Main Text: Matthew 20:20–28 (ESV) 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Preaching Point: We must pursue greatness not by amassing power and authority, or by seeking greater status, but by serving and sacrificing for others as Christ did for us.

Teaching Points:

1. Stop Seeking Status (vv. 20-21)
2. Trust God’s Placement Plan (vv. 22-24)
3. Imitate Christ’s Costly Service (vv. 25-28)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read James 3:13-16 and 2 Corinthians 10:17-18. Where are you most tempted to selfishly seek power, status, or recognition, and how can that pursuit hinder your relationship with God?
3. How would you distinguish between a selfish pursuit of status and a humble ambition that seeks to honor God through excellence?
4. Read Matthew 20:20-21. How can you make sure that the things you want are not selfish attempts at grabbing power, status, or recognition?
5. Read 1 Peter 5:6-7 and 1 Chronicles 29:12. Why can trusting God’s plan for your life and your eternity be so difficult?
6. How does trusting God’s placement for you free you to serve sacrificially instead of worrying about missed opportunities?
7. Read John 13:12-16 and Matthew 20:25-28. What does imitating Christ’s costly service look like to you?
8. Where can you imitate Christ’s costly service this week, and what might that service or sacrifice look like practically?

Main Text: Matthew 20:17-19 (ESV)17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Preaching Point: We must unequivocally accept that God uses human means, including human evil, to accomplish his sovereign, predetermined will, chiefly displayed in the suffering and death of Jesus, which secured our salvation.

Teaching Points:

1. Recognize That God’s Plan Is Settled Before it Unfolds (vv. 17-19)
2. Accept God’s Use of Human Means to Accomplish His Plan (vv. 17-19)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Matthew 20:17-19, Acts 2:22-24, and Acts 4:27-28. What do these passages teach you about God’s sovereign control over the suffering and death of Jesus?
3. Read Acts 2:23. Peter tells the people of Israel that “you” crucified and killed Jesus, even though this happened according to God’s definite plan. Why is it important to hold together both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?
4. Where are you most tempted to emphasize one at the expense of the other?
5. Read Isaiah 46:9-11, Genesis 50:15-21, and Psalm 139:16. How do these passages influence your understanding that God is orchestrating both the greatest events of history and the smallest details of life according to his will?
6. How should this perspective change the way you understand hardship, injustice, or disappointment?
7. Read Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 21:1, and Philippians 2:12-13. What do these passages teach you about the relationship between God’s sovereign plans and human decisions?
8. How can a firm belief in God’s sovereignty bring you comfort, confidence, and humility this week?

Main Text: Philippians 4:10-20 (ESV) 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Preaching Point: As wonderful as gift-giving and receiving are within a Christian community, we must pursue real contentment by looking beyond our circumstances and seeking the strength of Christ, which enables us to remain genuinely content in every situation.

Teaching Points:

1. Seek to Benefit Other Christians with Your Generosity (vv10, 14-16)
2. Affirm the Great Benefits of Christian Generosity (vv. 17-20)
3. Depend on Christ, not Things for Your Contentment (vv. 11-13)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Galatians 6:9-10 and Romans 12:9-13. How has a lack of contentment with your own circumstances kept you from being generous with others in the past?
3. How can genuine contentment help increase your generosity toward other believers?
4. Read Philippians 4:17-20 and 2 Corinthians 9:11-13. According to these passages, what benefits can you expect your generosity to produce?
5. Based on the passages above, what spiritual and practical consequences can come from a lack of generosity rooted in discontentment?
6. Read Philippians 4:11-13 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10. What are some of the dangers of discontentment?
7. What does leaning on Christ for strength in the area of contentment practically look like for you?