Faith Builder for New Christians using Matthew 26:38

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Details

Duration
45 minutes
Type
spiritual-exercise
Focus Area
Cultural Engagement
Level
intermediate
Target Audience
New Christians

Scripture References

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Main Scripture
Matthew 26:38
Additional Scriptures
Psalm 46:10
1 Corinthians 16:15
Luke 12:15

Learning Objectives

  • Identify three ways Jesus prioritized presence in his relationship with God
  • Explain the concept of 'abiding' in God's presence as described in John 15:4-5
  • Demonstrate a personal practice of pausing to listen to God's presence for 10 minutes daily
  • Apply the principle of 'casting all anxiety' to God's presence in Matthew 26:38
  • Analyze how waiting on God's presence can lead to a sense of peace and trust in times of uncertainty
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Growth Points

  • 1Scripture Foundation
  • 2Main Content
  • 3Learning Objectives
  • 4Application Steps
  • 5Reflection Questions

Practicing Presence in the Pause

In a world that's always on the go, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But what if we could learn to pause, to slow down, and to prioritize presence in our relationship with God?

Scripture Foundation

Jesus knew the importance of presence in his relationship with God. In Matthew 26:38, he said, "Stay awake! Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." He prioritized presence with God in the midst of uncertainty and turmoil.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." In the midst of chaos, we're reminded to pause, to be still, and to know that God is present with us.

In 1 Corinthians 16:15, Paul writes, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you through the ministry of others." He was willing to sacrifice his own desires for the sake of others, all while trusting in God's presence.

And in Luke 12:15, Jesus says, "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." He reminds us that true life is found in our relationship with God, not in material possessions.

Main Content

So, how can we prioritize presence in our relationship with God? Let's explore three ways Jesus modeled presence in his relationship with God:

  • He sought solitude: Jesus often withdrew to pray and connect with his Father (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46).
  • He listened: Jesus listened to his Father's voice and obeyed His commands (John 10:27).
  • He trusted: Jesus trusted in his Father's goodness and provision (Matthew 6:25-34).

As we seek to prioritize presence with God, let's remember that it's not about achieving a certain state or feeling a certain way. It's about intentionally pausing and being present with Him.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify three ways Jesus prioritized presence in his relationship with God.
  • Explain the concept of 'abiding' in God's presence as described in John 15:4-5.
  • Demonstrate a personal practice of pausing to listen to God's presence for 10 minutes daily.

Application Steps

  • 1. Schedule a daily 10-minute pause to focus on your relationship with God.
  • 2. Use a journal or app to record your thoughts, prayers, and insights during your pause.
  • 3. Practice 'casting all anxiety' to God, as Jesus did in Matthew 26:38.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in your life where you struggle to prioritize presence with God? How can you begin to make changes?