STUDY GUIDE – The Good News is for Everyone

Icebreaker: Briefly share how you have seen the good news of Jesus produce a surprising outcome.

Sermon Title – The Good News is for Everyone – Matthew Chapters 1 & 2

Group Discussion

Read Genesis 1:26-27 & John 18:37 – Recognize that Jesus is King. How can recognizing Jesus as King and acknowledging that all people are created in God’s image help us understand the significance of sharing the good news? Discuss how this shift in perspective might influence our efforts to share the good news?

Read John 12:26 & John 15:16-17 – Participate in God’s unstoppable plan. What are your thoughts on how we are called to eagerly participate in His unstoppable plan? What do these verses teach us about our responsibility? Discuss ways we can make improvements in how we embrace Jesus and pursue His mission.

Read Matthew 9:10-13 – Have a vision for “everyone.” What do these verses teach us about having a vision for people who may be marginalized or rejected? Discuss how we can make improvements in aligning our vision with Jesus in terms of our outreach (e.g., inviting others and sharing the good news without reservation).

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 & Acts 20:27-28 – It can be difficult for us to see how the good news is for everyone until we recognize that the good news is also for ourselves. Why is it important to first recognize that the good news applies to us personally before sharing it with others? How do the words in Acts, “Keep watch over yourselves” challenge us to take ownership of the good news? What does it mean to “Keep watch” over yourself? And what does it mean to be a “shepherd” in proclaiming the good news and watching over those with whom we share? How do these appeals connect to living as a disciple and discipling others?

Spiritual Discipline: Take time to study our other sermon resources that support this message on “good news of great joy” at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: Consider these calls to action moving forward: (1) Recognize Jesus as King, and let His supremacy shape how you view yourself and others as created in God’s image, (2) Engage in God’s Mission by actively participating in His unstoppable plan by following Jesus, sharing the good news, and bearing fruit (e.g., read John chapter 15) and (3) Embrace the Good News by reflecting on how the gospel has transformed your life, and use that understanding to develop a vision for sharing it with everyone, especially those who may seem unlikely recipients, the marginalized, or the rejected.