You’re Not The Boss Of Me, Part 1: “From The Heart”
October 1, 2023

Download a printable version of this guide

Message Review

As individuals, we tend to keep an eye on our behavior to avoid any troubles and maintain healthy relationships in our personal and professional lives. However, Jesus calls upon his followers to take this monitoring process up a notch by being mindful of what's happening within our hearts. 

Main Point: We all experience competing emotions, but we can choose not to let them control us. 

Scripture References: Matthew 15:1-20; Matthew 11:28-29

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 15:1-20. 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’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he 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

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?  

  • Pastor Matt said that many of us believe we will make all the correct decisions once we control our lives. Why do we feel this way? 

  • What emotion do you tend to use as a filter for your thoughts and decisions? (e.g.,anger, envy, insecurity, fear, greed) 

  • What internal thoughts do you hear when you filter your thoughts and decisions through the above emotion? 

  • Read Matthew 15:1-7 again as a group. What was it about the question the Pharisees asked that upset Jesus and led him to treat them harshly? 

  • Read Matthew 15:17-20 again as a group. What is Jesus trying to communicate to his followers in this passage? 

  • Pastor Matt mentioned that while religious rituals and traditions can hold significant value to an individual, they should not be viewed as keeping God happy.  Have you ever been told that it would require behavior modification to make God happy with you? If so, share your experience.  

  • How would your life be different if you learned to monitor what was happening in your heart earlier in life?  

  • As a Group read Matthew 11:28-29. What words or phrases from this passage stick out to you?  

  • In what ways can you rest in God and let him be the Boss?  

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