Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

The Queen of Sheba | Pastor Daniel Batarseh | Maranatha Shabiba 2023 Conference | Saturday

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Saturday, August 26, 2023

Scripture References

Matthew 12:421 Kings 10:1-13Deuteronomy 17Luke 16:13-14Mark 10:18-22Acts 17:26-27John 6:371 Corinthians 2:16Philippians 2:5-111 Kings 9:10-13

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the story of the Queen of Sheba to demonstrate that Jesus is greater than Solomon. Her arduous journey to seek wisdom highlights the inexcusable nature of remaining indifferent to the gospel today.

Key Takeaways

1Spiritual apathy is inexcusable when God has made Himself accessible and has given us clear reports of His greatness.
2Worldly success and wealth are idols that often prevent people from seeking the true satisfaction found only in God.
3Jesus is greater than Solomon because He does not just display wisdom; He imparts His own mind and humility to those who follow Him.
4True faith involves moving beyond the 'reports' of others (parents, pastors) to a personal, face-to-face encounter with Christ.
5The rewards of following Jesus are guaranteed and will never leave a believer disappointed or feeling that their sacrifice was too great.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think Jesus chose the Queen of Sheba specifically to shame the religious leaders of His day?
2Pastor Batarseh mentioned that the Queen 'questioned her unbelief' while many today are 'content in it.' What does it look like to honestly investigate your doubts?
3How does the love of money (as seen in the Pharisees and the Rich Young Ruler) act as a barrier to experiencing the 'Greater than Solomon'?
4In Acts 17, Paul says God is 'not far from each one of us.' If God is so close, why do we often feel He is distant or hard to find?
5The Queen of Sheba was 'breathless' when she saw Solomon's kingdom. How can we cultivate a similar sense of awe for Jesus in our daily lives?
6What 'crowns' or achievements are you currently holding onto that you need to be prepared to lay at Jesus' feet?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Audit your heart for the 'Pharisee' mark: Are you more concerned with protecting your status and money than seeking Jesus?
Investigate the 'reports' of the Gospel personally by reading Scripture daily rather than relying on second-hand faith.
Approach God with your 'brokenness' today, trusting His promise in John 6:37 that He will never cast you out.
Practice the 'Mind of Christ' by choosing humility and service in your current season of life, whether in success or trial.
Live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that any earthly sacrifice is small compared to the 'inexhaustible glory' of heaven.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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