Learning More About INAM

#1 – Take a look at Luke 9:23-27 (we covered verse 23 in the message.) 

Get a note card and write down verse 25 on a piece of paper and put it where you will be able to see it at least once a day.
In what area in your life are you the most challenged to “deny yourself?”

Take a look at Matthew 16:24-27, notice that it comes after Jesus said He would build His church (Matthew 16:18).  A group of people committed to the idea of “It’s Not About Me” will change the world.

#2 – We talked about Galatians 2:20 today…some other verses you can use to encourage/challenge yourself with are…

I Corinthians 9:24-27
I Thessalonians 5:16-22
Philippians 3:10-14

#3 – Look up (and highlight) Matthew 20:28 in your Bible: 

Why did Jesus say He came to earth? 
How does this specifically challenge you?   

#4 – In the message I highlighted Matthew 8 – here is a closer look at some of the details: 

Look at Matthew 8:1-3. Notice the Scripture says Jesus touched the leper to heal him.  Question—did Jesus have to touch the leper in order for him to actually be healed?  (Take a look at Luke 17:11-19... Jesus healed 10 lepers but did not touch them).  That Jesus healed the leper is powerful, but the fact Jesus touched the leper is an example of how He is not afraid of the mess in our lives—and because of His touch we are healed. 
Look at Matthew 8:5-13. Notice Jesus healed the servant of the Centurion.  It’s important to understand the Centurion was a Roman, a “gentile,” and an “outsider,” and his very presence in Capernaum was a stench to the Jewish people who lived there.  However, Jesus communicates with this miracle that the Gospel isn’t for people who are just like us—but for EVERYONE. 
Look at Matthew 8:14-15. Notice that, once again, Jesus touches Peter’s mother in law in order to heal her.  In a time when women were viewed more as property than people Jesus communicates by the way He heals that His calling is not just for men—but for women as well.  (Notice as soon as she is healed in verse 15 she began to serve.  Saved People Serve People!) 
Look at Matthew 8:16-17. When “messy” people showed up “to church” how did Jesus respond?  (Notice it was not with a lecture, but rather compassion!)  Compassion is always a much better way to minister than condemnation.  (See Mark 6:34).
Read Matthew 8:23-34: Jesus experienced a storm on His way to heal two men who society had given up on.  As we pursue people far from God we will experience storms as well; however, if Jesus calmed the storm then He can do it again.  We should not let storms discourage or distract us but rather encourage us that we could be moments away from a miracle.  The two men Jesus healed in this story could have never came to Jesus (because of their condition) – so He made an intentional effort to go to them.  The people we are called to reach need a church willing to do whatever it takes to reach out to them. 

Additional Scriptures to check out: 

Romans 10:14-17
Luke 19:10
I Timothy 2:3-5

#5 – Capernaum did not recognize Jesus and His work.  One of the biggest dangers of this is self-righteousness as we begin to believe we are great rather than focusing on the greatness of God.  Some passages I use to help me refocus are: 

Ephesians 2:1
Ephesians 2:8-10
I Corinthians 1:26-31
I Corinthians 6:9-11

#6 – Capernaum was bothered by Jesus and His work.  One of the reasons I have personally had a hard time not being “bothered” by what Jesus wants me to start or stop doing is because at times I lose focus on how good He is and how awesome His plans are for me.  Some passages I often go to are: 

Jeremiah 29:11
Ephesians 3:20-21
Matthew 7:7-11
Romans 12:1-2

#7 – Capernaum did not want to participate with Jesus and His work.  Keep in mind…

Jesus custom designed you (Psalm 139:13-16)
Gave you at least one spiritual gift when He saved you (I Corinthians 12:7).
The gift we have been given was done so for the purpose of us serving one another (I Peter 4:10). 

#8 – How can you begin to participate more with the mission of our church? 

Prayer (Acts 4:31)
Serving (I Peter 4:10, Matthew 20:28, I Corinthians 12:27)
Tithing (Malachi 3:10)
Generous giving (II Corinthians 9:6-15)
Inviting someone to church (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:45-48, John 20:21, Acts 1:8)