Week of December 3, 2023
When God brings people into His Kingdom, life is different. Values and priorities change. Attitudes and lifestyles change. People are changed to live more in line with God’s Kingdom ways. We don’t change our ways to earn a way into God’s Kingdom. Rather God rescues us from our lost and wayward lives by his grace in Jesus Christ. When we truly know our Savior Jesus, it is His grace at work in us that motivates us and empowers us for life change. The story of Zacchaeus is a prime example of God’s life-changing grace at work.
Monday | Luke 19:1-10
How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus stopped and called to him? Why did Jesus say “I must stay at your house today.”? What do you think prompted Zacchaeus to change his ways and give so much of his wealth away? If Jesus actually came to be with you in your home, what ways in your life, might you feel should change?
Tuesday | Galatians 3:7-14
Jesus was willing to suffer abuse from others in order to reach lost people like Zacchaeus. What do you think it means that Jesus became a curse for you? In what ways did he save you from being lost? How is he calling you to see yourself differently and to live differently now?
Wednesday | Galatians 4:1-9
Paul gives a specific description of how knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior changes our lives. In what ways do you relate to this kind of change? How might thinking of yourself as a child and heir of God help you to live more according to God’s ways? What kinds of sins still threaten to enslave you? How can Jesus help you to turn your back on sin and embrace the Kingdom life instead?
Thursday | Ephesians 2:1-10
How has Jesus shown you God’s grace and mercy in a personal way? In what ways do you feel that He has made you alive? What good works has He given you to do, that you would likely not do without his mercy and grace in your life?
Friday | 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2
What would it mean for you to truly live for Jesus instead of for yourself? What would you need to let go to live more for Jesus? How can you see yourself as a new creation in light of God’s grace? In what ways might God’s grace be continuing to work change in your life?
