Laying Down our Rights

Sermon Discussion Notes: April 9, 2017 Matthew 26:47-54 Short Review Briefly summarize the message, look for the following points: 1. Why did Jesus lay down his “right to life?” 2. Do we have to lay down our rights? 3. Examples of where God’s Word calls us to lay down our rights. Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How willingly giving up our rights for Jesus sets us apart from the culture around us and brings glory to the Father. 1. What are some of our most cherished political and civil rights? For each one, talk about why it is precious to us, and why we would want to preserve it. [Do NOT get into a political debate about the various amendments!] 2. Can you think of examples from history, literature, or movies where someone willingly gave up the right to live (willingly died) in order to serve a greater goal? [Obvious example: soldiers who give their lives on the battlefield. Other examples?] 3. What resources did Jesus have to preserve His life and the lives of His disciples on Mt. Olives? Why didn’t He exercise this right? (vs. 53, 54) How is this an example to us and a call to be willing to lay down our rights? 4. Are Christians forbidden from ever exercising or asserting their civil or political rights? [recall some examples mentioned of Jesus and Paul asserting basic rights – e.g. Acts 22:5.] 5. When is it good and right for a Christian to call in authorities like the courts or the police? 6. Discuss I Cor. 6:7. What rights are we being asked to willingly lay down? 7. Discuss Phil. 2:1-6. What rights are we being asked to lay down? 8. Discuss I Peter 2:21 – 3:7. What rights are we all being asked to lay down? What rights are wives/husbands being asked to lay down? 9. Discuss portions of I Cor.8 and 9 (e.g. 8:8-13 (Romans 14:14-21); 9:1-5 and 9:19-23). What rights are we being called to willingly lay down here? Why? 10. How does this make us different, how does this make our works have the ‘aroma of the cross?’