Genesis 1-3

Matthew 10:32-39 (NLT)

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly (before others) here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33BUT everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Jesus came to reconcile us or to close the gap between us and God. He came to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, so that we can be forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin, death and Satan. Jesus simply says “acknowledge me” Acknowledge who I am, and who I am to you…God, Savior, Lord If we truly acknowledge who Jesus is to us, then it leads to following Him, and obeying Him . And if you do that, Jesus says, then I will also acknowledge you before God the Father…BUT if you deny me…I will deny you

And in saying that Jesus drew a huge line in the sand…

34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

Not a peace that brings harmony and happiness to all the world

BUT…

A peace that is centered on a relationship with God, and being in right standing with Him…

Romans 5:1 (NLT)

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

This was the #1 thing that Jesus came to do. Bring peace to our relationship with God. Where we were once His enemy because of our sin and rebellion, now we are at peace with Him as His sons and daughters.

And because we now have peace with God we can have internal peace as well, which is why Paul writes this…

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, but the peace He came to bring was peace with us and God…

35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; BUT if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Again, Jesus draws a line…

Which side are you going to be on? Mine or the worlds? What is most important to you? Me or your stuff, your job, your spouse, your kids, your money, your status, your reputation, your schooling, your friends, etc.

If Jesus comes second to anything then you have not made Him Lord of that area of your life…

Matthew 12:30 (NLT)

30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

A lot of people acknowledge Jesus as Savior, but deny Him as Lord.

Are you denying Jesus?

• -Are you refusing to do something that God has told you to do?
• -Are you prioritizing your goals, hobbies, and interests above Jesus’ mission?
• -Are your kids, families, jobs more important to you then Him?
• -Are you making time to attend church, serve, be a part of a life group?
• -Are your finances reflecting what you believe about Jesus?
• -What is an area of your life that doesn’t look like the person of Jesus?
• -Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you?

Prayer of forgiveness/repentance

Jesus, I acknowledge you as God, and as my Lord and Savior. I confess my sins to you, and repent of my disobedience. Thank you for forgiving me. I accept your free gift of salvation. Today, I am choosing to make you the most important part of my life.

For Small Group Discussion:

Opening Question: What stood out to you the most from the sermon this week?

Main Point: Everything should pale in comparison to our relationship with Jesus.

Read/Tell the Story: Matthew 10:32-42

Questions:

1. What does it mean to deny Christ to the world?
2. What does it mean to acknowledge Christ?
3. What or who in your life could compete for first place with God?
4. We know God values unity, but the sword of truth doesn’t always lead to unity. How do you decide when to fight for truth or when to fight for unity?
5. What has been life-giving for you about following Jesus?

Supporting Scripture:

• Exodus 20:7, Colossians 3:17, Romans 8:31-32