You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group to a deeper understanding and application of the Word. Lifegroup leaders may find it beneficial to select 3 to 6 questions that will make the time most productive. Remember, there is great benefit to group members whose hunger to grow will stimulate their returning, on their own at a later time, so as to understand and apply it further.

Introduction Last week, we learned about Christ being the “lead ox” and us being yoked together with Him as the “follow ox”. Kurt mentioned the two “s- words” that help us to understand what being yoked with Christ means for believers: submission and service. Even though we may think that words like these imply hardship and difficulty, Scripture clearly states that the exact opposite is true. We are learning that taking the yoke of Christ brings true rest for our souls! How can this be? How can working ever bring rest? Yet, isn’t that the teaching from Matthew 11: 28 – 30? Let’s read this together. 1. Wrong Work vs. Right WorkWe must have the right perspective about our work for Christ. First, we understand that this is a command. So, in obedience to Him, we “take His yoke” and work. However, what is a temptation we battle in our own hearts when thinking about our working for Christ? How does religion cloud the issue? What percentage of our own righteousness is necessary for salvation? The culture in which we live can never understand this. What are some of the phrases that you have heard people say that indicate they are seeking to justify themselves to God? When we come to God touting our own righteousness, what are we really saying about Christ and His sacrifice for us? How does reading Romans 3:28 clarify this issue for you? What does Isaiah 64:6 say about our works? Now, read Ephesians 2:8-9. From this passage, how is a person saved? What is the part that grace plays? What is the part of faith? What are we supposed to do? How are we involved in the salvation process? Finish this thought about one of the most familiar blasphemies in our world today, “God helps those….” From all of these passages, what is conclusive about works and salvation? So, according to Galatians 6:14 in what are we to boast?

From these passages and examples, we may wrongly conclude that working for Christ is wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. What does Ephesians 3:10 say about our works in Christ? Having now examined Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the Bible saying about the right position of our works? If we get our working for Christ in the wrong place (putting works first or as the foundation of how we relate to God) what happens? How does Titus 3:8 help you to further understand the right priority of good works for believers? From a practical standpoint, what are some ways that you can work for Christ? You may want to use the church bulletin insert to help you. Our church has as one of its priorities “worship in work”. Are you involved in some sort of work in our church? If not, why not? If you are working for Christ in the church, what must your attitude be as you work? Why is attitude so important?

Finally, what is always our greatest challenge when talking about faith and works?

Pulpit Curriculum

Laying Down My WorkMatt. 11:28-30

by Pastor Kurt Gebhards

Mutual Ministry Exercise: What are some of the ways you have been obeying the exhortation in Hebrews 10:24-25? It is such a blessing for the love of Christ to flow through us as we do good works. The reason is clear; Acts 20:35 says that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Jesus said, “He who wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever gives his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25). When we give our lives away in doing good works, God is so gracious to give us peace and joy in Him. Tell those in your group some of the ways God has blessed you as you have given your life to Him and others.

Pray for our study in Matt. 11 that we would have the right understanding of works and righteousness. Pray for those who struggle with self-righteousness, that God will open their hearts to understand that apart from the righteousness of Jesus Christ, we have no righteousness in ourselves. Pray for Lifegroups to be the discipleship difference makers in the lives of our friends.

The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 02/10/13: 1st hour –S Starnes2nd hour – T Jacobs (Sean Turner’s group)3rd hour – Swanson

Go deeper in your understanding of faith and works.Faith in Christ comes first and then our lives are filled with good works for our Lord Jesus Christ. Examine the following passages for the right priority of faith followed by works.

Titus 3:5

Romans 3:26

Romans 5:9

II Corinthians 5:21

What are the fruits that we bear following our salvation in Christ?

Ephesians 2:10

Titus 2:14

I Peter 1:15-16

James 2:14-26

Going DeeperGoing Deeper