STUDY NOTES
VISION 2017 // AT NEW CITY CHURCH
www.newcityphx.com/sermons
The following content is based on the message “Vision 2017: New City Church” on 1/15/17 at New City Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is not meant to be a full synopsis but rather a brief look at the main ideas. To use this Study Guide effectively you must listen to the message found at https://newcityphx.com/sermons/.
Leaders using these Study Notes for group study and reflection should read the Biblical text thoroughly before beginning, using this resource as assistance and not relying solely on this material for insight. We encourage all leaders to pray and ask the Spirit for revelation as they lead their respective communities.
PRAYER
Pray and ask God to lead the discussion as everyone gets to share.
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 28:18-20; 1 SAMUEL 14:1; 6-15
MISSION NEVER CHANGES
Followers of Jesus are called to a mission—that is to make disciples. What Matthew is saying in Matthew 28 is this: “As you are going make disciples”. This means that the ways that we go may look different, but our mission never changes. We are called to make disciples however we go—however we live, work, study, and play.
Historically, what sort ways has the mission of God been hindered?
Currently, how do you see the mission of God being hindered?
In the Old Testament, Jonathan was a disciple of God who knew that the mission of God was to advance the kingdom of God.
Mission is biblical and timeless.
DISCIPLES EMBRACE THE VISION INSIDE THE MISSION
Vision is different than mission. Vision is the way that we accomplish the mission, which means that it can change in different contexts, yet stays biblical. Jonathan embraced the vision that God gave him within the overall mission of advancing the kingdom.
Vision is biblical and timely.
How can the vision that we have distract us from the mission of God?
DISCIPLES USE WHAT THEY HAVE WHERE THEY ARE
Jonathan’s strategy was to show up and try something. He didn’t wait until after God sent an earthquake. He stepped out in faith with what he had—himself.
In what ways do you need to step out in faith—before the “earthquake”—to be obedient to Jesus?
DISCIPLES DO NOT GO ALONE
Jonathan didn’t have to accomplish this alone. His armor-bearer went with him. As disciples of God we don’t have to do this alone. The church is a family that is committed to each other. Family and community should protect us.
In order to not be isolated, we have to share with others so they can surround us in community. How can we keep you accountable to the vision that God has for you?
Church isn’t a product to be consumed. The goal of the church (discipleship) is to worship Jesus. The target of discipleship is Jesus, not you.
None of us are immune from the tendency to consume church. How do you look at the church as something that serves you?
Discipleship, from the Greek language, literally means “learning to be like someone”, which for the Christian means Jesus. How can we approach discipleship as something that is centered on Jesus, not just as something focused on making us smarter or more successful?
DISCIPLES KNOW PEOPLE ARE LIMITED, BUT GOD IS NOT
When we make ourselves available, it is amazing to see what God does. Just like in the story of Jonathan when God sent an earthquake to cause panic in Jonathan’s enemies. God can use his power to show up and do something amazing.
Share about a time when God showed his power in your story after you stepped out in faith.
What does reflecting on what Christ has done in your life do for you?
Pray with each other to have the patience to reflect on Jesus and the strength step out in faith.