Fixing our eyes – Part 1

As we step into 2024, our theme this year is Fixing Our Eyes, taken from Hebrews 12:2, “and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” As Christians, we live best when we gaze upon our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The world will offer so many different things to gaze upon, but only in Him do we find satisfaction, security, and help. Jesus is worthy of our gaze.

Read:  Hebrew 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:18

Discuss

1. Pastor Dale says, “beauty captures our gaze, but that which is profound will hold our gaze.” He shared about his experience with renown ancient paintings and the view at the Grand Canyon. What about your experience? What have you seen that has held your gaze with awe and wonder? Why?
2. Read Hebrew 12:1-2. Why did the writer of the book of Hebrews suggests us to fix our eyes on Jesus? What does this mean to you? how can we do this?
3. Read 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT). What is your understanding of fixing our gaze on things that cannot be seen? In the context of 2 Corinthians 4, what troubles do they need to not look at? How might this apply to us today?
4. Pastor Dale teaches that where your focus goes, where you spend a lot of time and energy, is where you will develop a neural pathway around these things; some of these pathways can create hardwired paths around stress, fear, anger, and anxiety to name a few. Can you identify what you would normally focus on and spend a lot of energy in? Is it helpful? Do you need to change your focus?
5. How often do you find yourself gazing at things or circumstances that you cannot control, and you cannot resolve? What goes into your mind when you are in that zone? What could help instead?
6. Read Psalm 63:1-8 and Psalm 121:1-2. Based on these readings, why do we need to gaze upon the Lord? What do we get from gazing upon Him? How can this be a benefit?

Respond

There will be a plethora of things that capture our gaze daily. It might be your career, finance, relationship, or family to name a few. However, those things do not last. Sometimes they can even chain us down. We must gaze upon Jesus, as He will give us life and have it to the full (John 10:10). As we start the year, how can you focus more on gazing upon Jesus this year? What is one thing you can start today to change this?

Fixing our eyes – Part 2

As we launch into the new year, we look towards the vision God has given Crossway for His Kingdom in 2024. Our theme is a reminder to be ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus’ (Heb 12:2). If we are willing to take this simple approach to our discipleship journey, we can expect to grow in personal joy and transformation as we draw closer to Him. This will come for each of us if we are willing to spend time with Jesus, become more like Jesus, and be willing to do as Jesus calls. We are each called to be His disciple and help others come to know Him.

Read: Hebrews 12:2, John 1:35-37, Mark 3:14-15, Romans 8:29, John 14:12.

Discuss

1. What does it mean to you personally to be a disciple of Jesus? What does that look like in a practical sense?
2. What are some practical ways we can be ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus’?Why might this be difficult in your circumstances? What can you change to ensure this is more of a reality for you? How could you make this your default response, regardless of what you face?
3. Read Mark 3:14-15. Why did Jesus appoint the twelve to be with Him? What impact might this close daily contact with Jesus have had upon the early disciples? What impact might close daily contact have upon us?
4. Read Romans 8:29. Why did God choose His disciples to become like Jesus? What might it look like to be like Jesus? What changed in you when you first met Jesus?
5. Read John 14:12. What might it look like for us to do the same work as Jesus, or even greater works (verse 12)? How can we do the works of Jesus? Why might this be a challenge?
6. Crossway’s mission is ‘Loving God, Loving People, Disciples that Multiply’. What is one thing you are doing in each of these three areas to make a difference for God? What could you do differently this year in each of these three areas to see even greater impact for the Kingdom of God?

Respond

We are all called to love God, love people and help others come to know our loving Lord and Savior for themselves. We are all called to make disciples. What is your plan in 2024 to be obedient to the biblical command to make disciples? Who is one person you can be praying for today, who God has put on your heart to know Jesus? Stop now and pray for that person. Take a practical step this week to help this person move towards Jesus. It might be simply catching up for a chat, or asking if they would like to read the Bible with you.

Fixing our eyes – Part 3

Fixing our eyes on Jesus changes everything, including the way we steward our money, and yet, the majority of Christians do not tithe. Scripture teaches that tithing is an important principal that started even before the Law was given to Moses. It was later articulated in the Mosaic Law and endorsed by Jesus. Why do you think that tithing and giving is so important??

Read: 1 Timothy 6:18, Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38

Discuss

1. What can we learn from the principle of tithing and giving generously?
2. Read the four scriptures above. From these verses, name some of the promises related to faithful giving and tithing. Have you ever experienced a positive outcome when you have been faithful with what God has given to you?
3. Read Deuteronomy 8:10-18. What does it mean that God “gives us the ability to earn wealth”? How is this principle related to tithing?
4. Read 1 Timothy 6:18. According to this verse, what are three things those with plenty of resources are encouraged to do? How does this impact our discipleship?
5. Read Luke 12:27-34. How is the practice of giving generously related to our trust in God to provide? How do you understand the phrase, “treasure in heaven that will never fail” (NIV)?
6. What does giving ‘systematically’ mean, and why is this practice helpful? Have you ever tried to do this?
7. According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, what attitudes should we have when giving? What difference does this make? Why should giving not be done in an attitude of legalism and guilt?

Respond

The only time God invites us to ‘test him’ is in the matter of giving faithfully, to see Him provide according to our needs – and sometimes even above and beyond! Ultimately, all that we have belongs to God. We are mere stewards of the material resources He entrusts us to manage; giving is an act of faith and obedience. What can you do to begin or to continue in the path of giving faithfully? Is there a financial need in your group today (e.g. looking for a job, insufficient income for daily or extraordinary needs)? How can the group or church offer support in this situation?

Fixing our eyes – Part 4

We may assume that when God sends us to do something the path will be smooth. However, this is often not the case. In Matthew 14:22-32, we read that Jesus sent the disciples to cross the lake in a boat. Yet, they were buffeted by waves and strong wind and caught in a storm. Jesus walked on the water to rescue them, telling them to have courage and reminding them, “I am here.” As His disciples, God is with us during times of challenge. In every situation, we can bring our problems to Jesus and place them at His feet.

Read: Matthew 14:30-32, Ephesians 1:22, Matthew 18:18-19

Discuss

1. In Matthew 14:1-12, John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) was beheaded by King Herod. Jesus went up on a mountainside to pray alone, telling the disciples to cross the lake in a boat without him. How would you react if you were his disciples?
2. Are you experiencing any storms in your life now? If so, what are those storms?
3. Have you ever experienced God leading you through a time of wilderness?
4. How might the story of Jesus walking on water encourage you during tough times in your life?
5. In Ephesians 1:22, what does it mean when it says God has put all things under the authority of Christ?
6. Regarding prayer, what does Matthew 18:18-19 mean to you? How can we enhance our prayer life according to this?

Respond

When Peter called out to Jesus, ‘Save me Lord’, Jesus rescued him, the wind stopped and the disciples worshipped Jesus. What are some situations we need to ‘put under Jesus’s feet’ as an act of surrender? Write them down and spend time praying over these challenges with the group.

Fixing our eyes – Part 5

In many of his letters, Paul uses the analogy of running a race to depict the active Christian life. The comparison is apt because of the endurance required, especially in long distance races. Well-trained distance runners may experience a type of euphoria during their run, giving the sensation that they could run faster, using precious energy that their body can ill afford. At other times, runners experience the proverbial brick wall, which they need to push through regardless of the pain. In any case, it is certain that one cannot complete the race unless they are in it to begin with.

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24, Galatians 2:2, Philippians 2:16, Hebrews 12:1-3.

Discuss

1. Discuss the use of Paul’s race analogy in the scriptures above. We should note that Paul is assuming all believers are running — there is no mention of running as a spectator sport. What does Paul’s analogy teach us about the way Christians should live life? Share experiences where you can relate to this analogy in your own Christian life.
2. Read John 13:15-16 and James 22:26. Brooke talked about two traps that we can fall into, the ‘passive trap’ and the ‘burnout trap’. Discuss what dead faith is and what it looks like. How can we avoid falling into that trap?
3. Consider Matthew 7:21-22 in the light of John 13:15-16 and James 22:26. Clearly, merely going through the motions of church life is different from running the race that Paul was talking about. Why is it important to put action to our faith, and what does that look like?
4. We know Olympians need highly disciplined regime to develop the right muscles for their sport. If we consider our faith in action to be like a spiritual muscle that strengthens our running, what practical steps can we take to develop that faith muscle?
5. Consider Hebrews 12:11-12 and James 1:2-4. Anyone who thinks the Christian life is all blessing and comfort is misguided. These types of experiences are opportunities for our faith to grow. Share with the group about challenges that have caused your faith to grow.

Respond

Throughout this discussion we’ve talked about running races, challenges, discipline, and putting faith into action. However, we need to remember that Jesus came and lived among us as a human, and provided an example of how to do this well. Scripture never presents Jesus being in a hurry. He was always actively engaged in doing the will of the Father. What is one thing you can change that will help you run the race well and avoid the passive trap or the burnout trap?

Fixing our eyes – Part 6

As Christ’s followers, even as God is right in the midst of what we are doing, at times we simply cannot see Him. It is important to know how we — both as individuals and as a church — can ensure we have Jesus in view. We must learn how to fix our eyes on Jesus to align ourselves with what He is doing. Pastor Heather is convicted that the Lord is taking us from a season of complacency (not recognising what He is up to) to a season of the Spirit and of extraordinary things. If we do not see what He is up to, we are going to miss it.

Read: Hebrew 12:1-3, Luke 24:13-40

Discuss

1. Have you ever searched for an item and not found it, only for someone else to come and spot it in plain sight? Do you think that was what happened to Cleopas and Simon on their way to Emmaus?
2. In her sermon, Pastor Heather explained the context of Luke 24:13-40. Have one or two people retell the story and the reasoning as to why they were on the way to Emmaus (hint in Question 3).
3. Cleopas and Simon started the journey to Emmaus to run from chaos and danger. They were focused on what was happening and their minds were not on hope. Have you ever been in a situation where you focused only on the problem and forgot about hope? What helped you to see it?
4. Read Luke 24:25-29. The way they strongly urged Jesus to stay with them shows their hunger to spend more time with Him and hear from Him. Why were they eager to hear more from Him? How can we have the same hunger towards His words?
5. Now read Jeremiah 33:3. Knowing that He promises to answer us, what stops us from calling to Him?
6. Read Luke 24:32-35. Where do you see their fresh and profound burning passion in these verses? What would you be doing if you were filled with the same burning passion right now?

Respond

As we navigate our individual journeys, let us carry the burning passion ignited by the realisation that Jesus is in our midst, guiding us on the path where He wants us to be. As we step into a new week, do we truly know where we are going at this moment?

Fixing our eyes – Part 8

Note: Due to the public holiday, GD Part 7 was not produced.

Our Heavenly Father wants to have a deep and meaningful relationship with every single one of us. However, the level of intimacy we have depends on how we relate and engage with Him. For many of us, our relationship with our own earthly father can significantly impact how we see our Heavenly Father. Every earthly father has shortcomings, but our Heavenly father wants to have an intimate and meaningful relationship with us. He wants us to know, deep in our hearts, that we can depend on Him in every situation, and that everyone can do so when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Read: Hebrew 12:4-11, Prov 12:1,  Prov 22:6, John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1, Rom 8:15, Mark 14:34-36.

Discuss

1. Take a moment to consider your relationship with your own earthly father or a father figure in your life in your formative years (if you had one). If you are comfortable doing so, share some of the strengths you saw in this person. What did you admire? Why?
2. Read Hebrews 12:4-11. What is your perspective on the necessity for the discipline of an unruly child? How can this help to shape their character in positive (or negative) ways? How does our earthly discipline compare to when we are disciplined as children of God by our Heavenly Father? What might be some of the differences in this?
3. Read Hebrews 12:11. Discipline is often painful at the time but can produce a harvest of righteousness. What might this look like? Why might discipline be needed to bring that about?
4. Hedonism is described as the ultimate pursuit of pleasure and happiness in the absence of pain. While this might seem like a good pursuit, what can be some of the unintended negative outcome of this objective? Why is some pain and suffering necessary for our growth? How can pain shape our character positively?
5. Read Mark 14:34-36. The word “Abba” Father refers in the original language to a love steeped from intimacy and obedience. Jesus in his most difficult moments before going to the cross, called out in anguish to his Heavenly Father. What does it mean for you to lean into and call on God in a deep and meaningful way? Can we do this even when not faced with a painful situation?
6. How can we have a level of intimacy and connection like what we see Jesus had with God the father in the Garden of Gethsemane in our everyday relationship with Him? What might it take to develop in this area for you personally?

Respond

Every one of us is invited to have a close and intimate relationship with God the Father. This is often dependent upon our own discipline and willingness to engage at a heart level. This week seek out one way that you can engage at a deeper level to increase your intimacy with God. Share what you can put into practice this week.

Fixing our eyes – Part 9

The Sunday before Easter is commonly known as Palm Sunday, to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a colt, at which people waved palm leaves and cast their garments. This was the first time Jesus was publicly acknowledged as the Messiah, much to the distain of the Pharisees, in fulfilment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9-12. While Jesus makes an entrance as the King, we note his attitude of humility and passion. He is worthy of honour and praise. How may we reflect and respond to this significant occasion?

Read: Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19, Matthew 21:1-11.

Discuss

1. If you were there when Jesus was riding into Jerusalem, what would your reaction be? What questions would be going through your mind?
2. Read Philippians 2:7-8. The triumphant entry acknowledges Jesus as King and Messiah, yet, how did He display incredible humility in His mission and ministry? How can we follow this example?
3. Jesus is worthy of our exuberant praise; even “rocks will cry out” in acknowledgement of Him. Why are many Christians today reserved in their expression of praise, yet able to express exuberance when their team wins? How are we encouraged to express praise to God? (Refer to Psalms 148, 149, 150.)
4. Read Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 141:2. Why is the lifting of hands a particularly significant expression of praise and worship? Is this merely a matter of ‘personal expression’?
5. Why did Jesus weep as He approached Jerusalem? Refer also to Matthew 23:37-39. What drives your passion for God? How do you keep that passion alive?

Respond

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is significant as it demonstrates His humility and passion. Which of these do you find the most inspiring or challenging? What change will you make in your life this week to grow in one of these areas?