Read Together: Matthew 16 CSB

This week, we explored a turning point in Jesus’ ministry where He gives His disciples a warning about spiritual corruption, a plan for His unshakable church, and a path to life through sacrifice. He warns against the influence of false teaching, declares that He will build His church upon the confession of faith in Him, and calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross.

The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or Discipleship Group.

How does Jesus’ call to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him challenge the way you live your life today?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DG or for personal study.

Jesus warns His disciples to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). What are some modern influences that can subtly corrupt our faith?
Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus responds by declaring He will build His church (Matthew 16:16-18). Why is it significant that Jesus builds His church, and how can you participate in that work today?
Jesus tells His disciples that following Him means denying themselves and taking up their cross (Matthew 16:24-26). What areas of your life do you struggle to fully surrender to Jesus?

Pray Together:

Take time to pray with and for each other.

Suggested Prayer Prompts:

Ask God to help you recognize and resist influences that distort the truth of the gospel.
Pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of Jesus’ church and to live in unity with other believers.
Surrender areas of your life that you may be holding back from God, and ask for the courage to fully follow Him.