A positive call to sinners

Study Guide

The following may help you reflect further on the message
(the points could also be used as a discussion guide at fellowship groups)

  1. How do you understand the absence of the word sin in the modern media? How does this relate to Sunday’s message about a positive call to sinners?
  2. How significant is the presence of the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Luke 5:17-32? In this context, why did Jesus call a tax collector to follow him?
  3. How do you understand and apply the order in which Levi responded to the call of Jesus to follow him: He left everything, stood up, and fol­lowed him. How does this relate to your own experience?
  4. Given the story of Levi in Luke 5:27-32, why is it worth following Jesus? Discuss some of the alternatives?
  5. Levi responded to his call to follow Jesus by throwing a party. How can we follow his example? Are there any dangers in doing this?
  6. How can we forsake our own righteousness to partake of Christ’s right­eousness? How can we be less embarrassed… and more positive about this?
  7. Discuss the idea that we come to Christ not in our righteousness, but in his righteousness. Philippians 3:1-9 should help your discussion.
  8. Discuss the following statement: The Pharisees believed that God loved the righteous and hated the sinner. God encourages neither. God encourages us all to forsake our own righteousness as a way of salvation.
  9. How important is ongoing repentance in the life of a Christian?