Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE:
John 18:19-21 ESV
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Key Points
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Secrets put us on the defensive: keeping secrets also keeps us from drawing close to people and to God. Confession is our cure – to God and to those who won’t use our secrets against us.
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Secrets put us on the offensive: when our secrets are found out, we fight to control the narrative. Rather than building up our secrets, we can build up our prayer life in secret.
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Secrets put us in the darkness: because of our fallen nature, telling and keeping secrets is as natural to us as breathing. Though it is unnatural to admit our weaknesses, it is healing.
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Jesus defeated darkness for us so we could be free from secrets and walk as children of light.
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light"
-Ephesians 5:8 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: Read Romans 2:3-4 and answer the questions that follow.
- What do you think Paul means when he writes, “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
- How does this passage relate to today’s sermon?
2: As we begin this Lenten season of journeying with Jesus to the cross, how is God leading you to repent?
3: In what area of your life is God challenging you to practice restraint this Lenten season?
4: Where do you long for Christ to bring renewal in your life this Lenten season?
5: James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
- How can you obey this verse this week? Besides God, who can you trust with your secrets?
6: What is the primary truth God revealed to you today?
- How will you respond?
- Who do you know who you can encourage with the truth this week?
Pray
Lord, we confess we have kept so many secrets and told so many secrets over the years, it can be difficult to discern what is true. Our secrets are eating away at us, Lord. Set us free. Bring us from darkness into your light of truth. Help us trust you enough to tell you the truth. Remind us we will always be met with your steadfast love as it is your kindness which leads us to repentance. Free us from the weight of our lies and wrap us in the light of your love.
