Better Than Your Best

Pastor Doug Heisel — April 27, 2024

Ephesians 3:20-21 — Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 9:9 — As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.

Lessons From A High-Capacity Achiever (Matthew)

1. Your BEST will never be as good, or as satisfying, as your CALLING.

Matthew 9:10-13 —  While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 10:1-4 — Jesus called his twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve Apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Luke 8:1-3 — After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

2. Jesus will speak a timely WORD that can realign your thinking and reroute your FUTURE.

Matthew 11:28-29 — Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

3. Jesus can LEVERAGE what He’s given you for something greater than your personal GAIN.

Matthew 28:18-20 — “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

OUR SERIES CONTINUES NEXT SUNDAY

God’s “Above And Beyond” Promise For Your Finances

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: Describe a favorite vacation you went on or one you’d like to go on. Why did you choose that one?

DIGGING IN: Today is about living the life God created you for, rather than striving to produce it yourself.

1. Read Matthew 9:9-13. On the outside, Matthew is living what some might describe as, “His best life.” He has a house and budget large enough to underwrite and host big parties, where many others like himself attend.   Describe what that might look like if Matthew lived today in the East Bay. What words would you use to describe him before meeting Jesus? Do you identify with any of those words? Explain.

2. Read Matthew 10:1-4. Here Matthew is listed in the lineup of the original 12 disciples. It’s a new role and the title apostle is even added. When writing his own name, Matthew lists his former profession. We are essentially seeing how Jesus can upgrade an earthly label with a heavenly calling. What are some titles or words that once described you, that you are happy that Jesus has replaced.

3. Review the three points from these notes, and share which one stands out most to you, and why.

BRINGING IT HOME: This week, live like you’re called—because you are. It involves “Knowing Jesus and making Him known.” It means seeing your everyday life—your job, school, time, money, and relationships through Heaven’s lens, believing Jesus can shine through you in everything you do.