The Art of Neighboring, Part 3: “Do You Have Room?”
August 20, 2023

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Message Review

Jesus commands His followers to love their neighbors. This requires making room in your heart and life. Continually evaluate your time, schedule, and pray for them. Create opportunities to be with them where they are comfortable. 

Main Point | Keep room in your heart and room in your life for people who don’t know Jesus.

Scripture References | Mark 12:30-31; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 11:19 

Bible Study

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 9:35-38. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’ original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was Jesus trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • This week's sermon focused on making space for your neighbors in your heart and life. What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?  

  • Why do you think Christians can fall into the Christian Bubble Wrap Life so easily? Have you ever found yourself there?  

  • Pastor Andy said, "You cannot live the Bubble Wrap Life and still fulfill God's calling for your friends, family, and those who do not know Him yet." Why must we remove the bubble wrap to live on God's mission?  

  • Read Matthew 9:35-38(MSG) as a group. How should we perceive people who are distant from Jesus?

  • One challenge Pastor Andy gave was to perform a regular heart check toward your friends and family who do not know Jesus. What are practical ways you can check your heart for this?  

  • Why do we need to be intentional about keeping room for people who are from Jesus and His church?  

  • Read Matthew 11:19 as a group. Why was Jesus given such a label? What would it take for you to be labeled in the same way?  

  • How can you protect your relationship with God while spending time with people far from Jesus?  

  • Pastor Andy challenged us to examine your life, time, and schedule. How can you be more intentional with spending time with people who don’t know Jesus where they are comfortable?  

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.