Burn the Ships: Self-Preservation

Self-Preservation

Burn the Ships

May 14, 2023

Dr. Clayton Chisum

Matthew 16:24 NIV

Burn the ship of

“Deny yourself”

Burn the ship of

“Take up your cross”

We naturally our cross

But supernaturally can

Picking it up is a crucifixion of who you were before you met Jesus.

Galatians 2:20 NLT

Galatians 5:24 NLT

1 Peter 4:2 NLT

When you carry your cross, you will

Matthew 16:25 NLT

John 6:66 NLT

masquerades as self-preservation

Matthew 10:38-39 NLT

Discussion Questions:

1. Is Mother’s Day a day you anticipate or a day you try to avoid? Would you be willing to share?
2. Read Matthew 16:24. Recap last week’s topic on burning the ship of self-importance (denying yourself). Why is this so important for the Christian life?
3. Today we are talking about burning the ship of self-preservation. Why is it natural for us to fight for our own preservation? How can this be antagonistic to the Christian life?
4. How can “carrying your cross” actually lead to real life? Why is it often so difficult to trust in God’s promise here?
5. In what ways are you similar to the three half-committed people who encountered Jesus in Luke 9?
6. Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life you will lose it, but if you give it up for me you will find it.” How can you live this verse out right now?