The Blessing We Pursue

• True or False: Being blessed means being empowered by God to do what we are designed to do.

• Use the following words to complete below: Jesus, Christlikeness, broken, blessed, example
• The blessing we pursue is ________________________.
• _______________ is the most blessed man born of woman.
• Jesus was asked in Mark 14:61 if He was the Son of the _____________________.
• Jesus said in John 13 that He gave us an ________________________ to imitate.
• We are _____________________ receptacles of God’s blessings.

• What does the Mark 8:22-25 passage teach us about our pursuit of blessings? 

• Why is the process of sanctification helpful in understanding how God blesses us?

The Blessing's Blueprint

• Read Luke 11:27-28 and Colossians 3:5-10 - Pick the true statement(s) and discuss your answers.
• God blesses all those who participate in His redemption activities.
• God blesses all those who hear His Word.
• God’s blesses those who obey the Word of God.
• God’s blessings are hindered by the old self’s actions and practices.
• God’s blessings come by doing what comes naturally to us.

• Read Galatians 3:2-3 and Philippians 2:12-13. 
• What do these two passages have to say about how we become more like Jesus? 
• How have you experienced this reality in your own life of faith?

Thinking about a Blessing Outcome

• Read Matthew 28:17-20 and answer the following:
• Is there a difference between being a disciple and a believer? Explain your answer.
• Is the responsibility of discipling primarily the leaders of the church? Explain.
• Can I be a good disciple and not disciple? Explain your answer.
• What is involved with discipling others?  

Apologetics – The Whole Counsel of God (Acts 20:27)

• What is our “blueprint” for becoming more like Christ?
• Are there things that should be emphasized more than others?
• Should we worry about trying to change ourselves or others, or just keep chasing JESUS and trust the process? 

Doctrine - Westminster Larger Catechism

Q. 75. What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is a work of God’s grace, whereby they whom God hath, before the foundation of the world, chosen to be holy, are in time, through the powerful operation of his Spirit applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them, renewed in their whole man after the image of God; having the seeds of repentance unto life, and all other saving graces, put into their hearts, and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened, as that they more and more die unto sin, and rise unto newness of life.

How is this sanctification discussed above and active and experiential part of life and not a passive reception of God’s grace?