Matthew
Jul 27, 2025 | Lo Alaman
Recognized by God
This week Lo explores the profound concept of being made in the image of God and the implications it has for our lives as followers of Jesus.
Key Themes:
Counting the Cost of Following Jesus:
Lo references Jesus' teaching about counting the cost before following Him. This is not just about major life decisions but also about everyday choices that reflect our commitment to Christ.
The Image of God:
We are created in God's image, which means we are meant to reflect His character and love. This is not just about physical resemblance but about embodying His attributes in our lives.
Recognition by God:
Lo highlights the sobering thought from Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. The key is doing the will of the Father and being recognized by God.
The Role of the Crowd:
The sermon discusses how crowds can influence our perception of Jesus and our faith. Lo warns against conforming to the crowd and emphasizes the importance of personal intimacy with God.
Surrender and Identity:
The sermon concludes with a call to surrender our own image and identity to God. By doing so, we allow Him to transform us into His likeness, which is the true purpose of our creation.
Small Group Questions:
Identity and Image:
How do you define your identity? What external factors do you find yourself attaching to your sense of self-worth?
In what ways do you see yourself reflecting the image of God in your daily life?
Counting the Cost:
What does it mean to you to "count the cost" of following Jesus? Can you share a time when you had to make a difficult decision because of your faith?
Recognition by God:
Reflect on Matthew 7:21-23. How does this passage challenge your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus?
What steps can you take to ensure that your life is recognizable to God?
Influence of the Crowd:
How do you see the influence of the crowd affecting your faith and relationship with God?
What practices can help you maintain personal intimacy with God, apart from the influence of the crowd?
Surrender and Transformation:
What areas of your life do you find difficult to surrender to God? Why do you think that is?
How can surrendering your own image and identity to God lead to transformation in your life?
Living as Image Bearers:
How does understanding that you are made in the image of God change the way you interact with others?
What practical steps can you take to live more fully as an image bearer of God in your community?
Series Information
Join us as we embark on a transformative journey through the Gospel of Matthew, exploring the profound teachings and events that define this pivotal book of the New Testament. This series will delve into the core messages of Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount to His parables, miracles, and the ultimate sacrifice of His life.
Throughout this series, we will uncover themes of faith, righteousness, humility, and divine authority, as well as the cost of discipleship and the call to immediate and wholehearted commitment. Each week, we will explore different aspects of Jesus' ministry, including healing, prayer, true righteousness, and the challenges of living out His teachings.
We will examine the principles Jesus laid out for living a life aligned with God's will, from understanding true blessedness and the nature of God's kingdom to embracing radical love, mercy, and the immediate call to follow Him. This series aims to deepen our faith and challenge us to live out the values of Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.
Join us for the "Matthew" series and discover how the teachings and life of Jesus can transform your heart and mind, guiding you to a more meaningful and fulfilling walk with Christ.