A Friend of Sinners

Following Jesus:
“Friend of Sinners”
Matthew 11:16-19 (Luke 7:31-35)

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

James 4:4

I. Purpose:

• Purpose of Jesus being a friend of sinners – to make disciples
• Purpose of Jesus being a friend of His disciples – to make disciples
• Purpose of followers of Christ being friends of sinners – to make disciples
• Purpose of followers of Christ being friends with followers of Christ – to make disciples

 Matthew 28:18-20 

II. A Friend…

     1. Values Face to Face Conversations
         Exodus 33:1

     2. Pursues God with You
         Deuteronomy 13:6-11

     3. Offers Kindness
         Job 6:14

     4. Prays for Restoration
        Job 42:10

     5. Loves at all Times
        Proverbs 17:17

     6. Cares enough to Wound
         Proverbs 27:6

III. …Of Tax Collectors and Sinners…

     1. Tax collectors
         - Ceremonially unclean, extortionists, enemies of Israel
     2. Sinners
         - Did not keep the ceremonial laws of the day to the religious leaders
           liking
     3. Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. (Matthew 9:10-13; Luke
         15:1-2, 19:7)
     4. Jesus never took on their life, values, language, thinking, morals…He
         showed them His.

IV. How can you be a friend of sinners?  
     1. Be Humble
         Ephesians 2:8-10
         Philippians 2:1-11

     2. Get out and Get Involved!
         John 8:12

      3. Remember Lost People can be Nice Too

      4. Prepare
          a. Pray
          b. Word
          c. Praise

     5. Wisely Review
         a. Decompress/share with others
         b. Pray
         c. Plan for next time

 V. Application

Matthew 5:14-16

Faith Sheet

Transformation verse – Jesus said…"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19  

Main Theme
We need to be a friend of sinners as Jesus was. We are to go to people with the hope of Christ.

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday
Following Jesus: Being a Friend of Sinners
Matthew 11:16-19

1. Review and discuss the sermon with someone.
2. What percentage of your time is spent within a “Christian Ghetto”?
    Without neglecting the importance of the body of Christ, how can you
    make changes to your schedule and be more visible as a light? Come up
    with two or three practical ways to implement this week.
3. Think of at least two people in your sphere of influence with whom you
    interact with regularly. In what ways have you neglected to see and
    engage them as people? What are some specific questions you can ask
    to make them feel loved and cared for?
4. Identify at least two people or families in your sphere of influence who are
    hurting. How does Jesus offer love and encouragement to their hurt?
    With your family, or on your own, come up with a real-life strategy to love
    those people or families. Be specific when planning events, or ways to
    serve.
5. Read Matthew 5:14-16. Who can you be the light of the world? How can
    you be the light of the world this week?

# 2- Preparing for Next Sunday
Following Jesus: Relying on Jesus’ Finished Work At The Cross
Isaiah 52:13- 53:12

1. Read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12. How is Jesus described?
2. How is Jesus’ earthly appearance and life described and how should that
    impact us?
3. How will He die according to this prophecy?
4. Why is his substitution in our place needed? (Romans 3:23, 6:23; John
    8:31-36)
5. What will Jesus see after His death on the cross? (53:10)
6. Who ultimately put Christ to death and why? (53:10)
7. How often do you thank Him for taking your place on the cross, and why
    is it important to do so?
8. Pray for someone you know to trust in Christ and His work on the cross.