Sunset Church

Singleness

Singleness Sunset Church Download [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/672bed3f9b037d4a095671a1/t/6a0b4f367ba478230151a469/1779126183844/5.17.2026+Singleness.m4a]   MATTHEW 19:10-12 (ESV) The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” ---------------------------------------- Study Guide Questions: Observation Questions Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions. * What three categories of singleness (eunuchs) does Jesus identify in Matthew 19:12, and how might these relate to modern experiences of singleness? * How does Jesus contrast the disciples’ view of marriage with God’s design for both marriage and singleness in this passage * What does Jesus mean by “Let the one who is able to receive this receive it” (v. 12), and how does this clarify the nature of singleness as a calling? Interpretation Questions Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point. * Why might Jesus have decided to use the metaphor of eunuchs—a group historically excluded from religious community—to reframe singleness? What does this reveal about God’s heart for those who feel like outsiders? * How does prioritizing the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 6:33) reshape our understanding of both marriage and singleness? What might it look like for someone to “love the design but never more than the Designer”? * In Matthew 19:10-12, Jesus responds to the disciples’ discouragement about marriage by affirming singleness. How does this shift in focus address deeper cultural or spiritual misunderstandings about human worth and purpose? [06:14] Life Application Questions Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity. * For those who are single: How can you actively embrace your current season as an opportunity to pursue “undistracted devotion” to God (1 Corinthians 7:35), even if it feels difficult or unwanted? What practical steps could help you lean into this calling? * For those who are married: In what ways might your words, actions, or assumptions unintentionally make single individuals feel like “second-class citizens” in the church? How can you intentionally affirm their dignity and belonging this week? * The sermon mentions that singleness can result from birth, brokenness, or deliberate choice. How can your small group create space to honor and support people in each of these categories without reducing their stories to “problems to solve”? * Jesus calls singleness a gift but acknowledges it is not for everyone. How can you discern whether God is inviting you to receive this gift in your current season? What fears or desires might you need to surrender to Him in this process? * The church is called to “labor together” as a family. What is one way you can intentionally include a single person in your spiritual or relational rhythms (e.g., meals, mentorship, ministry partnerships) to reflect God’s inclusive love? * How might Romans 8:18 (“the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed”) reshape your perspective on the challenges of singleness or other unmet longings? What would it look like to hold both grief and hope in tension?

Divine Design: Marriage and Divorce

Divine Design: Marriage and Divorce Sunset Church Download [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/672bed3f9b037d4a095671a1/t/6a00e8c0e4ef4c5b2ba70df8/1778444600200/5.10.2026+Divine+Design+-+Marriage+and+Divorce.m4a]   MATTHEW 19:1-9 (ESV) Teaching About Divorce Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” ---------------------------------------- Study Guide Questions: Observation Questions Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions. * When asked about divorce, Jesus redirects the conversation to God’s design for marriage in Genesis. What specific details does He highlight about marriage’s purpose and permanence? * How does Jesus contrast Moses’ allowance for divorce with God’s original design? * What two biblical allowances for divorce are explicitly named in Scripture? Interpretation Questions Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point. * Why does Jesus focus on God’s design for marriage (Genesis 1-2) rather than directly answering the Pharisees’ question about divorce laws? * How does hard heartedness reflect humanity’s brokenness? How might a “soft heart” (transformed by the gospel) change how we approach marital conflict? Life Application Questions Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity. * The sermon emphasizes that marriage creates a “new, one-flesh reality.” What practical steps can married individuals take to prioritize their spouse over parental relationships or other loyalties? * Forgiveness in marriage is described as a “slow labor” requiring repentance and time . If you’ve been deeply hurt in a relationship, how can you discern when to pursue reconciliation versus when to set boundaries for safety or healing? * For those who have experienced divorce or know someone who has: How does the truth that “Christ never divorces his bride” offer hope and reshape how we view God’s grace in the midst of failure? * Where does God's gift of grace fit into your view of your relationships?

Hurt

Hurt Sunset Church Download [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/672bed3f9b037d4a095671a1/t/69f7bea78f8b946e8fcc7823/1777844034197/5.3.2026+Hurt.m4a]   MATTHEW 18:15-35 (ESV) If Your Brother Sins Against You “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” ---------------------------------------- Study Guide Questions: Observation Questions Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions. * What are some observations from this passage? * According to Matthew 18:15-17, what are the escalating steps Jesus instructs for addressing sin between believers? * In the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35), why does the king forgive the servant’s massive debt, and how does the servant respond to a smaller debt owed to him? * What warning does Jesus give at the end of the parable about forgiveness (Matthew 18:35)? * How does Jesus describe the purpose of confronting someone privately in Matthew 18:15? Interpretation Questions Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point. * Why do you think Jesus emphasizes starting reconciliation privately (Matthew 18:15) rather than publicly? What might happen if this step is skipped? * Jesus says to treat an unrepentant person “as a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17). How does this instruction balance accountability with compassion, given how Jesus interacted with Gentiles and tax collectors in other parts of Scripture? * What does the contrast between the two debts reveal about the relationship between receiving God’s forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others? * How does the promise of Jesus’ presence “where two or three are gathered” (Matthew 18:20) relate to the church’s role in addressing sin? Life Application Questions Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity. * Is there a relationship in your life where you’ve avoided addressing a hurt or sin privately? What practical step could you take this week to initiate a humble, restorative conversation? * When have you struggled to forgive someone repeatedly? How might meditating on the “unpayable debt” God forgave you (Matthew 18:24-27) soften your heart toward that person? * Have you ever treated someone as “unreachable” after they refused to repent? How can you still reflect God’s love to them while honoring the need for boundaries? * What tangible reminder (e.g., Scripture, prayer, journaling) could you use to regularly reflect on God’s forgiveness and avoid becoming like the unforgiving servant?

Who Is The GOAT?

Who Is The GOAT? Sunset Church Download [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/672bed3f9b037d4a095671a1/t/69ee6302b7aa294e2acd87e9/1777230705853/4.26.2026+Who+Is+The+Goat.m4a]   MATTHEW 18:1-14 (ESV) Who Is the Greatest? At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Temptations to Sin “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. The Parable of the Lost Sheep “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. ---------------------------------------- Study Guide Questions: Observation Questions Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions. * What are some observations from this passage? * What conditions does Jesus give for entering the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 18:3? * How does Jesus describe the consequences for those who cause “little ones” to stumble (Matthew 18:6)? * What does the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14) reveal about God’s priority? Interpretation Questions Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point. * Why do you think Jesus used a child (Matthew 18:2-4) as the model for kingdom entry instead of a religious leader or scholar? * How does the warning about causing others to stumble (Matthew 18:6-7) connect to the broader call to care for “little ones”? Life Application Questions Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity. * Childlike humility requires “implicit trust in God.” What practical step could you take this week to actively depend on God in an area where you typically try to control outcomes? * “Receiving the children of God” includes welcoming those who feel like outsiders. Is there someone in your life—a neighbor, coworker, or church member—you’ve hesitated to engage with? What would it look like to intentionally take them in? * The parable of the lost sheep challenges us to pursue those who’ve wandered from faith. Who comes to mind that you’ve stopped praying for or reaching out to? How might you reinitiate contact with grace this month? * Jesus’ humility led Him to sacrifice His status for others (Philippians 2:5-8). Where might God be calling you to lay down your rights, preferences, or comfort to serve someone this week?

Death and Taxes

Death And Taxes Sunset Church Download [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/672bed3f9b037d4a095671a1/t/69e51bccaca423464cfa46e4/1776622657412/4.19.2026+Death+And+Taxes.m4a]   MATTHEW 17:22-27 (ESV) Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed. The Temple Tax When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” ---------------------------------------- Study Guide Questions: Observation Questions Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions. * What are some observations from this passage? * In Matthew 17:24-27, what cultural and theological significance did the temple tax hold for Jewish people? How did Jesus’ response challenge expectations? Interpretation Questions Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point. * What does the miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth demonstrate? * Why did Jesus choose to pay the temple tax even though he and his disciples were exempt as “sons of the king”? What does this reveal about his priorities? * How does Paul’s statement, “I have become all things to all people,” align with Jesus’ example of laying down rights for the sake of others? Life Application Questions Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity. * Think of a time when you insisted on a personal right or freedom. How might that insistence have created a barrier for someone to hear the gospel? * What is one habit, schedule choice, or cultural norm you could temporarily set aside to create space for a relationship with someone far from God? How would this reflect Jesus’ humility? * The sermon mentions cross-cultural workers who adopt local customs (e.g., dietary restrictions) to avoid unnecessary offense. Is there a practice in your community you could adopt to build bridges? * Reflect on a relationship where you’ve struggled to share the gospel. What secondary issue (e.g., pride in being “right,” cultural differences) might you need to surrender to focus on the core message of Christ?