First Baptist Church Delray

Sermon Application Questions

June 21, 2025

Pastor Steve’s Message: “Recognizing Your True Status”

Scripture: Luke 7:24-30 (ESV)

Review the Exegesis of the Scripture

Read Luke 7:24–25

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts.

1. When Jesus reminded the crowds of how they had beendrawn out to difficult places to listen to John, a man who didn’t look like anyone they would pay attention to, what was Jesus reminding everyone about the greatness of John’s message?

Read Luke 7:26–27

(Jesus said) “What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’”

2. When Jesus quoted Malachi 3:1 here and connected it with John, what was He specifically saying about him?

Read Luke 7:28

(Jesus said) “I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

3. How could Jesus say that John’s role would make him the greatest human ever born, greater than Noah, Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, and even greater than their father Abraham, the one God gave the original promise to?

4. How does a person gain entrance into the kingdom of God according to Jesus’ words in Mark 1:15?

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

5. What did Paul specifically say in 1 Corinthians 6:19 about anyone who is in the kingdom of God?

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.

6. What does it say about your status in comparison with John the Baptist when you repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwells in you?

7. How would you have thought Jesus’ listeners would have responded?

Read Luke 7:29-30

(When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

8. How did people who recognized that they were indeed sinners, that John had pointed them to Jesus, and that Jesus was making them a part of the kingdom of God respond to what God was doing?

9. How did the law-keeping educated successful people respond to what God was doing?

10. What do you think of Pastor Steve’s line: “Never underestimate human resistance to repentance.”

Make Personal Application of the Lessons

11. What is your status with God according to thesescriptures?

12. Will you separate yourself from the thinking that your goodness, your ability to keep the rules, will earn you a status that matters eternally?

13. If you have repented and believed in the gospel of Jesus, will you embrace your true status as a member of the kingdom of God and that the Holy Spirit Himself lives inside you?

14. To help you remember that you have God Himself living inside you, will you commit these two scriptures to memory?

a. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:3-4

b. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:9

15. Have you personally experienced these three types of hosts on vacations?

a. The Dominant Host provides a comfortable room and good food, but they decide what you’re doing while you’re there. They have expectations about how much time you spend with them doing what they want you to do. You are not able to choose what you want to do. This is what happens sometimes to grandparents. We are so excited to have kids and grandkids that we sometimes make the visit all about us.

b. The Forgetful Host forgets you are there. They have so much going on that they don’t even make provisions to meet your basic needs. Their house is filled with the kinds of activities you would never want to participate inand guests who are oblivious to you.

c. The Accommodating Host has great accommodations. They find out your needs and wishes and set the schedule accordingly. They participate with you in appropriate and helpful ways. There are meaningful and deep conversations. You are able to do what you came to do,and they embrace your purpose and participate in it. You are comfortable with everything that goes on their house.They introduce other guests to you as though you are worthy of honor and respect.

16. Will you determine to be an Accommodating Host for the Holy Spirit who lives in you?

17. Consider ways you can plan to be an accommodating host for the Holy Spirit:

a. What can you do with your mindset to live every minute knowing He is present?

i. Will you start your day with Bible reading and prayer?

ii. Will you journal how the Lord speaks to you through your Bible reading and prayer?

iii. Will you set out Bible verses in your room, your office, and your car that remind you of Him?

iv. Will you ask your family or godly friends or small group to remind you?

b. What can you do with your calendar to let Him set the schedule and the priorities?

i. When are you wasting time?

ii. When are you doing things that don’t bring Him glory?

iii. Where can you highlight and protect the activitiesthat you find the Holy Spirit using scripture to guide you in, such as work, studies, spiritual growth, wholesome fellowship with friends, nutrition and exercise, emotional health, and rest?

c. What can you do on a bi-annual retreat with Him to let Him lead the planning of your life?

i. What scriptures and passions is He focusing you on for the primary purpose of your life?

ii. How can you break down your life’s purpose into some primary seasons of your life, such as:

learning about God’s world by getting your education

becoming financially independent from your parents as an adult

launching a career that represents God’s call on your life

finding a mate to help you through life

starting and raising a family to make disciples in your home

becoming a legacy leader in your family, church, and career

d. What will you change to honor Him in everything you allow into your life?

i. Where do you need to stop going?

ii. What do you need to stop doing?

iii. What patterns and practices do you need to learn and establish?

iv. What teachers, counselors, and mentors will you seek so you can grow and get regular reviews?

v. What groups can you join for encouragement and accountability?

vi. What do you need to do to make yourself ready to participate with Him in His purpose?

e. Will you regularly be looking for others to introduce to Him?

i. Who among your family, fellow students, co-workers, hobbyists, sports team, neighbors, etc. have you yet to get to know better and bring up the subjects of Jesus, church, and the Bible?

ii. Will you develop your friendship skills and reach out to people with the love of God and your testimony of the gospel message?