In the world right now, everyone espouses tolerance. Half the time, we want to please others and agree with them, yet we want our rights, and we want things our way. Jesus said He is the Way. Let’s look at that claim.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are participating in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Is there one ingredient you always ask to be added or removed from your order at restaurants? How do you feel when you see “no substitutions” on a menu?
Leader Note: Make this fun and light. Have an example of something you like to add or cannot tolerate in your salad or other, whether because of taste preference or a health issue. Make special note that we are offended if we want to swap a vegetable offered on another entrée for the one the chef has paired with our choice. We feel if they have it, we have a right to “have it your way” as Burger King has taught us!
2. Salvation is an offer for all. Read John 14:6. What is the way to heaven? Although this path is unique and singular, that does not mean it is exclusive. Read John 14:2, 3:16, Isaiah 45:22, and 1 Timothy 2:3-4. Who does God want to rescue? Who does He desire finds salvation? What does this challenge you to do?
Leader Note: The Complete Jewish Bible highlights I AM the Way, capitalizing the I AM just as it is when God revealed His Name to Moses. Jesus is declaring that He is God and that He is also the only way to God. However, EVERYONE is welcome! Leaders, to clarify this for your group, you may want to read for them this picture of heaven found in Revelation 7:9-12. We should be moved to share Jesus and very inclusive in reaching others with salvation!
3. Salvation can’t be earned. We were asked to answer this question: If God asked you why He should let you into His heaven, how would you answer? Consider this for a minute. Read Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6,64:6, and Ephesians 2:8-9. What is very clear from these passages about our condition before Christ? What does Ephesians make clear?
Leader Note: If your reason (for entering heaven) starts with “I,” that is a warning flag that you may be trying to earn or justify your place in God’ heaven. The verses show that we are ALL infected with sin, and even our righteous deeds are like filthy rags. Ephesians says we have no reason to brag or boast. We can do nothing to earn God’s pleasure and acceptance except receive this gift of God (salvation) by faith.
4. Salvation is a choice. So, if there is nothing we can do (see question #3), how are we saved? Read Romans 10:9 and Acts 16:31. What are the only requirements? What are the outcomes of this choice? Read Isaiah 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 11:30, and Colossians 3:17.
Leader Note: Believe... confess... tell others. That is all. Our filthy rags are washed white as snow, and we are made new. Living for Him comes as a response to this great gift, not to earn our way to Him. Less anxiety from trying to perform and earn God’s love. We would become ambassadors of this great gift of grace.
5. Final Thought: Read John 14:6 again. What do you personally believe about Jesus being the only way? Is this a difficult teaching to swallow or something you have heard and understood for years? If this is difficult for you, your next step it to draw near, get close and learn from God. Keep your mind open to Him and let Jesus speak to you. Share with your Life Group leader if you have questions!
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
Read Acts 16:25-34 and consider the following questions.
6. Where were Paul and Silas and what were they doing?
Leader Note: They were in jail for healing a slave girl and setting her free from a demon (see Acts 16:16-24). They were suffering yet praising God.
7. Why was the jailer terrified and about to take his own life? What miracle prevented that?
Leader Note: God let the testimony and singing of His ministers enthrall the other prisoners so that they heard the Gospel. When the earthquake released them all, they stayed put. The jailer assumed they had all fled and he would be held accountable, but they were all still there! So he fell before Paul and Silas, recognizing their authority.
8. The jailer asked the most important question. What were his immediate responses?
Leader Note: He asked about salvation and followed through in faith. He included his family, and they were all saved, also. He washed their wounds (serving them) and fed them, REJOICING all the time.